Senate
Page S4241 · Official textThe Senate met at 10 a.m. and was called to order by the President pro tempore (Mr. Grassley).
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Vol. 172, No. 121 · 119th Congress, 2nd session
Prayer
Page S4241 · Official textThe Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, offered the following prayer: Let us pray. Eternal God, who transforms common days into transfiguring and redemptive moments, hallowed be Your Name. Lord, make our lawmakers great enough for these momentous and challenging times. May they seek to live worthy of Your great Name. May Your precepts keep them from life's pitfalls, guiding them through the darkness to a safe haven. Lord, cleanse the fountains of their hearts from all that defiles so that they may be fit vessels to be used for Your glory. Let Your peace be within them, as You inspire them through Your Spirit to glorify You in their thoughts, words, and actions. And, Lord, for us all, let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with us. We pray in Your marvelous Name. Amen.
Pledge of Allegiance
Page S4241 · Official textThe President pro tempore led the Pledge of Allegiance, as follows: I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Reservation of Leader Time
Page S4241 · Official textThe PRESIDENT pro tempore
Under the previous order, the leadership time is reserved.
Morning Business
Page S4241 · Official textThe PRESIDENT pro tempore
The Senate will be in a period of morning business, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Sheehy)
The Senator from Iowa.
Protecting American Taxpayers Act
Page S4241 · Official textMr. President, Iowans are fed up with their taxpayers' dollars being lost every year to waste, fraud, and abuse. As a watchdog for those taxpayers, I have helped lead the charge to stop brazen criminals from stealing Americans' hard-earned dollars.
So that is why I am proud to be a cosponsor of my colleague from Iowa Senator Ernst's bill. That bill is entitled the "Protecting American Taxpayers Act." I thank Senator Ernst so much for her hard work putting this piece of legislation together, and I also thank her for her hard work chairing the Small Business Committee of the Senate.
Now to the purpose of this legislation: According to the Government Accountability Office--GAO for short--the Federal Government loses annually anywhere between $233 billion to $521 billion to fraud. This comprehensive legislation cracks down on the fraudsters, protects the taxpayers' dollars, and curbs wasteful spending.
The bill includes 16 bipartisan initiatives. And I think when you talk about 16 bipartisan initiatives, that ought to tell some of our constituents that think Republicans never talk to Democrats and vice versa that that is the wrong information permeating our great country.
So the 16 bipartisan initiatives, 1 of them is my bill that I entitled "Expanding Whistleblower Protection for Contractors Act," which then expands whistleblower protections for government contractors and grantees--just like we give whistleblower protection to people that are employees of the Federal Government. It is obvious we need all eyes and ears within the Federal bureaucracy to stay wide open and remove the muzzle that Federal Agencies use to intimidate patriotic whistleblowers from reporting wrongdoing. The bill that I am sponsoring--1 of these 16 bipartisan initiatives--is in there to solve that problem. The U.S. Treasury is not a piggy bank for fraudsters to exploit and drain public assistance programs for their own profit. This anti-fraud package will stop fraud and return money to the taxpayers. Thanks again to Senator Ernst. 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
Page S4241 · Official textThe PRESIDING OFFICER
The majority leader is recognized.
Legislative Session
Pages S4241–S4246 · Official textNATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2027--Motion to Proceed
Mr. President, I move to proceed to Calendar No. 436, S. 4784.
The PRESIDING OFFICER
The clerk will report.
The senior assistant bill clerk read as follows:
Text printed in the Record (329 characters)
Motion to proceed to Calendar No. 436, S. 4784, a bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2027 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the
Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes.
Mr. President, over the weekend, I headed back to Jones County, South Dakota, for my high school reunion. It has been a few years since high school--just a few--but it is amazing how the years roll away when you head back and see some of the people who shaped your high school years.
Some of them are missing now, of course: teachers; coaches; my parents--my dad, who was a teacher at my high school, a coach at my high school, and the busdriver at my high school; and my mom, who served as the school librarian.
Needless to say, we Thune kids didn't get away with much in our high school years.
My high school reunion this year happened to coincide with the 120th anniversary of the town of Murdo, where I grew up--current population, roughly, 500.
And being back in Jones County and in Murdo really got me to reminisce about growing up in smalltown South Dakota, about how blessed I was to grow up in a small town in South Dakota.
People discuss the loss of community today that can result from the circumstances of modern life. That was never something we had to worry about in Murdo. In Murdo, you knew you were part of a community.
Rural South Dakotans are sturdy, independent people, but they also know from experience that you can't get by in a small town on the prairie without the support of your neighbors. And when someone was in need in Murdo, the whole town rallied around to help, whether it was an unexpected death in the family or the collapse of a barn roof.
We celebrated with each other, too, whether it was the harvest, the Fourth of July, or pheasant season. And the whole town swelled with pride at one of its kids' achievements.
I carry the sense of community and belonging I had growing up in Murdo with me to this day, and I carry those smalltown South Dakotans with me in a special way in my work here in Washington. When we look at a government regulation, I think about what impact it will have on smalltown South Dakota, on the people in our State, like the ones that I grew up with. Is it going to lighten their burden, or is it going to add new challenges on top of those they already face?
Agriculture is the life blood of our State. It was the life blood of Murdo as well. Farmers and ranchers have a tough job: backbreaking work in all weathers--work that can be destroyed in an instant by a storm or a flood.
I want to ensure that Washington isn't making their life even tougher than it is already. That is why I fought for things like the elimination of the death tax, so that the farmers and ranchers can hand down the family enterprise to their kids and don't have to spend time and money on costly estate planning. It is also why I fought to ensure that Federal farm programs are actually serving farmers, that they take into account the realities of farm life and keep pace with changes.
You can bet that I had smalltown South Dakota in mind when I fought to pass tax relief for hard-working Americans in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and then when we made that new tax relief permanent in the Working Families Tax Cut just last year.
I think a lot of my political beliefs have their roots in growing up in Murdo: from the belief that government ought to be limited--and if a matter can be handled at the State or local level, it should be--to my understanding of the importance of freedom, and the individual responsibility that comes with the freedoms we enjoy.
I am grateful every day, Mr. President, for the blessings of growing up in a small town, in smalltown South Dakota, and I am proud to be a son of Murdo.
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 Democratic leader is recognized.
Mr. President, the hole Donald Trump is digging himself into in Iran has turned into a crater.
Somehow Trump has convinced himself that the American people are cheering him on on this blunder rather than crying out for him to bring our troops home.
Today, Democrats are going to force another vote on our War Powers Resolution to end this war; to get our troops out of harm's way; and to force Trump to face the reality of this catastrophe.
Will our Republican colleagues join us, or are they just going to keep their heads in the sand?
They know how bad this is. They are hearing it from one end of the country to another, but they are so afraid of speaking truth to power--of telling Donald Trump he is wrong--that they almost time after time--the vast majority of them--vote to go along with this war that is not achieving any goals and is raising our gas prices now to above $4.
Yesterday, Trump said of the American people "they're not against the war."
Trump, wake up. No one wants this war but you and your cronies and the supine Republican Senators and Congressmen who go along.
The American people are against this war. They are against seeing our men and women in uniform get killed and wounded for a war that seems to have no direction or purpose. They are against hearing Trump and Hegseth lie about casualties, and they are definitely against paying over 4 bucks for a gallon of gas. In fact, this morning, oil, once again, hit $100 a barrel as the war continues to spiral.
Just this week, we saw polling that the war in Iran is America's least popular war since polling began. Let me say that again so Donald Trump and my Republican colleagues can hear it. Just this week, we saw polling that the Iran war is America's least popular war since polling began.
So, when Donald Trump says the American people are not against the war, he has got his head deep, deep, deep in the sand. Even Trump's MAGA supporters are starting to sour on the war. No one--no one--wants to watch Donald Trump keep pouring gasoline on a fire he claims to have put out weeks ago.
Donald Trump's war is ramping up, not winding down. If Donald Trump won't listen to the American people and end this war, then Congress must. Bipartisan majorities in both Chambers of Congress have already passed legislation to end Trump's aimless, illegal, ruinous war. We will keep demanding Donald Trump end this war with another vote today. We are going to keep the pressure on our Republican colleagues, and that is what we are supposed to be doing here because it is Congress that has the power to bring war; so it is perfectly appropriate and right and part of our obligation as the opposition party to force our Republican colleagues to vote again and again and again until they see the light.
Senate Republicans need to stop indulging the President's foreign policy of fantasy and support our War Powers Resolution to bring our troops home.
When are Senate Republicans going to stand up? When will they say "enough"?
The American people are watching. Senate Republicans will lose credibility with the American people with every vote they take against ending Trump's war.
Mr. President, on tariffs, as gas prices spike and families struggle with their grocery bills, Trump is tripling down on his chaotic tariff tax and pushing prices that Americans pay even higher.
Just this week, Trump announced a new round of 50-percent tariffs on Canada--our big enemy, Canada, Trump might say--but that is not all. Trump is about to slap new 10-percent tariffs on 60 countries, including all of our major trading partners. He is also threatening 100-percent tariffs on generic medicines. That is more money coming out of the American people's pockets for something they very much need--low-cost generic drugs. Trump has bled the American people dry with these tariffs, and he is coming back for more.
And Canada? Doesn't he know that many of our countries on the Canadian border depend on commerce, whether it is Maine or New York or Michigan or Washington State or every State in between, and that his tariffs are helping to destroy the economies of those States in particular?
So what will American families get in return for shelling out thousands of dollars extra for basic necessities? Nothing good. Trump has bled the American people dry with these tariffs, and now he is coming back for more.
Trump claims a massive new wave of manufacturing, but the truth is we have lost 75,000 manufacturing jobs since Trump started his trade war. I repeat. Trump's tariffs have cost our country 75,000 manufacturing jobs. Once again, Trump lies. He just lies. He doesn't care what the facts are. If it suits his purposes, his big ego, his insatiable desire to pat himself on the back, he lies.
Trump, we have lost manufacturing jobs since your tariffs--75,000 of them.
Meanwhile, tariff rates mysteriously change, and new exemptions are announced every time Trump receives a gold watch, a diamond ring, or a phone call from one of his billionaire buddies. The story is always the same with this administration: Trump and his billionaire friends win; families lose.
Trump corrupts the Presidency to enrich himself. Then he turns around and raises costs on Americans at every turn, and Senate Republicans are more than happy to help Trump every step of the way.
Now, Mr. President, on the Election Protection Task Force that we Democrats have put together, Trump tries to corrupt everything he touches, and our elections are next. President Trump knows he can't outrun the Republicans' awful record, so he is trying to rig the race in November. Trump and the GOP would rather silence Americans than answer to them.
We are going to make sure Republicans hear the American people loud and clear in November, which is why the Senate Democrats' Election Protection Task Force gathered again yesterday to war-game our response to Trump's all-out assault on our elections.
Our task force is planning for every eventuality and looking at every tool to stop Trump from stealing the mid-term election. It doesn't matter what Trump tries to throw at us. Exercises like the one we held yesterday will ensure we will be ready to respond. We are anticipating the trouble he might create--the evil he might do--and what our response should be in advance.
Trump ignored Americans when they told him to lower his costs. Trump ignored Americans when they told him to end his wars. Now Trump wants to ignore Americans when they tell him they want Republicans gone.
Trump may not want to listen to the American people, but he is going to have to face the music in November whether he likes it or not.
Finally, Mr. President, on a sad note, it is the anniversary of the 1998 Capitol Police shooting.
Tomorrow--tomorrow--will mark 28 years when Detective John Gibson and Officer Jacob Chestnut of the U.S. Capitol Police gave their lives while defending our Capitol. They showed tremendous heroism that day--one I remember all too well. They faced grave danger with courage and made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our Capitol, the people within, and the democracy this building represents.
For that, they will always have--always have--our gratitude, and so will all of our Capitol Police officers, who work so hard to keep us safe.
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.
Mr. President, when it comes to elections in America, only American citizens should be allowed to vote. In big cities and blue States, illegal immigrants are registering to vote and are casting ballots. This week, the State of New Jersey admitted that 6,600 noncitizens made it onto their voting rolls. Every single one of them--every single one--was registered to vote during the final years of the Biden administration--6,600--while 400 of them actually voted, and those are the ones that we know about.
Here is how it happened: For 4 years, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris flung open our southern border, and 10 million illegal immigrants flooded into our country.
Among them were criminals, members of cartels, drug dealers, gang members, and terror suspects. Sanctuary States and cities welcomed these illegal immigrants, and the State of New Jersey, where all of this happened, is one of them. New Jersey hands out driver's licenses to illegal immigrants. Its department of motor vehicles turns driver's licenses directly into voter registration. It is automatic. And in this case, the State of New Jersey, it registered 6,600 of these illegal immigrants to vote.
It happened in the State of New Jersey, and they admit they did it. The liberal Governor of New Jersey blames it all on a computer glitch. The real blame belongs to the Democrats and their sanctuary city and State policies.
Democrats can't throw open the borders, hand illegal immigrants driver's licenses, and then pretend to be shocked--shocked--the Democrats claim to be when these illegal immigrants end up voting.
Illegal immigrants must not be allowed to vote in American elections. States need to clean up their voter rolls aggressively and do it immediately.
The National Voter Registration Act requires States to make "reasonable efforts" to maintain accurate voter rolls. Many Democrat States refuse to follow the law. Senator Schumer said last week on this floor that elections belong to the American people. Just moments ago, right before he left the floor, he talked about so-called "Democrats election integrity task force"--I wrote it down as he said it--"Democrats election integrity task force." You talk about an oxymoron--like jumbo shrimp, like pretty ugly, like deafening silence.
To me, deafening silence is what is happening from the Democrats, and it is time for them to start actually acting. Democrats need to stop opposing every effort we make on this Senate floor to secure our border and to enforce our immigration laws.
Election security begins with border security. Today's Democrats want neither border security nor election security. And they sure don't want voter ID. They don't want to have it guaranteed that only citizens vote.
The modern Democrat Party is being driven today by extremists, and these extremists all around the country are winning Democrat primary elections.
In New York, a Democrat nominee for Congress has vowed to abolish the Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.
In Colorado, another Democrat nominee who won a Democrat primary election in just the last couple of weeks said abolishing ICE "will not wait." They want to abolish Immigrations and Customs Enforcement in our Nation.
In Michigan, a leading Democrat candidate for this U.S. Senate has been fighting since 2018--we are talking 8 years--to abolish ICE. Eight years spent fighting our Nation's Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He recently said ICE "cannot be reformed. It can't be retrained. It must be abolished."
They want to open the borders, let anybody in, and let them stay forever. That is what the Democrat Party of today believes. They actually have a manifesto; that is the Democrat manifesto. It is a manifesto. They want mass amnesty for illegal immigrants, and that includes illegal immigrant criminals, even murderers. They want to release illegal immigrant criminals into our communities, into our neighborhoods.
Then the Democrats are demanding free healthcare for illegal immigrants paid for by American taxpayers. They are demanding illegal immigrants vote in our elections. That is what they really want.
They want to abolish the Senate. That is part of their manifesto. They want to pack the Supreme Court. That is part of their manifesto. They want to abolish the electoral college. That is part of the manifesto that is being elected in Democrat primaries around the country. They want to tear up the Constitution and tear down the United States of America. That is their agenda. It is radical. It is extreme. It is dangerous. It is scary.
The American people ought to be scared about what is happening with the Democrat manifesto and what they are promoting for this country. The American people can't afford it, and they are certainly not going to accept it. It is not the America we know and love.
The Department of Homeland Security recently released new data about the number of illegal border crossings in the month of June. It is at a 50-year low. That is because of the work being done by this administration. For the past 14 months, zero illegal immigrants have been released into the country--absolutely zero--after millions and millions and millions under the Joe Biden catch-and-release disaster.
Republicans have secured the border, but this fight isn't over. After years of Democrat open border policies, millions of illegal immigrants remain in our country today. Either we remove them or extreme Democrats are going to do everything they can to make it possible for them to vote in our elections. We already saw it happen in New Jersey.
Republicans promised to deport illegal immigrant criminals, and it is time to continue on with that promise.
The contrast is clear: Republicans want our laws enforced; Democrats want our laws ignored.
The American people rejected open borders before and will reject them again. The American people want secure borders, safe communities, and only American citizens voting.
I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER
The Senator from Nevada.
Mr. President, I rise today to speak once again about a crisis that demands the ongoing attention of the Senate: the disturbing rise in anti-Semitism in America.
Across our country, Jewish Americans are continuing to face unspeakable acts of hate, threats, violence, and discrimination that are happening at record levels. Unfortunately, this is not anything new. In fact, for more than a decade, anti-Semitism has been on the rise. It is setting record numbers year after year, particularly since the October 7 terrorist attack on Israel.
According to an ADL report, 2025 was the third highest year for anti-Semitic incidents since the ADL began collecting data, and physical assaults against Jews were higher in 2025 than ever before. So I want everyone to just think about that. Physical assaults against Jews were the highest since ADL began tracking this data nearly 50 years ago.
FBI data--well, it has shown that Jewish Americans are the target of almost 70 percent of religiously motivated hate crimes in this country despite making up only 2 percent of the population. Think about that--70 percent of crime against 2 percent of the population.
Just this past year, a historic synagogue in Jackson, MS, was firebombed. Jewish congregations were defaced in Austin, TX; Albuquerque, NM; Hot Springs, AK; and Oak Park, MI. In West Bloomfield, MI, a man actually drove his car into a building housing a synagogue and a preschool and then opened fire.
Even beyond these specific incidents, we are witnessing worrying trends in how Americans are thinking about Jewish communities.
Last week, the Blue Square Alliance Against Hate released a poll that found that nearly one-third of people 18 to 44 viewed Jews as a "threat to the unity of American society"--2 percent of the population a "threat to the unity of American society." Let that sink in.
The same poll found that one in eight young adults said Jewish people "cause problems in the world," and around one in five younger Americans did not consider slurs against Jews to be harmful to Jewish people.
I really wish these findings were hard to believe, but for many around this country, they aren't surprising. For some, they will point to the war in the Middle East and U.S. policy in the region as a driver of these spikes in anti-Semitism. And, of course, we can and we must have frank, open discussions on how the United States should handle our foreign policy. But we cannot stand idly by and allow these disagreements to become excuses for turning a blind eye on attacks towards Jewish Americans.
When we return from the August State work period, it will be September and the High Holidays. High Holidays--well, they will be in full swing. From Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur, this is the holiest time of the Jewish year, and many Jews, including those who may not go to synagogue any other time, will be preparing to attend religious services in observance of these important holidays. But it is the unfortunate reality that these holidays are now marked by a palpable fear because large gatherings make communities vulnerable to attacks.
Sadly, what should be a season of reflection and prayer, worship and renewal, is a source of, now, fear and anxiety for far too many American Jews. As a result, one in four Jewish Americans has skipped Jewish events and Jewish religious observances due to the fear of being targeted. It is not right. It is not right. They don't go to temple for fear of being targeted. Something must be done.
Before I came to the Senate, I was the president of the largest reform synagogue in Nevada, and I know firsthand the preparations that synagogues undertake to keep their congregations safe--especially during the High Holidays. No one should have to worship behind a barricade. No one should have to go through a police check and police surrounding your entire building in order to go pray. But as anti-Semitic harassment and violence continue to be a real threat, heightened security measures are a fact of life for Jewish communities. Every synagogue leader in this country has to think about hiring professional security, installing cameras, doing everything they can to protect their congregation. Security is the largest line item on a budget now.
This heavy burden isn't only an emotional and logistical one; robust security comes with a steep financial cost.
There is a highly successful Federal grant program at FEMA that helps at-risk institutions, including houses of worship like synagogues, churches, and mosques. Well, it helps them to make the security upgrades they need so Americans can worship peacefully and safely.
That is why we need to robustly fund the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. In fact, authorizing $1 billion for this program--nearly three times the current funding level--is the key component of the Jewish American Security Act. It is my comprehensive, bipartisan bill with Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma to address anti-Semitism and threats to the Jewish community.
But this program can only help institutions if grant money is actually accessible and if there is enough money available to the applicants who need it all across this country in communities large and small. Unfortunately, many institutions had less than a month to apply for grants through the NSGP this year. Sometimes they only had days to review the program, develop proposals, and gather the necessary documents and supporting assessments. In past years, the application window had been as long as 80 days.
So that is why, in addition to making this historic investment in NSGP, our bipartisan bill would make important reforms to streamline how the program is implemented and allow grant funding to be used to hire security services so that the program truly matches the needs of the congregations it is meant to support.
And it won't just stop there. Our bipartisan Jewish American Security Act would also create a new Federal grant program to support local police who protect at-risk houses of worship. You know, I often say: Anti-Semitism is the canary in the coal mine. It is a warning sign--a warning sign--for all other forms of hate and discrimination to come.
Tackling anti-Semitism sends a strong message that we do not--will not--tolerate hate and discrimination in our country, in the United States of America. And if we don't draw this line now, if we don't stand up, if we don't say, "Enough is enough," then when will we? Who is next?
The Jewish community is the canary in the coal mine. We must draw the line. We must pass this bill. The Jewish American Security Act is so critical to our safety and security.
When will we say, "Enough is enough"? Let's hope it is now.
Thank you.
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.
The Senator from Connecticut.
Mr. President, in a few moments, we are going to vote on a resolution to end the President's illegal, disastrous war with Iran. We should pass this resolution.
This is day 146 of a war that has no achievable objectives and no ending, a war that has ruined American families as gas prices are back over $4 a gallon, unaffordable for many working-class Americans. We have sky-high diesel and fertilizer prices. We have seen record numbers of farms going into bankruptcy.
This is a war that has made Iran stronger, a war that has depleted American munitions so dangerously that we are now exposed, without the munitions and interceptors necessary if there was an actual threat posed to the United States elsewhere around the world.
This war has been an unmitigated disaster from start to finish. There is a reason why no American President--Republican or Democrat--prior to Donald Trump began a preemptive war with Iran, because everyone with even scant knowledge of the Middle East knew that a war with Iran was not winnable, knew that it would set off a series of other conflicts in the region that would result in chaos.
And that is what we have today--chaos--even worse, planned chaos, foreseeable chaos.
Every day, as we speak, Iran strikes its neighbors--Israel, Kuwait, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar. Every day, Iran strikes U.S. forces and our bases in the region. They have done billions of dollars' worth of damage to our forces and to our partners' forces.
Our war against Iran has set off other wars. Israel has invaded Lebanon. In that country, 4,300 people have been killed, 12,000 have been wounded, and 1.2 million Lebanese have been displaced from their homes.
Let me say this again: The war with Iran has set off another war in which 4,300 people have been killed and 1.2 million people have been displaced from their homes.
And this week, a new conflict is breaking out between the Houthis in Yemen and Saudi Arabia.
The Strait of Hormuz is closed. Iran did not control the strait before the war, but they now effectively control it.
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, connecting the Red Sea to global waterways, now appears also closed, and the Houthis--again, another Iranian ally--have started to attack ships there.
There are 17 Americans who have died. There are hundreds of others who have been wounded. Almost 2,000 Iranian civilians have died, including 250 children.
The United States has depleted our munitions and interceptor stores to dangerous levels. Over decades, we carefully, methodically built up a stockpile of long-range stealth missiles--mostly in preparation for a possible future conflict with China.
Do you know what percentage of that stockpile has been fired at Iran in 146 days? Not 10 percent, not 30 percent--50 percent. We have fired half of our entire stockpile of long-range stealth missiles in 4 months.
And the situation is even worse for our allies and partners in the region. Reports suggest that the UAE and Kuwait may have burned through 75 percent of their Patriot missiles, just over the last 146 days.
This all sounds like a disaster--correct?--like an unmitigated five-alarm disaster. But the administration defends this reality.
They, frankly, can't object to the facts that I just laid out. They simply say that this is the cost of a just war. Lives lost, regional chaos, high prices, low stockpiles, taxpayers footing the bill--it is just all worth it, because the Trump administration says: We are achieving our goals, and the goals are worth the price.
And here is the most important thing to understand, as we approach this vote in a few moments: It is not worth it. Why? Because Trump has not achieved a single war goal, and Trump has no path to achieve any single war goal.
All of the costs, all of the chaos, all of the death that I just described are going to be for nothing because not a single one of these goals is going to be achieved.
Now, I will admit the goals have shifted over time, and so on this chart I am simplifying the set of goals. But the first goal has been articulated many times, in different forms, by the administration: regime change.
In Trump's video announcing the beginning of the war, he says:
Text printed in the Record (177 characters)
When we are finished [with this campaign, the Iranian people should] take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations.
There is also extensive reporting on the plan, led by the Israelis but supported by the United States, to replace the old regime with leaders friendly to the United States and Israel.
But here is the reality. Yes, this war has taken out the previous leadership, but what has happened is that the old regime has simply been swapped for a new generation of revolution-era ideologues that are younger, that are more emboldened, and that are less compromising.
The new Ayatollah is well known to be a prominent hardliner. He has surrounded himself with other hardliners--leaders of the Quds Force and those with a history of brutal repression of dissidents inside Iran. And they feel emboldened because they have survived this war. They have emerged controlling the country. They have taken America's best shot, and they are still in charge.
The President, at one point, tried to claim that this goal had been effectuated--that because the old Ayatollah is dead and there is a new Ayatollah, by definition, they had succeeded in regime change.
All we got is a younger set of leaders who are more confident they can beat the United States and are going to emerge from this conflict more powerful in the region.
The second war goal: destroying Iran's military capabilities.
Now, the administration, basically, as soon as the war began, claimed victory here on day 14 of this conflict. Nearly 5 months ago, the Secretary of Defense said that Iran's military had been "destroyed" and "made combat ineffective."
And 26 days into the conflict, Vice President Vance declared:
Text printed in the Record (59 characters)
The Iranian conventional military is effectively destroyed.
But with our own eyes, every single day, we can see that that is a lie, as missiles are being fired at our troops and our partners in the region, as wars break out anew each week.
According to public reporting in the New York Times and the Washington Post, U.S. intelligence suggests that Iran has retained as much as 70 percent of its prewar missile stock and 70 percent of its mobile missile launchers.
So $100 billion spent and 140 days of war, and we have dented their missile capacity.
Along the Strait of Hormuz, where the missiles probably matter the most, a new U.S. intelligence estimate--again, this is open-source reporting--says that, of the 33 sites, only 3 sites are fully destroyed or inaccessible. Thirty missile sites along the Strait of Hormuz are still operational.
Military intelligence Agencies have also reported that Iran has regained access to 90 percent of the underground missile storage that we have hit. Iran still has their missiles. They still have their drones. They are rebuilding capacity. We have utterly failed at destroying Iran's military capabilities, and there is no path to success in this war aim.
Finally, the third goal: Eliminate Iran's nuclear program and ensure that they can never acquire a nuclear weapon.
This is, of course, a goal that has been shared by Republicans and Democrats, and, as Trump has said, this is the only thing that matters.
Secretary Hegseth reiterated several times at the hearing yesterday that the primary objective of the war is now to make sure that Iran doesn't have a nuclear weapon. But let's just be clear about the facts. According to the IAEA, Iran still has a stockpile of about 970 pounds of highly enriched uranium. That stockpile still exists in the country. Reports suggest that they have moved their highly advanced centrifuges to a place called Pickaxe Mountain and buried them so deep that no airstrike can impact them.
Most importantly, because Donald Trump pulled out of the previous nuclear agreement which had frozen Iran's nuclear research program, Iran has gained the knowledge to enrich uranium up to 60 percent, which everybody knows is effectively weapons-grade. And there is no military strike that can erase that fact. This is a reality that Donald Trump created.
Now, Trump's theory is that this military campaign is going to push Iran to the negotiating table and that the result will be a deal--a nuclear deal--that is better than the one that Iran signed. But this is fantasy. There is no world in which Iran, after this war, agrees to more than they agreed to in the JCPOA. And you just can't avoid the facts here. The primary reason is that we will have less leverage in these negotiations than the Obama administration had.
Why is that? One, this regime is harder line, less willing to negotiate and compromise than the administration Obama was negotiating with. Second, there is no fear of U.S. airstrikes. That was always a sword of Damocles hovering over the negotiations during the Obama administration. Now Iran knows that they can survive, the regime can survive America's best shot. Our military leverage is just much weaker. Our primary leverage that we had during the Obama administration--the removal of oil sanctions--will not be available to us in these negotiations because we have already demonstrated that those sanctions will be released just to get Iran to reopen the strait.
So we won't have the military leverage. We won't have the oil sanctions leverage. We will be dealing with a regime that is harder line than the one we were dealing with prior. There is no world in which, at the end of this conflict, we are getting a better nuclear agreement than the one that Trump left.
Billions of dollars wasted; 18 Americans dead; thousands of civilians and children in the Middle East killed; our military stockpile is dangerously depleted; new wars in the region breaking out by the week; the Strait of Hormuz and possibly the Red Sea now closed, controlled by our enemies; gas prices skyrocketing; the global economy melting down--all of this, for what? Nothing. Not a single war objective achieved. Not a viable path to achieve any of them in the coming months.
This war was a mistake from the start. Everyone except for Donald Trump knew it would be a disaster. It is a disaster, and we have a chance today to vote to end it.
I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER
The Senator from North Dakota.
Mr. President, I rise today in support of Judge Daniel Traynor's nomination to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
Judge Traynor is seeking to fill a seat being vacated by Judge Ralph Erickson, who will be taking senior status upon Judge Traynor's confirmation. I want to take this opportunity to thank Judge Erickson for his many years of serving on the bench. Whether at the State district court, the Federal district court, or as a circuit court judge, Ralph Erickson has been a dedicated public servant, and we thank him for his hard work over the decades.
I actually have known him since high school. He was on both the football team and the basketball team, and he is a huge guy. I remember he was a good lineman, and I remember that if he stood in the lane at basketball, you couldn't get anywhere near the basket. You had to kind of shoot a 3-pointer. A super guy, great sense of humor, good friend.
We will miss Ralph in terms of his full-time status, but the good news is, he will be on senior status and still involved. He is just a tremendous judge, and I am very confident that Judge Traynor will do a fantastic job carrying on his legacy.
Today, I have the privilege of supporting a nominee in Judge Traynor who embodies the highest standards of judicial service and who has dedicated his professional life to upholding the rule of law. Judge Traynor is a man of integrity, intellect, and deep faith in our constitutional system. He has earned a reputation as a thoughtful and fair jurist whose commitment to justice is respected by those who know him and those who have appeared before him.
Judge Traynor is a lifelong North Dakotan through and through. He was born in Devils Lake, ND. He received his bachelor of arts from the University of North Dakota and his juris doctorate from the University of North Dakota School of Law.
Judge Traynor's roots in our State have shaped his understanding of the law's impact on individuals, on families, on businesses, and on our rural communities. Throughout his career, Judge Traynor has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public service and to the faithful application of the law.
Since his confirmation to serve as judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota, Judge Traynor has distinguished himself through his diligence, impartiality, and careful attention to the facts and law before him. His judicial record reflects a deep respect for the Constitution and appreciation for the limited role of the judiciary and a commitment to deciding cases based on the law rather than on his personal opinion or policies.
The Eighth Circuit plays a critical role in interpreting and applying Federal law throughout our region of the country. The citizens it serves deserve a judge who approaches that responsibility with independence, impartiality, and fidelity to the Constitution and the rule of law. Judge Traynor possesses each of these qualities. He does not legislate from the bench.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Judge Traynor is a devoted husband, father, and member of his community. His wife Patricia, a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force, along with their three children--Mary, Mack, and Joe--are rightfully proud of what Judge Traynor has accomplished. He understands the values of hard work, service, and responsibility that are central to the people of North Dakota and the Eighth Circuit.
I am proud to support his nomination. I am confident that he will serve with distinction on the court of appeals. For all these reasons, I call on my colleagues to join me in supporting his nomination.
With that, Mr. President, I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER
The Senator from Maryland.
DIRECTING THE REMOVAL OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES FROM HOSTILITIES WITHIN OR AGAINST THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN THAT HAVE NOT BEEN AUTHORIZED BY CONGRESS--Motion to Discharge
Pages S4246–S4249 · Official textDIRECTING THE REMOVAL OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES FROM HOSTILITIES WITHIN OR AGAINST THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN THAT HAVE NOT BEEN AUTHORIZED BY CONGRESS--Motion to Discharge
Mr. President, pursuant to 50 U.S.C. 1546a and in accordance with section 601(b) of the International Security Assistance and Arms Export Control Act, I move to discharge the Committee on Foreign Relations from further consideration of S.J. Res. 180.
The PRESIDING OFFICER
The clerk will report the motion.
The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:
Text printed in the Record (253 characters)
Motion to discharge from the Committee on Foreign Relations, S.J. Res. 180, a joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Hoeven)
The Senator from Maryland.
Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that Senator Sheehy be able to speak for up to 5 minutes, that I then speak for up to 20 minutes, and Senator Schumer be permitted to speak for 2 minutes before the scheduled vote.
The PRESIDING OFFICER
Without objection, it is so ordered.
The Senator from Montana.
Mr. President, yesterday, we saw the President of the United States and many others at Dover Air Force Base presiding over a ceremony that is very sacred to those of us who served, and that is a dignified return of remains from the war zone. And that process happens beginning in the war zone, through Dover, to the hometown of our fallen heroes.
I have participated in many of those ceremonies myself, to include carrying friends of mine off the plane. One of those is on this bracelet. He was cut in half by an Iranian BFD.
This regime that we are fighting does not care about our partisan politics. They don't care who you voted for, who you pray to, or where you live. They want to kill all of us. They don't just say it; they actually do it. And they have been doing it for 47 years.
This is a war of choice; the Democrats are correct. It is a war of choice that was begun by a radical, lunatic band of terrorists that took over a beautiful nation 47 years ago--took it over with brutality, force, and savagery. And the second they took it over, they didn't free their people, they didn't unleash the largest oil reserves in the world to build schools and bridges. They took it over to murder their own people and to spread their disgusting ideology across the world, and that is exactly what they have been doing.
They don't just say it and talk about it. You don't have to believe what they say. You can simply watch what they have done. They have attacked families, women, children, innocent people. They don't just attack them and kill them. They rape them. They skin them alive, on camera. They celebrate it. They honor those people who do disgusting things that we would put in jail for the rest of their lives in this country, and they do it for fun. And they pay them money to do it, and they are heroes for that nation. They have done it to friends of mine. They have done it to families who have been in this Chamber.
The fact that we sit here and listen to elected officials of this country defend these lunatics who want us all dead--they want all of you dead. They want all of us dead. They don't want us to disappear with the snap of a finger; they want us to be raped, burned alive, and cut into pieces.
Watch the video from October 7. That is what they want to happen, from Maine to San Diego, from Seattle to Miami. They want this country turned into a burning husk of its former self. And you don't have to theorize that. That is what they do--from the 1983 barracks bombing where 280 marines were vaporized in the morning; from the USS Cole to the Achille Lauro; to every terrorist attack from the Houthis, Hezbollah, Hamas. These are not humanitarian freedom organizations; they are death-dealing cults, and they want all of us to die brutal deaths.
William Buckley was abducted in 1985, an American military officer. He was skinned alive on camera by the Iranians. American prisoners of war who were captured--they were never called prisoners of war because they were captured by lunatic terrorists, so they were not subject to the Geneva Convention. They were captured and murdered--power drills through their brains. This is in Iran.
These are families that have dealt with this, and they have never gotten a single dime. These families have never gotten restitution.
And not a single President has ever stood up to them. Love Donald Trump or hate him, love his policies, hate ICE, love ICE--whatever. There has never been a single President who has stood up to Iran and hit back. For 47 years, our troops and our families have been absorbing attack after attack after attack, all over the world.
And their radical ideology does not stop at the Persian Gulf. It doesn't stop at Tel-Aviv. They want to do this everywhere. It is a global radical ideology, and we have been fighting it for half a century.
We didn't start this war. We did not. But we will finish it. And forever wars are not popular with anybody these days. Both sides love to attack our forever wars. I can promise you, being someone overseas wearing the uniform, when you are fighting for your country, you don't care what party is in office, but you are fighting to defend your country. When you turn on the news and see your elected officials stabbing you in the back, telling you that you are failing, that you have failed every goal of the war is what I just heard--the last time I checked, we have wiped these bastards out. An occasional missile strike and boats in the strait--that is not military strength. Those are the flailings of a failing empire. Those are the flailings of a nation in collapse because they deserve it.
So I encourage our colleagues on both sides of the aisle--whatever is politically convenient, whatever plays well on Twitter or Facebook--to think about the people who are deployed right now, standing on that wall with a loaded weapon, who have volunteered to defend our country and our way of life, because they are there defending us in a just war--because we did not start the war with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.
They started it with us 47 years ago, and their attacks have gone unanswered for half a century. It is time to fix this problem and make sure another generation of Americans does not have to fight this murderous, savage adversary.
The PRESIDING OFFICER
The Senator from Maryland.
Mr. President, I want to start by thanking Senator Sheehy for his service to our country in our Armed Forces and thank every single soldier who serves our country in uniform and mourn the deaths of every single American servicemember who has been lost in this war and any other war.
I listened carefully to the Senator from Montana. He is right that the Iranian regime doesn't care about what is happening in the United States; doesn't care about politics of the United States.
You know what else they don't care about? They don't care about the Constitution of the United States of America. They don't care about that either, but we--we, in the Senate--we should care about the Constitution of the United States of America because the Framers of our Constitution deliberately vested the power to declare war in Congress because they understood the enormous consequences of sending Americans into harm's way.
So if our Republican colleagues have the strength of their convictions, they should bring an authorization to use military force in Iran to this floor. We have not seen that. In 140 days, we have seen nothing. If you want to be true to the Constitution of the United States, that is what Republicans would do.
And the Iranians don't give a damn about our Constitution, but I would hope that those in this body have been sworn to uphold it would give a damn about our Constitution because the Framers understood--they understood that decisions involving war and peace should not rest with any one individual.
You can glorify President Trump all you want, but the Founders--the Founders, those who helped write the Constitution--understood that that power should not vest with one person, whoever that person may be regardless of party. That is what the Founders said.
The Constitution entrusted that solemn responsibility to the Congress where the elected representatives could openly debate and vote on those questions before any President sent our sons and daughters to fight and die in foreign lands. We may disagree about whether this is a good idea or a bad idea, but we should not disagree that that is what the Constitution requires, and that is what our oath requires.
So, yes, I rise to urge my colleagues to support my War Powers Resolution to end this disastrous and illegal war against Iran that President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu launched over 140 days ago. The Constitution is unambiguous. This is not a close call.
And yet, right now--right now--we are finding ourselves confronting exactly the circumstances that the Constitution and the War Powers Resolution of 1973 were designed to prevent. They were designed to prevent one person from taking this country to war. They were actually designed in the hopes that this Senate and this Congress would do their constitutional duty and vote yes or no but take responsibility for decisions that send our men and women into harm's way--take responsibility.
Nearly 5 months ago, President Trump launched this illegal war. He launched it against Iran. And as I said, he launched it without any authorization. Since then, Senate Democrats and some Republicans have tried to reassert the constitutional role of Congress.
We have voted 11 times on resolutions to end the war. And finally last month, both Chambers passed H. Con. Res. 86, directing the President to terminate hostilities against Iran. It was a historic vote. It marked the first time since the War Powers Resolution was enacted in 1973 that Congress successfully used this mechanism that was designed to halt the unauthorized use of force by the President, by any President.
That resolution was not a suggestion; it is legally binding.
The Iranian regime may not care about that resolution, but we should care and the Constitution requires that we care. The passage of that resolution should have marked the end of this disastrous war, but time and again, President Trump has shown he has no respect for the Constitution.
He was asked months ago whether he had to abide by the Constitution. His answer: I don't know.
That is a President who has no respect for the rule of law, but we should.
Instead, what the Trump administration has done is steadily expanded this conflict, moved further away from diplomacy and further away from a durable peace.
When the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran was signed in June, I stood on this floor and said I hoped it would become the foundation for a broader diplomatic settlement.
Many Republicans opposed that memorandum of understanding. I hoped that it would finally begin the long task of climbing out of a big hole this illegal war has created.
That hope is gone now.
This moment--this moment we are in now--is a pivotal one in the war and for our role in it. Just this morning, the House of Representatives passed another resolution to end the war. That is how democracy works. The Iranian regime doesn't care about our democracy, but we should, and the Senate should pass this resolution just as the House passed a War Powers Resolution.
This is the first War Powers Resolution since the United States resumed daily strikes against Iran and the first since we reimposed a full naval blockade. It is the first resolution since another four American soldiers were killed. It is the first resolution since shipping in the Strait of Hormuz has once again been ground to a halt.
And I think all of us here in the Senate know the Strait of Hormuz was open before President Trump launched this war.
In the weeks since the last vote, more civilians have been killed as well, and the United States and Iran are now deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure. President Trump said that he will destroy a bridge or a powerplant in Iran for every ship attacked in the strait.
It did not have to be this way. Many of us warned before this war began that military force would not achieve the vague, constantly shifting objectives its advocates promised. We warned that abandoning diplomacy would make the region more dangerous, not less. We warned that military action would strengthen the most hardline voices inside of Iran rather than weaken them. We warned that this conflict would destabilize the region, threaten the global economy, drive up costs for American families, and ultimately leave the United States worse off.
And since then, every single one of those warnings has come true. I wish they hadn't, but they have.
We have heard the arguments warmongers have used to justify this stupid war before. The promises of quick victories, that just one more bombing campaign would finally produce lasting peace. We have heard that regime change is just around the corner. We have heard repeated calls for military adventurism while diplomacy was dismissed as some kind of weakness.
Those arguments were wrong before, and they are wrong today.
This is the same kind of delusional thinking that sucked the United States into endless wars in the past, the kind of endless wars that this President promised he would keep us out of. When he promised he would focus on bringing down prices, he has done the opposite.
So we must make better choices, and we cannot allow the past to repeat itself. But that is what happens when your objectives keep changing. That is what happens when you convince yourself against all available evidence, that just 1 more week or 1 more month of fighting will bring victory.
You know, on March 1, the day after starting the war, President Trump was asked how long the war would go on.
Does anybody remember what he said? "Four to five weeks." It will be over in "four to five weeks," he said.
Well, the President said that about 20 weeks ago, and it was all a lot of nonsense.
In late March, he repeatedly claimed victory. President Trump said "We won." Go look it up. It is all over his social media channels. "We won." "We won."
Colleagues, I have some questions. If we won back in March, why are more Americans getting killed in July? If we won back in March, why is the Strait of Hormuz closed? If we won back in March, why is the war expanding as Houthis attack ships transiting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait into the Red Sea? If we won back in March, why are oil and gas prices and diesel prices shooting through the roof again, imposing costs on every American family?
Is that their definition of winning? Well, I wondered what their answer to that question was. So earlier this week, I asked Secretary of Defense Hegseth what his definition of winning looks like. And there was no clear answer. That is because their objectives keep changing.
He finally settled on the objective of making sure Iran does not get a nuclear weapon. But colleagues, remember this: Last year--just last year--shortly after Operation Midnight Hammer, the 12-day war, here is what Secretary Hegseth told the country "our bombing campaign obliterated Iran's ability to create nuclear weapons."
The President told us the same thing, and the President's Director of National Intelligence testified in this Senate just months ago that it was the assessment of the United States Government that Iran did not intend to start any enrichment program.
The President, during the time the memorandum of understanding was in place, hailed the fact that the Iranians said they had no plans and would not build a nuclear weapon. Apparently, the President had not been informed that they had made that commitment over a period of years.
The whole purpose of the JCPOA was to hold them to that commitment to make sure that we could identify immediately if they were violating that commitment.
Of course, that is the agreement that President Trump tore up in his first administration.
So when I pointed all this out to Secretary Hegseth, all he could go back to was tired, old talking points that has gotten us in this mess and keeps us in this mess. In fact, it clarified the reality of what we have known since day one, that the Iran war is a war in search of a mission.
Colleagues, that is how forever wars begin. Eighteen American servicemembers have lost their lives. Hundreds more have been wounded, including over a 100 just from the last 2 weeks, and the civilian death toll continues to rise.
At the start of the war, an American Tomahawk missile strike killed more than 150 Iranian civilians in Minab, more than 100 of them children. On top of those killings of schoolkids, thousands of other civilians have been killed or injured across Iran, Lebanon, Israel, and the rest of the region.
On top of all that, oil prices jumped; then they settled a little bit during the memorandum of understanding; and now they are jumping again. They have risen back to a national average of around $4 a gallon and rising. Diesel prices have surged above $5 a gallon.
All of us understand that when gas and diesel prices go up, those increased costs filter throughout the economy. Trucks that are trucking food from one place to another: higher diesel prices, higher food prices, higher grocery prices throughout our economy, imposed on families already struggling with the costs of groceries and housing and healthcare and childcare and other necessities.
And, again, this is the President who said that he was going to end wars and focus on bringing down costs.
This is a strategic blunder on a massive scale. It is a self-inflicted wound on our country and all for what? That is the question every one of us should be asking as we vote shortly on this War Powers Resolution. How has continuing this war made the American people safer?
How has it made the Middle East more stable? How has it strengthened America's national security? I have yet to hear a credible answer to that question, and that is because there isn't one.
You know, these are the kind of questions that should be asked before a war is started, before we put American troops at risk. Colleagues, there is no good way out of a bad war.
But as I have said repeatedly, when you are digging yourself a hole, the first thing you should do is stop digging, and that is what this resolution seeks to do.
Let us stop pretending that Congress has no role to play while American servicemembers remain in harm's way. Many of the people who enthusiastically supported launching this war have been unwilling to take responsibility for authorizing it.
That should concern every Member of this body. It should concern every American, regardless of party, because if a Member of the Senate truly believes that this war is justified and the right thing to do, put it up for a vote. Put it up for a vote for an authorization to use military force.
I disagreed with the decision to go to war in Iraq. And President Bush asked for an authorization for military force, and this Congress acted on it. In my view, they made the wrong decision, but at least they took responsibility for their actions as the Constitution requires.
So this is an opportunity, as the war escalates even further, as more American servicemembers are killed, as more civilians are killed, as oil and gas prices and other prices go up--this is an opportunity for this Congress to finally take responsibility. We passed the concurrent resolution in the past. We know the President has no respect for the law, but we have an obligation to our constituents. We should not duck that responsibility.
We should not simply allow this war to go on without up-or-down votes on an authorization to use military force. And today, we have a chance to take accountability and send a message by supporting this War Powers Resolution.
I urge all my colleagues to adopt it.
I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Sheehy)
The minority leader.
Mr. President, Trump got America into this mess in Iran, and he has made it clear he is both unwilling and unable to get us out.
For the sake of our servicemembers, their families, working people from one end of the country to the other who are getting crushed by higher costs and gas prices, Senate Republicans need to join us and end Trump's war in Iran.
People across the aisle know--most everyone here knows--what a fiasco this war has been. Well, now we need a little courage and strength to end it. And we need to get our Republican colleagues to step up to the plate and do what that they know deep in their hearts is the right thing to do.
How many servicemembers will die before Senate Republicans decide this war needs to end? How many of our troops will be wounded before Senate Republicans find a spine? How many times will Democrats have to force a vote on our War Powers Resolution to bring our troops home before Senate Republicans join us? And they are going to have to vote on it again and again and again until they join us in ending this war.
Every time Republicans oppose our War Powers Resolution and vote against ending this war, they lose the faith of the American people. Senate Republicans keep trying to protect Donald Trump, but it is our men and women in uniform whose lives are in danger they should be protecting.
Senate Republicans know how dearly this war is costing the American people: gas $4 a barrel, crude oil over $100, families shelling out hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in extra costs on basic goods, but Senate Republicans just want everyone to be calm and carry on.
But the American people are not calm. They don't like this war--Democrats, Republicans, Independents. So Senate Republicans need to wake up, not next week, not next month--now. Now is the time to wake up, Republicans. Now is not the time to keep bending the knee to Donald Trump, as he dizzies himself running around in circles chasing his own tail.
It is time to stand up for the American people and declare in one voice that this war cannot and must not go on. Every Member of the Senate, whatever your politics, ought to be up in arms over this war, its lack of direction, its lack of conclusion, its lack of consistency. Every single Senator ought to support our resolution to end this war.
We will keep forcing votes until Senate Republicans stop playing dumb and summon up the courage to do what is right.
Mr. President, I ask for the yeas and nays.
The PRESIDING OFFICER
The question is on agreeing to the motion to discharge.
Is there a sufficient second?
There appears to be a sufficient second.
The clerk will call the roll. The bill clerk called the roll.
The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from Alabama (Mrs. Britt), the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. McConnell), the Senator from Alaska (Ms. Murkowski), and the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. Paul).
The result was announced--yeas 47, nays 49, as follows:
Text printed in the Record (810 characters)
Alsobrooks Baldwin Bennet Blumenthal Blunt Rochester Booker Cantwell Collins Coons Cortez Masto Duckworth Durbin Gallego Gillibrand Hassan Heinrich Hickenlooper Hirono Kaine Kelly Kim King Klobuchar Lujan Markey Merkley Murphy Murray Ossoff Padilla Peters Reed Rosen Sanders Schatz Schiff Schumer Shaheen Slotkin Smith Van Hollen Warner Warnock Warren Welch Whitehouse Wyden
Armstrong Banks Barrasso Blackburn Boozman Budd Capito Cassidy Cornyn Cotton Cramer Crapo Cruz Curtis Daines Ernst Fetterman Fischer Graham Grassley Hagerty Hawley Hoeven Husted Hyde-Smith Johnson Justice Kennedy Lankford Lee Lummis Marshall McCormick Moody Moran Moreno Ricketts Risch Rounds Schmitt Scott (FL) Scott (SC) Sheehy Sullivan Thune Tillis Tuberville Wicker Young
Britt McConnell
Murkowski
Paul The motion was rejected.
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR (Executive Session)
Page S4249 · Official textThe PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Hagerty)
Under the previous order, the Senate will proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the following nomination, which the clerk will report.
The senior assistant legislative clerk read the nomination of Daniel Mack Traynor, of North Dakota, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eighth Circuit.
Nomination of Daniel Mack Traynor (Executive Session)
Pages S4249–S4250 · Official textMr President, prior to his confirmation to the district court, Judge Daniel Traynor showed his true colors as a MAGA partisan. After he was confirmed, he had a chance to show that he could be a neutral arbiter on the bench. Yet after more than 6 years as a jurist, Judge Traynor has confirmed what Democrats warned about, that he would be a rubberstamp for President Trump.
As just one example, Judge Traynor has ruled in favor of the Trump administration in all 28 cases on his docket involving challenges from immigrants who have been detained by ICE under the administration's illegal mandatory detention policy.
That includes seven habeas corpus petitions Judge Traynor volunteered to preside over in the District of Minnesota following Operation Metro Surge.
Judge Traynor is an outlier. Of the more than 17,800 cases in which Federal district judges have ruled on ICE's mandatory detention policy, at least 15,500 were rulings against the Trump administration, including the vast majority of rulings by Trump-appointed judges.
Judge Traynor's partisanship was also made apparent when he served as a contributing author and signatory of a May 2024 letter from Federal judges to the Columbia University president. The signatories vowed not to hire anyone who attended Columbia University beginning that year.
But Judge Traynor denied a recusal motion in a case brought by Columbia Law School's Initiative for a Just Society, implausibly claiming he wasn't biased against Columbia.
While he was comfortable taking a position on this controversial political question, Judge Traynor refused to answer questions at his hearing on who won the 2020 election, calling that well-settled fact a matter of "political controversy."
It is very clear that Judge Traynor seeks to remain in the good graces of President Trump, at the cost of his integrity and independence.
I urge my colleagues to oppose this nomination.
Vote on Traynor Nomination (Executive Session)
Page S4250 · Official textThe PRESIDING OFFICER
The question is, Will the Senate advise and consent to the Traynor nomination?
Mr. President, I ask for the yeas and nays.
The PRESIDING OFFICER
Is there a sufficient second?
There appears to be a sufficient second.
The clerk will call the roll. The senior assistant legislative clerk called the roll.
The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from Alabama (Mrs. Britt), the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. McConnell), the Senator from Alaska (Ms. Murkowski), the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. Paul), and the Senator from North Carolina (Mr. Tillis).
The result was announced---yeas 48, nays 47, as follows:
Text printed in the Record (1,040 characters)
Armstrong Banks Barrasso Blackburn Boozman Budd Capito Cassidy Collins Cornyn Cotton Cramer Crapo Cruz Curtis Daines Ernst Fischer Graham Grassley Hagerty Hawley Hoeven Husted Hyde-Smith Johnson Justice Kennedy Lankford Lee Lummis Marshall McCormick Moody Moran Moreno Ricketts Risch Rounds Schmitt Scott (FL) Scott (SC) Sheehy Sullivan Thune Tuberville Wicker Young
Alsobrooks Baldwin Bennet Blumenthal Blunt Rochester Booker Cantwell Coons Cortez Masto Duckworth Durbin Fetterman Gallego Gillibrand Hassan Heinrich Hickenlooper Hirono Kaine Kelly Kim King Klobuchar Lujan Markey Merkley Murphy Murray Ossoff Padilla Peters Reed Rosen Sanders Schatz Schiff Schumer Shaheen Slotkin Smith Van Hollen Warner Warnock Warren Welch Whitehouse Wyden
Britt
McConnell
Murkowski
Paul
Tillis
The nomination was confirmed.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the previous order, the motion to reconsider is considered made and laid upon the table, and the President will be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
The Senator from Pennsylvania.
Ukraine (Executive Session)
Pages S4250–S4251 · Official textMr. President, I rise today to speak about the war in Ukraine and to say something that has been a long time coming: The tide is turning against Vladimir Putin.
For more than 4 years, Russia has waged a brutal, unprovoked war of aggression against a free and sovereign Ukraine. Putin bet that Kyiv would fall in days. He bet that the West would fracture in response. And when that didn't work, he bet that Ukraine would break in a few months. He was wrong on every count, and today he finds himself in a moment of weakness.
President Trump promised peace through strength, and his strategy is working. By restoring American deterrence, by driving our allies to historic levels of defense investment, and by pairing diplomacy with the credible threat of crushing economic pressure, President Trump has changed the trajectory of this war. And Putin--Putin is weaker today, and Ukraine is stronger. And now--now--is the time for America to lean into this strategic opportunity and to drive Putin's war machine into the ground.
Let's consider the facts. For the first time since 2023, Ukrainian forces have retaken more territory than Russia has gained. The Institute for the Study of War assesses that the war's momentum is shifting in Ukraine's favor, that Russia's spring and summer offensive has stalled, and that Russia cannot recruit soldiers fast enough to replace its losses--losses that are estimated to be between 30,000 to 40,000 per month.
Since President Trump returned to office in January 2025, Russia has suffered approximately 130 casualties for every square kilometer of Ukrainian territory gained. And as you see in chart 2, the red area circled in green here is all that Russia has been able to conquer in the last 18 months. This is not a Russian war machine on the march; it is a war machine that is grinding itself to dust.
How has Ukraine done it? Well, they have done it through courage and ingenuity and innovation. Ukrainian drone operators now dominate the battlefield, extending the kill zone more than 10 miles beyond the frontlines. Ukraine has built, under fire, one of the most sophisticated defense technology sectors in the world. Ukraine produced over 3.5 million drones last year and is now deploying more than 10,000--10,000--drones daily.
Last week, at the Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit, which I hosted, CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed that most Russian recruits arriving on the frontlines survive an estimated 20 to 30 minutes before they are killed or wounded, with drones causing over 80 percent of those battlefield casualties.
Our own warfighters--our own American warfighters--are beginning to implement the lessons learned on the Ukrainian battlefield, and I applaud Secretary Hegseth and Army Secretary Driscoll for leaning into these innovations--innovations that our Armed Forces require.
Ukraine has also proven it can strike deep into Russia itself. Russian oil refineries, airfields, ammunitions depots, and logistics hubs hundreds of miles from the border are no longer sanctuaries. The war Putin started is now arriving on his own doorstep.
And this matters. This matters to us here in America for a simple reason: Ukraine has demonstrated beyond any doubt its ability and its willingness to defend its own sovereignty. The Ukrainian people are not--and I repeat, are not--asking American soldiers to fight for them; they are asking for the tools to finish the job themselves. As someone who wore our Nation's uniform, I understand the difference, and we have a critical opportunity to seize this momentum, to increase the pressure on Russia, to halt its unprovoked aggression.
No one has worked harder to end this war than President Trump. And, let's face it, Ukraine is not a perfect partner. Corruption remains a serious problem, and it should be held accountable to the reform commitments it has already made. President Zelenskyy has shown a willingness to come to the table at a time when Putin has rejected peace and continued firing on Ukrainian civilians.
You had better believe--you had better believe that Beijing is watching our next move very closely. If unbridled aggression pays in Europe and if unbridled aggression pays in the Middle East, it will be attempted in the Taiwan Strait. That is one of the many reasons I applaud the President for showing similar resolve against the threat from Iran. This, combined with increasing the pressure on Putin, will ensure that China gets the message: America is serious about peace through strength.
But to be clear, we cannot confuse the current momentum we see on the battlefield with victory--two very different things. Putin is still betting on one thing: that he can outlast us, that our attention will drift, that our resolve will soften and his oil revenues will fund this war machine long enough to exhaust Ukraine's defenses.
Our job, the job of this body, is to prove him wrong, and that means striking at the one thing--the one thing--that keeps the Kremlin's war going: money. Money is what keeps the Kremlin's war going. That is why I am proud to support two strong bipartisan bills that would give President Trump additional tools to leverage in the pursuit of peace.
The first is the appropriately named Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act. Senator Graham championed a foreign policy rooted in American strength, from the defense of Ukraine to the cause of freedom everywhere. As you see on chart 3, this legislation would authorize sweeping sanctions on Russian officials, oligarchs, banks, state-controlled entities, and the shadow fleet that Putin has used to evade sanctions. It would give our President the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on the top importers of Russian crude oil or natural gas and the top five countries facilitating Russian oil sanctions evasion. Finally, it would cut Russia off from U.S. capital and energy markets by prohibiting U.S. investment in Russia, purchases of Russian sovereign debt, and broker-dealer funded transfers involving the Russian Government.
The message is simple: If you bankroll Putin's war, you will pay a price in the American capital markets.
The second bill is bipartisan legislation that I have introduced with my colleagues here in the Senate--Senator Coons, Senator Husted, and Senator Warren--the Decreasing Russian Oil Profits Act. As you see on chart 4, the DROP Act targets the single most important source of revenue propping up the Kremlin's war machine: oil. This legislation fills a gap in our sanctions posture by requiring targeted sanctions on anyone, anywhere, dealing in Russian-of-origin oil--the purchasers, the shippers, the financiers, and the executives who profit from them.
Now is the time to move on these Russia sanctions bills to give the President the tools and the leverage he needs to end this conflict, and now is the time to increase the pressure on Putin's unbridled aggression.
This is a bipartisan cause because it is an American cause.
Peace comes through strength--never through weakness, never through wishful thinking. And the tide is turning. Ukraine is doing its part on the battlefield, and now--now--the United States must capitalize on this strategic opportunity to weaken Putin's Russia.
I urge my colleagues to pass the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act and the DROP Act without delay. Give our President--give our President--the tools he needs to bring this conflict to a peaceful resolution.
I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER
The Senator from Vermont.
Artificial Intelligence (Executive Session)
Pages S4251–S4253 · Official textMr. President, a couple of years ago, as you may recall, there was a movie--a film--that came out called "Don't Look Up," starring Jennifer Lawrence and Leonardo DiCaprio. The film was about a large comet heading to Earth that would destroy the entire planet, and the astronomers who discovered the comet kept trying to gain the attention of people and explain to them what was happening and the need for immediate and bold action to save the planet.
In that movie, they failed, and the planet was destroyed. That was a movie.
Now, let me tell you about something that is not a movie, not fiction but reality. I fear that we are living through the same scenario that existed in the movie. People, especially their elected representatives, are not paying attention, and the results could be catastrophic.
This time, we are not talking about a fictional comet. What we are talking about is artificial intelligence which will almost certainly be the most transformational technology in the history of humanity. It will profoundly impact the life of every man, woman, and child in our country. The scale, scope, and speed of this transformation will be unprecedented.
Nearly every day, there is a news story about how AI is already transforming the world--from our economy to its impact on our kids, to our privacy rights, to our political institutions, to the existential threat that it poses to the entire world.
Let us take a deep breath. When we think about AI, the first question that we have to ask ourselves is a pretty simple one: Who is pushing this revolutionary transformation of society? Who is going to benefit from it? And who is going to get hurt by it?
And the answers to those questions are not complicated. At a time in American history when we have more income and wealth inequality than we have ever had before, the AI revolution is being pushed by the very wealthiest people in our country, including Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, Peter Thiel, and Larry Ellison.
And why are these multibillionaires investing many hundreds and hundreds of billions of dollars into AI and robotics? Is it because they want to improve human life? Is it because they want to address the economic struggles facing the 60 percent of our people who are living paycheck to paycheck--Americans who are struggling to pay for groceries, healthcare, housing, and education? Is it because they want to make sure that all Americans have access to healthcare as a human right and that we successfully address the crises we face in housing, education, and so many other areas?
Is that why these multibillionaires are pushing this revolution? Maybe, but I doubt it. I think the answer is quite obvious, and everybody in America knows it. These multibillionaires are investing in AI and robotics because they want to become even wealthier and even more powerful than they are today. That is what is motivating these investments.
I think it is enormously important that we take a hard look at what an uncontrolled AI push by the wealthiest people in our country will mean to ordinary Americans.
Over the past year, I have spoken with workers and union leaders, computer scientists, psychologists, religious leaders, environmentalists, and privacy experts about AI and robotics. And while each of these people may be focusing on a different aspect of the overall situation, they all agree that the unregulated race to develop more and more powerful AI represents a profound threat to humanity.
This is exactly what the average American today is telling us. Recently, a poll came out from the publication Heatmap which expresses an enormous change in sentiment with regard to data centers. Whereas, a year ago, Americans were evenly split on whether they supported building a data center near where they live, there is now a 50-point gap, with 71 percent of Americans opposed to building a data center near where they live.
And it is not just data centers. When pollsters ask how people feel about AI, there is enormous and growing apprehension. A recent Quinnipiac poll found 55 percent of Americans think AI will do more harm than good, and only 5 percent think AI development is being led by people and organizations that represent their interests.
Let me give you some of the reasons--just some--as to why the overwhelming majority of Americans are deeply concerned about the rapid development of AI and robotics. The American people feel, with 70 percent numbers in a recent poll, that AI will lead to fewer jobs, and they are quite right about their concerns.
Elon Musk, who has invested hundreds and billions in AI and robotics, recently said that "AI and robots will replace all jobs."
Bill Gates, who has also made huge investments in these technologies, predicted that humans "won't be needed for most things."
Mustafa Suleyman, the CEO of Microsoft AI, said most white-collar work "will be fully automated by an AI within the next 12 to 18 months."
And it is not just white-collar jobs that we are talking about. Earlier this year, the Wall Street Journal reported that Jeff Bezos is seeking to raise $100 billion to purchase factories all over America. His goal? Replace the millions of workers who are employed in these plants with robots.
Recently, I took a trip in a self-driving Waymo car in San Francisco. There was nobody behind the wheel. Waymo is already operating self-driving cars in 10 major cities and, along with other driverless car companies, intends to expand rapidly.
What does that mean? Well, say goodbye to taxicab drivers, Uber drivers, truckdrivers, and busdrivers all across the country--those jobs, gone.
As the ranking member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, I released a well-researched report finding that AI automation and robotics could replace nearly 100 million American jobs over the next decade, including 40 percent of truckdrivers, 64 percent of accountants, and 89 percent of fast-food workers, among many other occupations.
These are not just theoretical concerns. We are already starting to see the impact of AI and robotics on workers. Amazon and Oracle have laid off 30,000 workers each. Microsoft has laid off 20,000 workers. Meta has laid off 18,000--et cetera, et cetera.
Researchers have found that new companies using AI have about 25 percent fewer employees than comparable companies. In other words, the AI revolution is already making it harder for people to find decent-paying jobs, and we are only in the beginning stage of this revolution.
Let me be clear. The AI oligarchs do not want to just replace specific jobs. They want to replace workers. That is the goal.
According to OpenAI's charter, its mission is to build "highly autonomous systems that outperform humans at most economically valuable work."
If OpenAI is successful in building "highly autonomous systems that outperform humans at most economically value work," I have a very simple question: What happens to those workers who are replaced? How will they be able to find new jobs if there are no jobs to find?
If AI and robotics eliminate millions of jobs and create massive unemployment, how will people survive if they have no income?
If people are not employed and if they are not paying taxes, what happens to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and other essential government services funded by these taxes?
But it is not just employment that I am worried about and that the American people are worried about. AI and robotics threaten our emotional well-being, who we are as human beings, how we relate to each other. In many cases, work is one of the ways that we connect to each other. Whether we are doctors or taxicab drivers, we all want to serve our community, and we want to be productive members of society. That gives our lives purpose.
And what happens when millions of people lose their jobs, their meaning, and their purpose, and their source of connection to each other?
And work is just one aspect of what we are talking about.
What happens when people live through their screens? Their major form of social interaction is not with other people but with screens and artificial intelligence, talking to chatbots, instead of other people.
Further, AI and robotics are threatening the very well-being of our kids. Let us be frank: Even before the widespread deployment of AI, children in our country are struggling. There are a lot of reasons for that, but the evidence is clear. They are struggling.
Today, high school kids have the lowest reading scores in 30 years. The writing skills of our children are in decline, as are their cognitive capabilities. College professors tell us their students cannot do middle school math or read long texts.
That is where we are now. What got us here? Where are we going in the future?
Experts increasingly point to the role of screens and technology. In America today--this is really--I keep questioning my staff about this, but they tell me that this is accurate. In America today, about 40 percent of children have a tablet by age 2. Forty percent of children have a tablet by age 2. The typical 5-year-old spends over 3\1/2\ hours per day on screens. Nearly all schools now provide devices in classrooms.
What is going on here?
Let us be clear: The extraordinary amount of time our young people spend on screens and the impact that that time on screens is having on them, all of this is not an accident.
We have testimony from employees at the major Big Tech companies--like Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram--that the algorithms they developed were designed to addict kids to screens--addict kids to screens.
A senior researcher at Meta, for example, called Instagram "a drug." In other words, the Big Tech oligarchs are addicting our kids to screens so that they can make more and more money. They are sacrificing the health and well-being of our children for their increased wealth. And now, Big Tech companies are pushing AI and robots to replace teachers in our classrooms.
Apparently, it is not good enough for them to addict our kids to screens, now they want to push AI and robots to replace teachers in classrooms.
Do we, as a nation, really want AI robots teaching our kids? Does anyone have any evidence whatsoever that this new technology will help our kids learn better?
And it is not just the intellectual abilities of our kids that we should worry about; AI is also impacting their mental health. It is no great secret that millions of our children are struggling emotionally, and loneliness and depression are on the rise. There are many kids in America today whose best friends are not other children they know but AI bots.
What does it mean for young people to form friendships with AI and become increasingly isolated from other human beings? Does anyone in America think the past 20 years of social media have been good for children's mental health and cognitive capabilities?
Does anyone really think we should now entrust these same companies with even more power over our children's well-being and development? But it is not only our kids' health; it is not only the economy. AI is threatening the very concept of privacy rights.
You know, we hear on the floor of the Senate, time and time again: We are a free country; we are a free people. Well, let me give you the bad news. We are not quite as free as people think we are. For decades, companies have been collecting our personal information, what we search for online, where we visit, who we talk to, what we buy.
Now AI-powered surveillance companies like Palantir make it possible for someone to quickly analyze all that information, find patterns, and create profiles of us.
And by the way, it is not just the economy; it is not just our mental health; it is not just what is happening to our kids. AI is threatening our democracy.
We are back to the film "Don't Look Up." Well, maybe we should look at what is going on on the internet right now--right now--this minute.
The rise of deepfakes, convincing fake images, videos and audio, make it possible for bad actors to distort what elected officials and candidates are saying. And I suspect this is personal for many Members of the Senate who have had experience with this issue.
And let me tell you, if you don't think this will ever happen to you, you are very mistaken.
In a recent Republican congressional primary in Kentucky, a super PAC opposing Thomas Massie released an ad with deepfakes depicting him in a romantic relationship with female Members of Congress. It was a lie, but there were voters in Kentucky who believed that.
Bottom line, it is becoming increasingly difficult for people to differentiate truth from fiction. How can people make informed political decisions if that occurs?
As we speak, all over this country, people are rising up against data centers in their own communities. They don't want to pay higher electric rates. They are worried about the impact of water. They are worried about the impact of noise and heat.
And we are seeing people, whether they are Republicans, Democrats, Conservatives, Progressives saying no to these data centers.
I hope very much we don't do what people did in that movie "Don't Look Up." I hope while this massive revolution is taking place, which is going to transform our lives, I hope that we look up. I hope that people in Congress have the guts to say that the future of humanity should not be determined by a handful of the wealthiest people on Earth. Maybe in a democratic society, the people should determine where we want to go.
And I know that AI is spending tens of millions of dollars on campaign contributions, and if you speak up against them, hey, they are going to put millions of dollars of 30-second ads against you.
But maybe just now in this moment in American history we have the guts to tell AI where they should go, stand up for our kids, stand up for democracy, stand up for privacy, stand up for workers, and utilize AI and robotics to benefit all of us, not just to make a handful of billionaires even richer.
Executive Calendar
Page S4253 · Official textThe PRESIDING OFFICER
Under the previous order, the Senate will resume consideration of the following nomination, which the clerk will report.
The senior assistant bill clerk read the nomination of Antonio M. Pozos, of Pennsylvania, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
Vote on Pozos Nomination (Executive Calendar)
Page S4253 · Official textThe PRESIDING OFFICER
The question is, Will the Senate advise and consent to the Pozos nomination?
I ask for the yeas and nays.
The PRESIDING OFFICER
Is there a sufficient second?
There appears to be a sufficient second.
The clerk will call the roll. The senior assistant bill clerk called the roll.
The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from Alabama (Mrs. Britt), the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. McConnell), the Senator from Alaska (Ms. Murkowski), the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. Paul), the Senator from South Carolina (Mr. Scott), and the Senator from Alabama (Mr. Tuberville).
I announce that the Senator from New Hampshire (Mrs. Shaheen) is necessarily absent.
The result was announced--yeas 49, nays 44, as follows:
Text printed in the Record (1,258 characters)
Armstrong Banks Barrasso Blackburn Boozman Budd Capito Cassidy Collins Cornyn Cotton Cramer Crapo Cruz Curtis Daines Durbin Ernst Fetterman Fischer Graham Grassley Hagerty Hawley Hoeven Husted Hyde-Smith Johnson Justice Kennedy Lankford Lee Lummis Marshall McCormick Moody Moran Moreno Ricketts Risch Rounds Schmitt Scott (FL) Sheehy Sullivan Thune Tillis Wicker Young
Alsobrooks Baldwin Bennet Blumenthal Blunt Rochester Booker Cantwell Coons Cortez Masto Duckworth Gallego Gillibrand Hassan Heinrich Hickenlooper Hirono Kaine Kelly Kim King Klobuchar Lujan Markey Merkley Murphy Murray Ossoff Padilla Peters Reed Rosen Sanders Schatz Schiff Schumer Slotkin Smith Van Hollen Warner Warnock Warren Welch Whitehouse Wyden
Britt
McConnell
Murkowski
Paul
Scott (SC)
Shaheen
Tuberville
The nomination was confirmed.
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Banks). Under the previous order, the motion to reconsider is considered made and laid upon the table, and the President will be immediately notified of the Senate's actions.
The Senator from Utah.
(The remarks of Mr. CURTIS pertaining to the submission of S. Res. 812 are printed in today's Record under "Submitted Resolutions.")
Mr. CURTIS. I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The majority leader.
Legislative Session
Page S4253 · Official textMr. President, I move to proceed to legislative session.
The PRESIDING OFFICER
The question is on agreeing to the motion.
The motion was agreed to.
Withdrawal of Motion to Proceed
Page S4253 · Official textMr. President, I withdraw my motion to proceed to Calendar No. 436, S. 4784.
The PRESIDING OFFICER
The leader has that right.
SUPPORTING EARLY-CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS' DEDUCTIONS ACT--Motion to Proceed
Pages S4253–S4257 · Official textI move to proceed to Calendar No. 454, H.R. 5334.
The PRESIDING OFFICER
The clerk will report the motion to proceed.
The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:
Text printed in the Record (198 characters)
Motion to proceed to Calendar No. 454, H.R. 5334, a bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow early childhood educators to take the educator expense deduction, and for other purposes.
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 (673 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 motion to
proceed to Calendar No. 454, H.R. 5334, an act to amend the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow early childhood
educators to take the educator expense deduction, and for
other purposes.
John Thune, Darline Graham, John Barrasso, Tim Sheehy,
John Cornyn, John Hoeven, Mike Crapo, James Lankford,
Kevin Cramer, Steve Daines, Tim Scott of South
Carolina, Tom Cotton, Roger Marshall, Thom Tillis, John
R. Curtis, Jon Husted, Pete Ricketts The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from California.
Mr. President, more than a year and a half ago, when Donald Trump placed his hand on a Bible and took the oath of office for the second time, he swore to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution. In the time since, he has failed to live up to that basic promise. Instead, he has focused laser-like on a very different priority: to preserve, protect, and expand his family's wealth.
The payments to the President and his family have been massive. The self-dealing and profiteering have been absolutely breathtaking in their scope. And you don't have to take my word for it. Two weeks ago, the President filed his annual financial disclosure, signed under penalty of law. It shows more than $2.3 billion in income last year alone--$2.3 billion made by the President in the last year alone. Wow. That is 3\1/2\ times what he reported the year before. So either he has just become a much better businessman since he became President, or he is corruptly using his office to enrich himself.
The same can be said for much of the rest of his family.
Exposing this corruption is the first necessary step to stopping it. This is important in its own right. Public servants should not be enriching themselves at public expense. But it is even more crucial to root out corruption for another reason, and that is because the cost of corruption is an economy that does not meet the basic needs of the American people--an economy that does not produce housing that average families can afford or a college education that young people can obtain without mortgaging their future or quality healthcare that is accessible or groceries that don't break the family budget.
When the President is fixated only on his family's personal wealth, on money he can make by abusing the power of his position, on his own vanity projects--gilding the White House, gilding statues, and gilding a ballroom--he has very little time or inclination to address the problems facing ordinary Americans. They are mere afterthoughts, and the country suffers. That is the true cost of corruption.
So, today, I am going to walk you through the top 10 ways this President has turned the Oval Office into a personal revenue stream, the settlements he has collected, the gifts he has pocketed, the money he and his family have extracted from anyone with the misfortune of needing something from this government, and the pet causes he has extorted money to fund.
Bear in mind that every number I am about to give you is either taken from his own financial filing or from public reporting. And because the President seems to enjoy ratings and rankings, we will count them down from No. 10 all the way to No. 1 of the top 10 most corrupt self-enrichment schemes of the President. By the time we reach No. 1, we will have tallied billions of dollars for him, for his family, for his personal whims, and nothing for you. That is the cost of corruption.
No. 10, overseas licensing. Let's start small, and by "small," I mean $23 million.
Since his reelection, the Trump family has made at least $23 million licensing the Trump name overseas. A hotel in Oman, towers in India, golf courses on the outskirts of Riyadh and Doha--these are just a few of the more than 20 overseas projects the Trump administration is now pursuing, many of them requiring the cooperation of foreign governments.
Here is the thing about needing help from foreign governments when you happen to be the President of the United States: Those governments are going to want something in return. They are going to want you to treat them very, very favorably in return. These countries all want something from the United States of America--U.S. military protection, U.S. nuclear powerplants, U.S. technologies, U.S. AI chips. You name it, they want something from this country.
These countries are not investing in the Trump family projects out of the goodness of their hearts; they want payback. Much to the detriment of Americans' national security interests, they are getting it. Let's look at just one example, this one from Southeast Asia.
The administration agreed to lower its threatened tariffs on Vietnam but not until after the Trump Organization broke ground on a $1.5 billion Trump golf course complex outside of Hanoi, a golf complex that Vietnamese officials fast-tracked by ignoring their own rules.
This kind of overt pay-to-play is playing out in country after country after country. What is the cost of this corruption? Well, our national security suffers when the President sells advanced chips to a Gulf nation--not because it is in our interest to do so, not because our own AI companies don't need the chips to compete, but because the President or his family got a payoff. Our country suffers when the President makes national security decisions for financial reasons that benefit not the country but himself.
(Mr. BUDD assumed the Chair.)
Did the President just approve nuclear powerplants in Saudi Arabia because it is a good idea or because the Saudis have been phenomenally generous to the Trump family business, to the President and his sons, and to his son-in-law Jared Kushner, in particular, in whom they invested a cool $2 billion.
Will American troops, our sons and daughters, be more at risk of deployment to the Middle East with more endless wars or because of a nuclear arms race that we helped get started in the region, not because helping the Saudis go nuclear was good for us but because the Saudis wanted payback for their investment in Donald Trump's family? That is the cost of corruption.
No. 9, the Paramount-CBS settlement worth $36 million. No. 9 brings us to perhaps one of the most frivolous media lawsuits to ever see the inside of a courtroom. Following a "60 Minutes" interview with Vice President Kamala Harris during that Presidential campaign, Trump sued CBS, alleging, believe it or not, election interference. His claim? That CBS edited the interview to make Harris sound better.
Let me remind everyone: Most long-form television interviews are edited. That is how television works. But in Trump's reality, editing is election interference if he doesn't like the edits.
CBS acknowledged the suit was frivolous. The President had no right to sue because he doesn't like how an interview with someone else is edited. It is absurd. The studio has a First Amendment right to make those decisions for itself.
Nevertheless, CBS agreed to pay off the President $16 million. Why? Not because they thought they would lose the litigation. They knew Trump's claim would never be successful. So CBS agreed to pay off the President because its parent Paramount Studios wanted to merge with Skydance in a deal worth $8 billion. What was a $16 million payoff compared to an $8 billion deal?
And it wasn't just the $16 million payoff. Skydance also committed to paying another $20 million in advertising and public service announcements favored by the President. Final tally: $36 million that the President was able to extort because he could leverage his power to kill the merger deal into a personal payout.
So what is the cost of that corruption to you? Well, if you are a worker in the entertainment industry, it might just cost you your job because a merger that was approved on a corrupt basis and without considering job losses in the industry wasn't made to benefit you.
If you are a consumer, you will be paying more for your streaming service and have fewer choices because this deal wasn't approved with consumers in mind. It was approved to make money for the President.
This particular brand of corruption--suing media companies to extort them for payoffs--goes beyond anything the President did in his first term. This President doesn't just complain about the press, calling them fake news or enemies of the people. No, no. That was the stuff of Trump 1.
In Trump 2, he sues them into submission, uses the leverage he has over their business deals and mergers, and pockets the proceeds--more money for him, fewer jobs for you, and more money out of your pocket when you want to stream your favorite shows. This is the cost of corruption.
No. 8, Big Tech settlements: $60 million. No. 8 is a three-for-one: Twitter, YouTube, Meta--$60 million combined.
Trump got suspended from these platforms for conduct related to the attack he incited on the Capitol. He sued, and one by one these companies paid out to him personally and to his pet projects like the golden ballroom.
Twitter, now Elon Musk's X, settled for $10 million, a case a district judge had already thrown out and an appeals court was openly skeptical of. They paid anyway. And the President's response? He went on television to complain it was not enough, it was too low, that he was "looking to get much more money than that."
YouTube settled for $25 million. And in a flourish of creative accounting, $22 million of it was routed straight to the White House golden ballroom project. More on that ballroom in a minute.
But Meta, the parent company to Facebook and Instagram, they also settled for $25 million. And just to sweeten the pot, they kicked in an additional million to Trump's inaugural fund.
So let's recap just this item. The President sues these platforms over their refusal to amplify his false claims about the election and his incitement of insurrection. Using the leverage he now has over them as President to hurt their businesses, he extorts them to the tune of $60 million.
It is a disinformation loyalty program--except the rewards go to the President, and the rest of us get more false claims, more false information, more social harms from an unregulated social media, and potentially more incitement of violence around our elections. This is the cost of that corruption.
No. 7, Amazon and the "Melania" documentary: $40 million. For No. 7, we move back to the family business. You may have seen the trailers. Amazon struck a $40 million deal with First Lady Melania Trump for a documentary about her life before and during her time in the White House.
Reports indicate that Melania's team shopped the project to several studios and executives, many of whom had attended Trump's inauguration before Amazon closed the deal.
And Amazon separately contributed another million to Trump's inaugural fund. Of the $40 million, though, the First Lady personally received $28 million. The big-time theatrical run of this film brought in only $16 million at the box office, landing it at a sweet No. 68 on the 2026 releases behind "Bunny!!," behind "Guru," and behind "Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway: The Sorcery of Nymph Circe."
Bear in mind, the "Melania" movie was so bad that one reviewer at Variety said that if you saw it on a plane, you would still walk out. But Amazon paid the Trump family $40 million for it. Why? Because Amazon has huge contracts at stake worth billions of dollars.
What is a $40 million payment for "Melania" when you want a Federal cloud-computing contract worth 100 times that much, worth billions?
So while families across the country are wrestling with the skyrocketing price of groceries, the First Lady is collecting $28 million for a documentary about herself.
But more important, we end up paying Amazon billions in government contracts when Amazon may or may not be the best deal for the American taxpayer, when the amount of the contract may or may not be competitive with other companies, when Amazon may or may not be the best competitor in the bidding process.
We may never know if taxpayers are getting ripped off and whether the true cost of the "Melania" film was a bad deal for the country, costing taxpayers billions of dollars on cloud computing that we didn't need to spend.
This kind of corrupt contracting--whether taxpayer funds are wasted because of a backroom deal or a kickback--is common in developing countries, but it hasn't been common here, not until now. And that is the cost of corruption.
No. 6 of the top 10 Trump graft schemes is the Trump meme coin coming in at a whopping $635 million. Just 24 hours before taking the oath of office, Donald Trump launched a meme coin called $TRUMP. A meme coin is kind of a joke digital currency, but Trump saw the opportunity for personal profit--about $635 million worth.
And the people on the other side of that trade--more than 810,000 of them--have lost a combined $2 billion. That is 810,000 people that bought this Trump meme coin. Mainly, the President's own supporters lost money so the President could make hundreds of millions of dollars.
But even that is not the end of the story. It gets worse. Trump hosted a private dinner for top holders of his meme coin. Investors were told they had a 2\1/2\-week window to buy enough $TRUMP to earn a seat.
He created a public auction where what was being auctioned off was access to the President: Buy Trump's meme coin, and you get to dine with the President. Where? At his own private club in Virginia. And among the guests? A crypto billionaire who had been charged by the SEC with fraud in a case in which Trump's SEC, just coincidentally, asked a judge to hit pause on the matter just weeks before the meme coin dinner.
And this March, the case was dropped entirely--dismissed with prejudice, never to be brought again--with the company paying a mere $10 million penalty while admitting nothing. This, for a crypto billionaire who had poured some $75 million into Trump family crypto ventures.
So, to recap this item, the President invents a, by definition, worthless asset, profits while hundreds of thousands of Americans lose their savings buying it, breaks bread with the people his government is investigating for defrauding investors, even as his administration puts an end to the alleged fraudster's potential prosecution.
The cost of corruption here: hundreds of millions of dollars go to Trump, hundreds of thousands of Americans lose the value of their purchases--about $2 billion in total--and fraudsters get a pass to commit other frauds on the American people. More money for Trump, more fraud for you. This is the cost of corruption.
No. 5, the White House ballroom: $600 million. No. 5 is one of the most audacious schemes in Presidential history: the gold-plated, gilded, and gaudy White House ballroom.
The President has solicited ever-larger donations for this pet project, which now has a whopping pricetag of $600 million, a $600 million monument to his vanity, built for him by people who need something from the government and paid for by you, the taxpayer--because far from the President's promise that no tax dollars would be used for his golden ballroom, he is making you pay an estimated $300 million of your tax dollars toward this project: promises made, promises broken, and the taxpayer left holding the bag.
Now, I have sought answers from the White House on this ballroom, asking: Who are the private donors and how much have they given and what business do they have before the Federal Government?
Their response, not surprisingly: no response, not willing to say, not willing to be transparent, wanting to keep it hidden from the American people.
But we know that there are at least 37 donors--among them Amazon and Apple and Google and Meta and Microsoft and Coinbase and Tether and Caterpillar and Lockheed Martin and T-Mobile and more.
Of these corporate donors, two-thirds have been awarded Federal contracts over the last 5 years--contracts worth $279 billion. And 14 of them are either facing or have had suspended Federal actions for violations of the law.
So let's get this straight: Companies under Federal investigation, many of them write a check for the President's ballroom and their legal troubles go away or their contracts multiply or, in some cases, both.
Trump even told these donors they would be the first guests welcomed into the finished ballroom "if I still like you at that time, which I am sure I will."
Translation: Keep paying, and I will keep liking you.
The cost of this corruption? Hundreds of millions in taxpayer funding that could go to building new hospitals in your community or building new schools or keeping the ones near you open go to a ballroom instead.
Hundreds of daycare centers that could have received funding so you don't have to pay so much for childcare or so there is even childcare in your area. But instead of building roads or bridges, hospitals or healthcare clinics or childcare, the President is building a gaudy, gold tollbooth in place of the East Wing. And Federal contracts are going to the biggest donors, not the best competitors, and that could cost you billions more in taxes.
No. 4 of the top 10 Trump grift and graft, the Qatari jet worth $400 million. No.
4 is a gift that keeps on taking, a $400 million luxury gift, gifted by the Government of Qatar, to serve as Air Force One through the end of Trump's term and then transferred to Trump's own museum foundation, his to keep.
He took his maiden flight aboard it just a few weeks ago, and while the President insists the plane is free, outfitting it to serve as Air Force One could cost American taxpayers up to $1 billion in security upgrades. That is $1 billion for this "free" jet that he gets to keep--paid for by you, the taxpayer, and his generous friends, the Qataris.
And let's not pretend there is nothing expected in return. Trump himself volunteered that the United States provides security for Qatar and "will continue to." He also explained that only a "stupid person" turns down a "free, very expensive airplane." Only a "stupid person" would turn it down. How could he refuse?
So a foreign government hands the President a $400 million jet. We pay a billion in taxes to make it usable. He keeps it when he leaves office. And if you think that is corrupt, he thinks you are the stupid one.
That is not a gift to America. It is a gift to Donald Trump, paid for by the American taxpayer, courtesy of a foreign government that now holds a great deal of leverage over the President--the same foreign government whose wealth fund is invested in developing the Doha Trump International Golf Club, complete with luxury villas and 18 holes of world-class golf.
The cost of this corruption? American foreign policy and our national security interests in the region are now skewed toward a country that gives the President exorbitant gifts or develops real estate deals with his family.
That is not putting America first but putting it last--well behind his family and personal interests in a plane and golf courses.
That brings us to No. 3, big law firm deals worth $940 million. At three, the numbers have turned even more staggering. After a barrage of Executive orders targeting the legal profession, nine wealthy law firms struck deals with the administration, pledging nearly $1 billion in "pro bono services" to make those threats go away--threats to disfavor their clients, threats to take their security clearances away so they couldn't represent other clients, threats to look unfavorably on the mergers their clients want or government contracts or lucrative deals favored by their clients.
Now, this money didn't land directly in the President's bank account. This is value he extracted--nearly a billion dollars in legal work redirected to causes he favors, surrendered by law firms that were afraid of what he might do to them if they refused.
And who negotiated these deals? Reportedly, Boris Epshteyn, the President's personal lawyer, not a government official, a private citizen allegedly shaking down America's largest law firms on the administration's behalf--$940 million extracted under threat and all too easily complied with by firms that were unwilling to take a stand. It is a modern protection racket.
What is the cost of this corruption? Well, law firms are silenced from representing clients whose interests may be averse to the President. That might be you one day. Businesses unable to get counsel because these law firms are too scared of crossing a vindictive President--that business may be your business one day.
And the law firms that stood their ground and defied the President? They risk losing business in a corruption of the economy that only favors firms willing to capitulate to the President. It is Putin-style economics, and it doesn't work any better here than it does in Russia.
No. 2, World Liberty Financial and stablecoin reserves: $1.5 billion and counting. We are now in the top two--World Liberty Financial, the Trump family cash cow, a firm in which the Trump family holds an ownership interest of around 75 percent.
The sale of these governance tokens has earned the family well over a billion dollars. A single deal tied to a state-backed fund in the United Arab Emirates funneled $500 million into this venture--a single deal made by a wealthy sheik who is also the head of that country's intelligence service. What could go wrong?
And in return, they just got American-made advanced AI chips, just like they wanted.
Coincidence? I don't think so. If you do, I have a ballroom I would like to sell you.
But the scheme doesn't stop there because the Trump family is also entitled to the interest earned on the reserves backing their stablecoin. This income is ongoing, grows by the day, and is pegged to the U.S. dollar itself. Unlike the meme coin, this is real money, more than $1.5 billion and counting--over $1.5 billion flowing to the President's family through a financial instrument his family controls, launched while he sits in the Oval Office--not a side business, not a blind trust--the President of the United States using the power and prestige of his office to drive money into a venture he owns and from which he profits every single day.
And consider what one of the family's business partners got in return. The world's largest crypto exchange, Binance, helped turn World Liberty's stablecoin from a small venture into one of the largest in the world, first by settling a $2 billion investment from an Abu Dhabi state fund in the Trump coin, then by building it into the exchange's own trading systems. And for that, the Trump family earns interest on every dollar used.
And the founder of Binance, what did he get out of it? Well, he had been convicted of money laundering crimes. He was facing the consequences until last October, when the President pardoned him--a foreign-funded boost to the family business, repaid with a Presidential pardon.
The cost of this corruption? Crooked deals to benefit convicted fraudsters; U.S. foreign policy for sale to the highest Gulf bidder; less time, attention, and resources of our country focused on bringing down your costs, improving your quality of life, bringing back prosperity to America.
Which takes us, ladies and gentlemen, to No. 1, the crown jewel: the President, his IRS settlement, and the $1.7 billion slush fund.
So here is the scheme. And you have to give the President credit for its audacity. The President sues the IRS, an Agency run by one of his employees, one of his appointees, and represented by the Department of Justice, also run by one of his appointees. His lawyers bring the suit, and his lawyers defend the suit. He is functionally suing himself. And he, not surprisingly, settles with himself for a staggering amount. He gets an IRS "get out of jail free" card. He faces no audit or investigations for any prior tax fraud or underpayment that he, his kids, his businesses, or his associates have ever made or participated in--a deal estimated to be worth up to $100 million for the Trump family, personally--personally.
It is a sham settlement, castigated by a Federal judge as based on a suit brought wholly for an improper purpose and a settlement that was the product of the worst form of collusion and self-dealing.
But that is just the start--the $100 million tax "get out of jail free" card, only a start. The settlement also purports to give the President control over $1.776 billion of taxpayer money, which he gets to use as a personal slush fund to compensate his friends and allies who claim that they have been wronged.
Included among the aggrieved: people who violently attacked law enforcement officers on January 6. Now, these people who attacked police officers on January 6, they already got pardoned by the President on his first day. But that wasn't enough for them or for the President. They want to be paid for their acts of insurrection, and the President is willing to pay them with your tax dollars. Imagine, your tax dollars going to pay cop beaters.
And besides the morally repugnant nature of that slush fund and its beneficiaries, it comes at a huge cost. He wants nearly $2 billion of your money--your tax dollars--to fund this cop-beater program, not to serve the public but as a pot of money he controls to pay out to the people loyal to him, willing to use violence for him.
Congress and the courts have compelled Trump's Acting Attorney General to back off the fund for now, but not the President. He still wants to make the payoffs to his cronies and enablers, and the administration is looking for other ways to loot the Treasury for the same purpose, using other funds of the Department of Justice--taxpayer money converted into personal patronage for the President.
There is a word for governments that take public money and hand it to their friends, and it is not "republic."
But the cost of this corruption? Incalculable. Besides misappropriating billions of your money, it is also rewarding people seeking to overturn a free and fair election. If it succeeds in encouraging others to do so in the next election, the cost to you just may be our whole democracy.
So let's add it up. Overseas licensing, $23 million; media lawsuits, $36 million; Big Tech settlements, $60 million; Amazon and Melania, $40 million; the meme coin, $635 million; the White House ballroom, $600 million; the Qatari jet, $400 million; Big Law, $940 million; World Liberty Financial, $1.5 billion and counting; the IRS giveaway and slush fund, $1.7 billion and $100 million--for a grand total of $6 billion.
And that, fellow Americans, is just the top 10. That doesn't include the Trump wine sold at the Coast Guard exchanges. It doesn't include Don Junior's "Executive Branch" club. It doesn't include the Trump resort in Qatar or the Trump Hotel in Belgrade. It doesn't include Don Junior's $2.6 million in a drone company that just, coincidentally, landed an Army contract. And it doesn't even include all the stock trades of the President.
The President's own filing shows 3,642 trades in just the first 3 months of the year--58 trades every single market day--up to three-quarters of a billion dollars' worth of trades.
Think about that. The man who is supposed to be running the country--instead, he is running a trading desk.
And what a trader he is. He bought Nvidia stock on January 6 of this year, and, 1 week later, his Commerce Department approved Nvidia's chip sales to China--a $50 billion opportunity for the company. He bought more Nvidia in February. A week later, Nvidia announced the blockbuster deal with Meta.
What are the odds? Trade after trade, perfectly timed to decisions only his government knew were coming. And these are only the deals that we know about.
No one put this historic level of corruption in perspective better than the Vice President, JD Vance, who recently told a crowd that if Watergate took place today, it would be a 12-hour story.
Think about that for a moment. If the President broke into the Democratic Party headquarters, bugged the place, used hush money to cover it up, used the CIA to thwart the FBI's investigation of it, and lied to the country about it, JD Vance says that would be a mere blip on the screen for them today. He is telling us--the Vice President is telling us--that the corruption of the Trump regime, his regime, is so pervasive, they have so successfully normalized it, that Nixon's behavior would seem quaint.
Congratulations, JD. You have made the most egregious corruption commonplace. Well done. You should be so very proud.
After Watergate, Congress passed a host of reforms to constrain a future corrupt President.
They included limits on campaign finance, safeguards to wall off Presidential misuse of the Justice Department, new oversight mechanisms for the intelligence community, offices of inspectors general to root out fraud, and much more.
It now falls on us, in this generation, to usher in a whole new set of reforms, to address a far broader range of lawlessness and corruption.
During the first Trump administration, I introduced the Protecting our Democracy Act, a package of reforms meant to address the many violations of law and norms by the President at that time. We have reintroduced it in the Senate.
But as the list of laws and guardrails shattered and multiplies, the need for corrective action must multiply with it. Just this week, I have introduced three additional bills meant to attack conflicts of interest, keep convicted fraudsters out of our government, and tighten our laws against the bribery of public officials.
In the weeks and months to come, we must propose the best laws that we can, meant to constrain the worst impulses of human nature. But we must be mindful of this truth as well, and that is: no set of laws no matter how well conceived, no constitution, no matter how brilliantly constructed, can protect our lives, our liberty, our prosperity if elected officials are unwilling to live up to their oaths or to accept the truth or to put their country over their party. None of it will be enough.
We must also return prosperity to America. We must make it possible when people are working hard, they can earn a good living for themselves and their families. When people see the lives their parents had as better, all too many are willing to entertain and put their fate in the hands of any demagogue who promises that they, alone, can fix it.
Our democracy will not be on solid ground until our economy is working again for all Americans.
When the Founders gathered in Philadelphia in the sweltering summer of 1787, they debated a great many things, but one fear united them across every divide--the fear of corruption. They had just thrown off a King. They had risked everything--their lives, their fortunes, their honor--to build something new; a Republic, a government of laws, not men. And they knew with a clarity born of hard experience that a Republic would not long endure if leaders used public power for private gain. That is why they wrote a Constitution of checks and balances, one that set the ambition of one branch of government against the other and included provisions meant to address the personal weaknesses and failings of a President--any President--because they understood human nature.
They understood those in power would be tempted to enrich themselves. They understood that foreign governments would try to buy our leaders with gifts and payments and favors. They imagined something like what we are witnessing today.
But what they may not have imagined, what may have exceeded even their worst fears was a President so brazen, so shameless, so relentless, and so creative in the pursuit of personal profit and a Congress so feckless, so loathe to confront him, so lacking in ambition for its own power and institution, so willing to let him profit at the public expense, with payout after payout after payout.
In 1785, Benjamin Franklin was serving as our Ambassador to France. The King of France gave him a gift--a snuffbox encrusted with diamonds--a gesture of diplomatic friendship. In Paris, such gifts were routine; business as usual. But back home, in America, it sparked a controversy.
Franklin had to ask Congress for permission to keep it, and the Congress, then under the Articles of Confederation, granted it. But the concern that a leader less scrupulous than Franklin would be tempted, would be compromised, lingered.
So when delegates gathered in Philadelphia 2 years later to write our Constitution, they remembered the snuffbox. The first draft said nothing about foreign gifts or emoluments. The final draft did because they remembered the snuffbox.
Edmund Randolph, one of the Constitution's Framers later explained it this way:
Text printed in the Record (291 characters)
This restriction was provided to prevent corruption . . . A box was presented to our ambassador by the king of our allies. It was thought proper, in order to exclude corruption and foreign influence, to prohibit any one in office from receiving or holding any emoluments from foreign states.
They wrote it into the Constitution because of a snuffbox. Imagine. And now we have a President accepting a $400 million jet. Can you imagine what the Founders would have thought of that? We have a President earning more than a billion dollars from a cryptocurrency company his family controls funded, in large part, by foreign interests.
The Founders understood that once you accept the first gift, the second becomes easier, and the third--and soon, you are not making a decision based on what is right for the country, you are making them based on who has been generous to you as President.
My colleagues, the White House has become a marketplace and the Presidency a crooked family business. Every one of these transactions--the dozens we know about and the many more we surely don't--raises profound questions about the influence of foreign governments and the buying and selling of American policy, American justice, and American democracy itself.
Every single day this continues, our democracy is weakened, our institutions are compromised, the office of the Presidency is degraded, and the costs come out of your pocket--out of your pocket.
But here is the thing: The Founders in their warning to us about corruption also gave us the tools to fight it. They gave us a free press to investigate and expose it. They gave us a separation of powers so that no branch could become too powerful. We have those powers in this body--in this body--to stop it, if only we will use them.
And they gave us, above all, a government of the people, the ultimate authority, the final word. And it will take all of us demanding something better, voting for something better, refusing to accept that this is normal or inevitable or just the way things are; a 12-hour story.
Our story is not 12 hours long but 250 years old. It is the story of a country that began as an improbable experiment where people believed that we had sufficient virtue to be self-governing, that we did not need to be ruled by a despot, a country where what is right matters, where the truth matters, and where decency--basic decency--matters.
That is the story of the birth of this country, and that can be the story of its future, if we are willing to fight for it.
I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Husted)
The Senator from Oklahoma.
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR (Executive Session)
Pages S4257–S4258 · Official textMr. President, I move to proceed to executive session to consider Executive Calendar No. 729.
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 legislative clerk read the nomination of John Breslow, of Arizona, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Cyprus.
MEASURE PLACED ON THE EXECUTIVE CALENDAR OVER/UNDER RULE--S. Res. 817
Page S4258 · Official textMEASURE PLACED ON THE EXECUTIVE CALENDAR OVER/UNDER RULE--S. Res. 817
Mr. President, I send an executive resolution to the desk for the consideration of certain nominations en bloc and ask for its immediate consideration.
The PRESIDING OFFICER
The clerk will report the resolution by title for the information of the Senate.
The legislative clerk read as follows:
Text printed in the Record (146 characters)
An executive resolution (S. Res. 817) authorizing the en bloc consideration in Executive Session of certain nominations on the Executive Calendar.
In order to place the executive resolution on the calendar, I object to my own request.
The PRESIDING OFFICER
The objection having been heard, the executive resolution will lie over 1 day.
Legislative Session
Page S4258 · Official textMr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate resume legislative session and be in 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.
Nomination of Benjamin M. Flowers
Page S4258 · Official textMr. President, yesterday, the Senate voted to confirm Benjamin Flowers to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
Mr. Flowers' record in both government service and private practice reflects his MAGA extremist agenda. He has given us no reason to think he will stop pursuing this agenda once he is on the Federal bench.
During his time as Ohio solicitor general, Mr. Flowers defended Ohio's severe restrictions on a woman's right to choose. Kowtowing to corporate interests, he defended a cap on damages for a victim of child sex abuse.
Mr. Flowers is an election denier. In November 2020, he authored a Supreme Court amicus brief asking the Court to reverse the Pennsylvania Supreme Court's decision that allowed for the counting of absentee ballots received after election day.
Mr. Flowers is currently a partner at a rightwing law firm that he claims can "grow up with the conservative legal movement" following President Trump's election. He has argued against birthright citizenship, demeaned LGBTQ Americans, and claimed that efforts to lower the costs of prescription drugs are unconstitutional.
Mr. Flowers's public commentary reveals his lack of judicial temperament. He has been a frequent speaker for the Federalist Society, and his commentary has been extreme even for conservative legal circles. Mr. Flowers has questioned the need for the Trump administration to follow court orders in public remarks and in his testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee. He has even criticized the landmark bipartisan First Step Act, calling it "terrible policy," implausibly claiming it is unconstitutional, and arguing that Congress should repeal it.
I opposed Mr. Flowers' nomination. And I urged my colleagues to join me in doing so.
Tribute to Toby Hauck Retirement
Pages S4258–S4259 · Official textMr. President, being an air traffic controller is a hard, often thankless job. The hours are long, the stakes are astronomically high, and the work is essential to millions of families across America who are anxious to see their loved ones. Today, I would like to salute one of the best who ever served in that critical job: my friend Toby Hauck.
Toby is a veteran. He served 6 years in the U.S. Air Force, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, both of whom also served in the U.S. military. After Toby left the Air Force, he wanted to find a job that would allow him to continue to serve his country, which led him to the air traffic control. Toby rose through the ranks at air traffic control, eventually becoming president of the Chicago Air Route Traffic Control Center. For 38 years, Toby was responsible for keeping millions of airline passengers--including myself--safe as they flew in and out of Chicago.
With what little free time he had, Toby spent it advocating for his fellow air traffic controllers both in Washington and Illinois as a 28-year member of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association. At NATCA, Toby served as its Illinois State coordinator, where he pushed for better pay, staffing, and benefits for his coworkers. Those at NATCA knew Toby as simply "the Tob"; his colleagues described him as someone who "always makes time for a fist bump and a smile, greeting everyone he sees by name." In May, NATCA awarded Toby the Dale Wright Award for exceptional career service, which speaks not only to his character, but to his reputation nationwide.
I have known Toby for many years. In 2019, he was my guest to the State of the Union, and he has worked diligently with me to try and improve the conditions for air traffic controllers in my State and across the country. As Toby knows, air traffic controllers have too often, and unfairly, been caught in the middle of government shutdowns, forced to continue their work--still understaffed and overworked with the same high stakes--but also with no paycheck. Since I have met Toby, during every shutdown, he has gathered a group of local controllers to share the real-life impacts of partisan stalemates, which include controllers setting up food pantries for their peers, failing to afford medical treatment for themselves or their families, and struggling to pay their bills. These stories have informed my votes and again highlighted how thankless, yet crucial, the work of a controller is.
Toby is truly the best of the best, and last month, after 38 years of service, he retired from his job as an air traffic controller. While Chicago will certainly miss Toby protecting its skies, I am sure his wife Darla will appreciate having him home. Fortunately, Toby will not be leaving his advocacy for air traffic controllers behind; he will remain working with NATCA in an advocacy role. I hope the whole Senate will join me in thanking Toby for his service and congratulating him and Darla on this milestone.
And there is a large list of air traffic controller priorities that must be tackled--especially at our Nation's and the world's busiest airport, found right at home in Chicago. Last year, more than 850,000 aircraft landed or took off from O'Hare, more than any other airport in the world. O'Hare is central to the national aviation system and is a leading hub for connections. Yet the flight towers that manage its airspace are staffed well below the targets established by both NATCA and the FAA by 25 percent. That means the air traffic controllers who are at these towers are forced to work longer hours and additional shifts, taking a significant toll on their mental health.
In a job that requires split-second and lifesaving decisions, it is dangerous to add more stress and fatigue into the equation. This is why Congress allocated $22.2 billion for the FAA for fiscal year 2026 to hire an additional 2,500 new air traffic controllers. I urge the FAA to put that investment to good use and prioritize O'Hare as new controllers become trained and as new technology and infrastructure upgrades become available.
Ensuring that there is proper staffing at towers around Chicago will become even more essential as O'Hare nears the completion of its Terminal Area Plan project, which will increase gate capacity at O'Hare by roughly 25 percent. This project was designed to accommodate growth for airlines and ensure that O'Hare remains competitive as a world-class airport for decades to come. I hope the FAA will give full and fair consideration of any requests from O'Hare to assist in this expansion, whether that be via requests for Federal grant funding or FAA resources.
As more Americans take to the skies every day, it is our job in Congress to support the men and women, like Toby, who keep them safe on their journey. Let's show our gratitude to these public servants by ending the understaffing, irregular paychecks, and insufficient workforce investment that have plagued their work for far too long. It is the least we can do for the people who have dedicated their lives to protecting us every time we fly.
Arms Sales Notification
Page S4259 · Official textMr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.
There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows:
Text printed in the Record (3,654 characters)
Please find enclosed the following notification from the Department of State.
Department Notification Number: RSAT 0F-26
Pursuant to the reporting requirements of Section 36(b)(5)(C) of the Arms Export Control Act (AECA), as amended, we are forwarding Transmittal No. 0F-26. This notification relates to enhancements or upgrades from the level of sensitivity of technology or capability described in the Section 36(b)(1) AECA certification 24-33 of March 12, 2024.
Recipients:
Speaker of the House of Representatives
House Committee on Foreign Affairs
Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
Sincerely,
REPORT OF ENHANCEMENT OR UPGRADE OF SENSITIVITY OF TECHNOLOGY
OR CAPABILITY (SEC. 36(B)(5)(A), AECA)
(i) Prospective Purchaser: Government of Poland.
(ii) Sec. 36(b)(1), AECA Transmittal No.: 24-33, Date: March 12, 2024, Implementing Agency: Air Force
Funding Source: National Funds
(iii) Description: On March 12, 2024, Congress was notified by congressional certification transmittal number 24-33 of the possible sale, under Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, of up to eight hundred twenty-one (821) AGM-158B-2 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSM) with Extended Range All-Up-Rounds. The following non-major defense equipment (MDE) items were also included: AGM-158 JASSM classified test equipment; weapon system support; integration and test support equipment; classified software delivery and support; unclassified publications and technical documentation; transportation; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The total estimated value was $1.77 billion. MDE constituted $1.67 billion of this total.
This transmittal notifies the inclusion of the following MDE items: up to five (5) AGM-158 inert JASSMs with test instrumentation kits (1 installed, 4 spares). The following non-MDE items will also be included: other related elements of program and logistics support. The estimated total value of the new items is $21 million but will not require an increase in the estimated total case value. The estimated total value of the new MDE items is $18 million and does not result in a net increase in total cost of MDE. The estimated total cost of the new non-MDE items is $3 million and does not result in a net increase in total cost of non-MDE. The estimated total case value of $1.77 billion will remain unchanged. MDE remains $1.67 billion of this total.
(iv) Significance: This notification accounts for requested additional MDE and non-MDE items not included in the original notification. The inclusion of this MDE represents an increase in capability over what was previously notified. The proposed articles and services will support Poland's AGM-158 flight test program required for the Poland F-16 Viper configuration upgrade.
(v) Justification: This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally that is a force for political and economic stability in Europe.
(vi) Sensitivity of Technology: The flight certification vehicle will be used during flight testing to verify compatibility of the AGM-158 munitions with the F-16 aircraft software under Poland's F-16 Viper upgrade program. The Global Positioning System/Precise Positioning Service is to be provided by either Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module or M-Code.
The highest level of classification of defense articles, components, and services included in this potential sale is SECRET.
(vii) Date Report Delivered to Congress: July 22, 2026.
Arms Sales Notification
Pages S4259–S4260 · Official textMr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.
There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows:
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Please find enclosed the following notification from the Department of State.
Department Notification Number: RSAT 0E-26.
Pursuant to the reporting requirements of Section 36(b)(5)(C) of the Arms Export Control Act (AECA), as amended, we are forwarding Transmittal No. 0E-26. This notification relates to enhancements or upgrades from the level of sensitivity of technology or capability described in the Section 36(b)(1)AECA certification 23-33 of July 7, 2023.
Recipients:
Speaker of the House of Representatives
House Committee on Foreign Affairs
Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
Sincerely,
Report of Enhancement or Upgrade of Sensitivity of Technology
or Capability (Sec. 36(B)(5)(A), AECA)
(i) Prospective Purchaser: Government of Sweden.
(ii) Sec. 36(b)(1), AECA Transmittal No.: 23-33; Date: July 7, 2023; Implementing Agency: Air Force.
(iii) Description: On July 7, 2023, Congress was notified by congressional certification transmittal number 23-33 of the possible sale, under Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, of up to two hundred fifty (250) AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM); and up to six (6) AMRAAM C-8 guidance sections. Also included were spare AIM-120 control sections and containers; AMRAAM test set telemetry kits; encryption devices; munitions support and support equipment; classified software delivery and support; spare parts, consumables, and accessories; repair and return support; transportation support; classified publications and technical documentation; studies and surveys; U.S. Government and contractor technical engineering, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total cost was $605 million. Major defense equipment (MDE) constituted $530 million of this total.
This transmittal notifies the following additional MDE items: ten (10) AIM 120C-8 AMRAAM air-instrumented vehicles. The following non-MDE items will also be included: AMRAAM training missiles; KGV-135A encryption devices; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total value of the new items is $25 million. The estimated total cost of the new MDE items is $24 million and does not result in a net increase in total cost of MDE. The estimated total MDE cost remains $530 million. The estimated total cost of the new non-MDE items is $1 million and does not result in a net increase in total cost of non-MDE. The total non-MDE cost remains $75 million. The total case value does not increase and remains $605 million.
(iv) Significance: This notification accounts for requested additional MDE and non-MDE items not included in the original notification. The inclusion of this MDE represents an increase in capability over what was previously notified. The proposed articles and services will support Sweden's capability to meet and deter current and future threats in the region by ensuring Sweden has modern, capable air-to-air munitions. The proposed sale will further advance the Swedish Air Force interoperability with U.S. joint forces and other regional and NATO forces.
(v) Justification: This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.
(vi) Sensitivity of Technology:
The AIM 120C-8 AMRAAM air-instrumented vehicle is a live launch test vehicle used primarily for flight test integration
with a rocket motor and instrumentation unit in place of a warhead. The AIM 120C-8 AMRAAM air-instrumented vehicle verifies and assesses the ability to safely launch an AMRAAM and validate the missile's performance.
The KGV-135A communications device is a high-speed general purpose encryptor and decryptor module used for wideband data encryption.
The highest level of classification of defense articles, components, and services included in this potential sale is SECRET.
(vii) Date Report Delivered to Congress: July 22, 2026.
Remembering Carol Mitchell Popp Bennett
Page S4260 · Official textMr. President, I rise today to honor the life of a truly one-of-a-kind Hoosier Carol Mitchell Popp Bennett, who passed away on June 27, 2026, at the age of 96.
Born in Indianapolis in 1930 and raised in the wake of the Great Depression on a small family farm, Carol quickly found a creative outlet in making marionettes and puppets. Her passion, creativity, and skills created ample opportunities: By high school, she led a statewide tour of puppet shows, and she produced a children's television show on a local Bloomington affiliate during her studies at Indiana University. Before she knew it, Carol and her marionettes were featured in a national magazine, crowned Miss Indiana, and interviewed on the Ed Sullivan show during her trip to New York to win first runner-up in the Miss America Pageant.
After graduating from Indiana University, Carol met H. Leslie Popp, Jr., in Fort Wayne. The couple soon married and Carol followed her husband on his deployment to serve in the Korean war. She continued her artistic endeavors during this period, working with the U.S.O. to arrange entertainment for the families of American servicemembers in Japan. Upon the couple's return to Fort Wayne, Carol started Indiana's first live children's educational television program, the "Carol and Corkie Show," for which she was honored by the Indiana Historical Society as an Indiana Community Builder in 2020.
Carol's contributions to the Fort Wayne community extended far beyond the "Carol and Corkie Show." She was a substitute teacher in the region for 13 years and a volunteer with the Trinity English Lutheran Church's women's group for more than a decade. She served on the boards of the Fine Arts Foundation, Fort Wayne Ballet Angels, and IU Friends of Music, and was an active leader in the Junior League of Fort Wayne and Fort Wayne's Girl Scout and Cub Scout communities, all while continuing to use her creative talents as a professional interior designer for more than 20 years.
In her retirement, Carol continued to pursue her passions for art and education by illustrating shows for the Fort Wayne Philharmonic's Children's Concert Series and working with her sister to illustrate children's instructional books. She married Carl Bennett in 1989, and the couple enjoyed their retirement traveling and wintering in Bermuda Dunes, CA, where Carol continued to serve others by leading an art group and participating in the Coachella Valley Art Guild of Palm Springs.
Carol's legacy lives on in her extensive family, including her sister Elaine, daughter Catherine, and more than a hundred stepchildren, nieces, and nephews spanning four generations. It is my honor to recognize Carol for a lifetime well-spent using her talents and abilities in service of others in the Fort Wayne area, across the Hoosier State, and even around the globe. In these and many other ways, her memory and legacy will live on for years to come.
Message from the House
Page S4260 · Official textAt 2:03 p.m., a message from the House of Representatives, delivered by Mrs. Cole, one of its reading clerks, announced that the House has passed the following bills, in which it requests the concurrence of the Senate:
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H.R. 1722. An act to require an annual report of taxpayer-funded projects that are over budget and behind schedule.
H.R. 7008. An act to amend chapter 131 of title 5 to require certain restrictions on stocks for Members of Congress and their spouses and dependents, and for other purposes.
H.R. 7283. An act to amend title 41, United States Code, to amend the time period for certain acquisition-related dollar thresholds.
H.R. 8205. An act to amend the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act to reauthorize the provisions of such Act through fiscal year 2031, and for other purposes.
H.R. 8884. An act to amend title II of the Social Security Act to reauthorize demonstration authority for the disability insurance program.
The message also announced that the House has agreed to the following concurrent resolution, without amendment:
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S. Con. Res. 37. Concurrent resolution authorizing the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for a ceremony to honor the late Senator Lindsey O. Graham.
The message further announced that the House has agreed to the following concurrent resolutions, in which it requests the concurrence of the Senate:
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H. Con. Res. 89. Concurrent resolution directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.
H. Con. Res. 113. Concurrent resolution establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2027 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2028 through 2036.
Measures Referred
Page S4260 · Official textThe following bills were read the first and the second times by unanimous consent, and referred as indicated:
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H.R. 7283. An act to amend title 41, United States Code, to amend the time period for certain acquisition-related dollar thresholds; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
H.R. 8884. An act to amend title II of the Social Security Act to reauthorize demonstration authority for the disability insurance program; to the Committee on Finance.
The following concurrent resolutions were read, and referred as indicated:
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H. Con. Res. 89. Concurrent resolution directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran; to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
H. Con. Res. 113. Concurrent resolution establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2027 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2028 through 2036; to the Committee on the Budget.
Measures Discharged
Page S4260 · Official textThe following joint resolution was discharged from the Committee on the Budget pursuant to Sec. 300 of the Congressional Budget Act and placed on the calendar:
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H. Con. Res. 113. Concurrent resolution establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2027 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2028 through 2036.
Measures Placed on the Calendar
Page S4260 · Official textThe following bills were read the first and second times by unanimous consent, and placed on the calendar:
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H.R. 1722. An act to require an annual report of taxpayer-funded projects that are over budget and behind schedule.
H.R. 8205. An act to amend the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act to reauthorize the provisions of such Act through fiscal year 2031, and for other purposes.
Measures Held Over/Under Rule
Page S4260 · Official textThe following resolution was read, and held over, under the rule:
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S. Res. 817. An executive resolution authorizing the en bloc consideration in Executive Session of certain nominations on the Executive Calendar.
Executive and Other Communications
Pages S4260–S4261 · Official textThe following communications were laid before the Senate, together with accompanying papers, reports, and documents, and were referred as indicated:
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EC-4155. A communication from the Senior Bureau Official, Legislative Affairs, Department of State, transmitting, pursuant to section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, the Air Force's proposed letter(s) of offer and acceptance to the Government of Kuwait for defense articles and services estimated to cost $484 million ((RSAT Case 26-61)(OSS-2026-0541)); to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
EC-4156. A communication from the Senior Bureau Official, Legislative Affairs, Department of State, transmitting, pursuant to section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control
Act, the Navy's proposed letter(s) of offer and acceptance to the Government of Saudi Arabia for defense articles and services estimated to cost $1.96 billion ((RSAT Case 26-85) (OSS-2026-0542)); to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
EC-4157. A communication from the Acting Associate General Counsel for Legislation and Regulations, Office of Community Planning and Development, Department of Housing and Urban Development, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled "Revising HUD's Noise Abatement and Control Regulations" (RIN2506-AC63) received in the Office of the President of the Senate on July 22, 2026; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
EC-4158. A communication from the Senior Counsel, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled "Financial Data Transparency Act Joint Data Standards" (RIN1557-AF22) received in the Office of the President of the Senate on July 22, 2026; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
Petitions and Memorials
Pages S4261–S4264 · Official textThe following petitions and memorials were laid before the Senate and were referred or ordered to lie on the table as indicated:
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POM-54. A concurrent resolution adopted by the Legislature of the State of Louisiana urging the United States Congress to take such actions as are necessary to ensure that all individuals in the Jeffrey Epstein files, including those involved in alleged criminal activities such as child sex trafficking, blackmail, and bribery are fully disclosed, investigated, prosecuted, and held responsible through every available legal process; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Whereas, the Epstein Files Transparency Act (Pub. L. 119-38) was passed by Congress and signed into law on November 19, 2025, requiring the United States Department of Justice to release unclassified documents related to the prosecution of Jeffrey Epstein; and
Whereas, the Epstein Files Transparency Act mandates the public disclosure of records in a searchable format with redactions limited to protecting victim identities; and
Whereas, initial releases began on December 19, 2025, followed by additional disclosures in January 2026 that revealed details of Epstein's network including his association and connection to Ghislaine Maxwell; and
Whereas, the files have disclosed alleged involvement in criminal activities of high-profile individuals including Ghislaine Maxwell, that include child sex trafficking involving minors as young as nine years of age, rape, blackmail, bribery, and a client list implicating politicians, celebrities, royalty and wealthy individuals; and
Whereas, these allegations represent serious violations of law and public trust; and
Whereas, full accountability is essential to uphold justice and protect the public. Now therefore be it
Resolved, That the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby memorialize the United States Congress to ensure that all individuals implicated in the Epstein files are fully disclosed, investigated, prosecuted, and charged through every available legal process, and be it further
Resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the secretary of the United States Senate, the clerk of the United States House of Representatives, and to each member of the Louisiana delegation to the United States Congress.
POM-55. A concurrent resolution adopted by the Legislature of the State of Louisiana urging the United States Congress to support H.R. 1514 and S. 1078 of the 119th Congress, entitled the `Mississippi River Basin Fishery Commission Act', and to take such actions as are necessary to ensure the state of Louisiana will join the commission as a voting member upon its passage; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Whereas, the Mississippi River Basin is the fourth largest watershed in the world and the largest watershed in the nation, draining all or part of thirty-one states and two Canadian provinces, measuring approximately one million two hundred thousand square miles, and covering forty-one percent of the continental United States; and
Whereas, management of the inland fishery resources of the Mississippi River Basin is shared by thirty-one states, multiple federal agencies, and two Canadian provinces; and
Whereas, the Mississippi River and its tributaries comprise one of the largest and most valuable ecosystems in the world; and
Whereas, states, including Louisiana, within the Mississippi River Basin have formed multiple regional interstate partnerships, and one basin-wide partnership, to promote cooperation and communication among the conservation agencies in order to manage the interjurisdictional fishery resources of the basin; and
Whereas, twenty-eight Mississippi River Basin state fishery agencies, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Reclamation, the United States Geological Survey, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Chippewa-Cree Tribe, and the Chickasaw Nation ratified the Mississippi Interstate Cooperative Resource Agreement in 1990 and formed the Mississippi Interstate Cooperative Resource Association (MICRA) in 1991 to improve the management of interjurisdictional fishery resources in the basin; and
Whereas, recognizing the economic, ecologic, and cultural value of the diverse interjurisdictional fishery resources in the Mississippi River Basin and the complexity and severity of issues facing resource management agencies, Congress has acknowledged the need for the establishment of a Mississippi River Basin Fishery Commission for basin-wide, interagency collaboration in the establishment of shared management objectives, and the collaborative planning, implementation, and evaluation of management actions to provide for the long-term biologic and economic sustainability of interjurisdictional fishery resources in the basin; and
Whereas, with long-term sustainability of interjurisdictional fishery resources depending on the control of aquatic invasive species within the Mississippi River Basin, the commission is vital to provide for coordinated, inter-agency, basin-wide management, control, and removal of invasive carps and other prioritized aquatic invasive species within the basin; and
Whereas, by consent of Congress, and as directed by federal law under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq., and the Interjurisdictional Fisheries Act of 1986, 16 U.S.C. 4101 et seq., sustainable fisheries within the United States coastal waters of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of America, have been managed by multi-state commissions and fishery councils for many decades; and
Whereas, the interjurisdictional and international fishery resources of the Great Lakes are cooperatively managed by the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, operating through the 1954 Convention on Great Lake Fisheries; and
Whereas, the Mississippi River Basin Fishery Commission will improve the management and utilization of sustainable interjurisdictional fishery resources in the Mississippi River Basin through the development of a multi-agency program for the joint management and protection of such fishery resources; and
Whereas, in Louisiana, reproducing populations of invasive carp are expanding in both range and numbers within the major rivers of the state, impacting fisheries production and recreation; apple snails are increasing their range and disrupting food chains; giant salvinia, water hyacinth, and other invasive plants are impacting boating and other recreation and modifying aquatic habitat; and other aquatic invasive species are negatively impacting fisheries production and recreation and the economic output and enjoyment that a healthy fishery brings to the state; and
Whereas, freshwater fishing provides more than two billion dollars in economic impact to the state of Louisiana, and therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Legislature of Louisiana hereby memorializes the Congress of the United States to support H.R. 1514 and S. 1078 of the 119th Congress, entitled the "Mississippi River Basin Fishery Commission Act", and to take such actions as are necessary to ensure the state of Louisiana will join the commission as a voting member upon its passage, and be it further
Resolved, That a copy of this Resolution shall be transmitted to the secretary of the United States Senate and the clerk of the United States House of Representatives and to each member of the Louisiana delegation to the United States Congress.
POM-56. A concurrent resolution adopted by the Legislature of the State of Louisiana urging the United States Congress to reevaluate and redraw flood-risk maps and systems upon fifty percent completion of the Comite River Diversion Canal Project and decrease insurance rates based on mitigation progress in Louisiana; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
Whereas, the Comite River Diversion Canal Project was developed to redirect excess flood water from the Comite River Basin toward the Mississippi River in order to reduce future flood damage; and
Whereas, during the August 2016 flood of record within the basin, approximately 109,000 homes flooded, of which 79,000 homes were located in East Baton Rouge Parish and Livingston Parish. Flood damages were estimated at $3.8 billion in residential property damage with $2.3 billion occurring in East Baton Rouge Parish and Livingston Parish; and
Whereas, following the 2016 flood, the project received major federal funding and advanced into active construction, including work on the diversion channel, control structures, bridges, and related infrastructure and has made measurable progress toward completion, representing a significant step toward long-term flood risk reduction for communities in and around East Baton Rouge Parish; and
Whereas, flood risk is a major factor in increased insurance costs in Louisiana, resulting in higher premiums, financial burdens on families, reduced housing affordability, and impaired economic growth in communities across this state; and
Whereas, the Comite River Diversion Canal Project in southeastern Louisiana is a long-standing federal and state flood mitigation project designed to reduce flood damages for residents and property owners; and
Whereas, despite significant progress toward long-term flood risk reduction and completion of the project since 2016, Louisiana homeowners, renters, farmers, and businesses continue to face severe increases in property and flood insurance premiums; and
Whereas, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has indicated once the project is fifty percent completed, they can begin redrawing flood maps in a way that shows the project is finished, resulting in lowered insurance rates for tens of thousands of people who live within the Basin; and
Whereas, it has been publicly reported that FEMA estimates that the fifty percent threshold for project completion will be met in the summer of 2027, and by 2028 should eliminate or reduce flood insurance premiums in advance of the project being completed; and
Whereas, recognition of substantial completion benchmarks, including approximately fifty percent completion of the Comite River Diversion Canal Project, should support updated risk modeling, mitigation recognition, improved affordability, and future premium relief. Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby memorialize the Congress of the United States to take necessary action to stabilize and reduce insurance costs for Louisiana residents and businesses impacted by flood risk, including though federal recognition of measurable flood-risk reduction associated with major mitigation infrastructure; and be it further
Resolved, That a copy of this Resolution shall be transmitted to the secretary of the United States Senate and the clerk of the United States House of Representatives and to each member of the Louisiana delegation of the United States Congress.
POM-57.
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A concurrent resolution adopted by the Legislature of the State of Louisiana urging the United States Congress to ensure the timely passage of appropriation measures that fully fund and align with the National Defense Authorization Act in order to support the readiness, stability, and well-being of United States military personnel and their families; to the Committee on Appropriations.
Whereas, the state of Louisiana plays a vital role in national defense through its military installations, defense-related industries, and strategic infrastructure supporting air, land, and maritime operations; and
Whereas, Louisiana is home to thousands of United States military personnel, including active duty service members, reservists, and National Guard members, as well as the families who support them; and
Whereas, the National Defense Authorization Act establishes the policy framework and authorizes funding necessary to maintain military readiness and to provide essential support to military personnel and their families; and
Whereas, delays in the enactment of full-year federal appropriations and the repeated reliance on continuing resolutions have created uncertainty in defense funding, limiting the ability of the United States Department of Defense to implement authorized programs, initiate new projects, and effectively plan for long-term readiness; and
Whereas, the funding uncertainty can delay military construction, disrupt training and operations, and strain essential services that support military personnel and their families, including housing, health care, childcare, and spousal employment opportunities; and
Whereas, consistent and reliable funding is critical to maintaining recruitment, retention, morale, and the overall effectiveness of the United States Armed Forces; and
Whereas, the state of Louisiana has a long-standing commitment to supporting military personnel and their families, and recognizes the indispensable contributions they have made to national security and to emergency and disaster response efforts within this state; and
Whereas, the state of Louisiana recognizes the urgent need to fully fund and align with the National Defense Authorization Act in order to support the overall effectiveness of the United States Armed Forces, military personnel, and their families, and therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Legislature of Louisiana memorializes the Congress of the United States to ensure the timely passage of appropriation measures that fully fund and align with the National Defense Authorization Act in order to support the urgent need of the readiness, stability, and well-being of United States military personnel and their families, and be it further
Resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the secretary of the United States Senate and the clerk of the United States House of Representatives and to each member of the Louisiana delegation to the United States Congress.
POM-58. A concurrent resolution adopted by the Legislature of the State of Louisiana urging the United States Congress and the administration of the President of the United States to take such actions as are necessary to pass the Major Richard Star Act to ensure that combat-wounded, medically retired service members receive full military entitlements; to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Whereas, the law currently prohibits approximately fifty thousand combat-wounded, medically retired service members from receiving, concurrently, a full military retirement pay and disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs; and
Whereas, this prohibition results in a dollar-for-dollar offset, denying veterans full earned benefits despite the many sacrifices made in service to our great nation; and
Whereas, Richard Star was a decorated United States Army Major who served on the front line in Iraq and Afghanistan, suffered serious combat-related injuries leading to a medical retirement, and tragically passed away from lung cancer in 2021; and
Whereas, upon his death, the family of Major Richard Star loss significant retirement benefits as a direct result of the unjust dollar-for-dollar offset; and
Whereas, support of the Major Richard Star Act includes six members of the Louisiana congressional delegation: Representatives Julia Letlow (R-LA-5), Troy A. Carter (D-LA-2), Cleo Fields (D-LA-6), and Clay Higgins (R-LA-3) in the House of Representatives, and Senators John Kennedy (R-LA) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) in the United States Senate; and
Whereas, the Major Richard Star Act, reintroduced in the 119th Congress as H.R. 2101 in the House of Representatives and S. 1032 in the Senate, would eliminate the offset for veterans with combat-related disabilities and allow service members to receive, without reduction, both the earned retirement pay from the Department of Defense and a disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs; and
Whereas, H.R. 2102, sponsored by Representative Gus M. Bilirakis (R-FL), currently has three hundred fourteen cosponsors in the United States House of Representatives, and S. 1032, sponsored by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), has seventy-seven cosponsors in the United States Senate, demonstrating strong bipartisan support; and
Whereas, despite widespread bipartisan support and the introduction of the legislation in March 2025, the Major Richard Star Act remains stalled in committee as of February 2026, with no floor vote or further action taken; and
Whereas, the Legislature of Louisiana is deeply disappointed that the United States Congress has failed to enact the Major Richard Star Act, thereby neglecting to properly care for our combat-injured veterans who have sacrificed so much for our freedom and security; and
Whereas, passing the Major Richard Star Act is essential to honor the promises made to our military veterans and ensure that proper entitlements and the fall benefits; earned, through member service and sacrifice, are received; and therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Legislature of Louisiana memorializes F the Congress of the United States and the administration of United States President Donald Trump to take such actions as are necessary to pass the Major Richard Star Act (H.R. 2102 and S. 1032) to ensure that combat wounded, medically retired service members receive proper military entitlements and be it further
Resolved, That a copy of this Resolution shall be transmitted to the president of the United States, the secretary of the United States Senate, the clerk of the House of Representatives, and each member of the Louisiana delegation to the United States Congress in recognition of the urgent need to support our nation's combat-wounded, medically retired service members.
POM-59. A concurrent resolution adopted by the Legislature of the State of Kansas applying to the United States Congress, under the provisions of Article V of the Constitution of the United States, to call a convention for the purpose of proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States that impose limits on the federal government; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Whereas, The founders of our Constitution empowered state legislators to be guardians of liberty against future abuses of power by the federal government; and
Whereas, The federal government has created a crushing national debt through improper and imprudent spending; and
Whereas, The federal government has invaded the legitimate roles of the states through the manipulative a process of federal mandates, most of which are unfunded and encroach on personal civil liberties through coercion and punishment for noncompliance; and
Whereas, it is the solemn duty of the states to protect the liberty of our people, particularly for the generations to come, by proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States through a convention of the states under Article V for the purpose of restraining these and related abuses of power; and
Whereas, Article V of the Constitution of the United States grants equal authority to the legislatures of the several states to apply for a convention for proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States; and
Whereas, The people of the state of Kansas, through a 1974 amendment to the Constitution of the state of Kansas, imposed an additional requirement upon the Kansas Legislature in the form of a requirement that any application to Congress for a convention for proposing amendments pursuant to Article V of the Constitution of the United States be passed by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members of each house: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of Kansas, the House of Representatives concurring therein: The legislature of the state of Kansas hereby applies to the Congress of the United States, under the provisions of Article V of the Constitution of the United States, for the calling of a convention of the states limited to proposing amendments to the constitution of the United States that impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government and limit the terms of office for officials of the federal government and members of the Congress of the United States; and be it further
Resolved: This application constitutes a continuing application in accordance with Article V of the Constitution of the United States until the legislatures of at least two-thirds of the several states have made application on the same subject; and be it further
Resolved: That the Secretary of the Senate shall send an enrolled copy of this resolution to the President and Secretary of the United States Senate and the Speaker and the Clerk of the United States House of Representatives, to the members of the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives from this state and to the presiding officers of each of the legislative chambers in the several states.
POM-60. A resolution adopted by the Senate of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania urging the United States Congress to recommend awarding the Congressional Medal of Honor to Major Richard D. Winters of Easy Company, 101st Airborne, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Battalion Company; to the Committee on Armed Services.
Whereas, Major Richard D.
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Winters, 101st Airborne, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Battalion Company, is most widely known from the HBO mini-series Band of Brothers; and
Whereas, In addition to recognizing Major Winters, it is important to remember September 2026 as the 25th anniversary of the Band of Brothers mini-series; and
Whereas, Major Winters enlisted in August 1941 and attended Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he graduated in July 1942 as a 2nd Lieutenant; and
Whereas, Major Winters completed Paratrooper Training at Camp Toccoa, Georgia, in August 1942 and Specialized Jump Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, before being deployed to Europe; and
Whereas, Major Winters parachuted into enemy territory on June 6, 1944, D-Day; and
Whereas, Major Winters was promoted to Captain of Easy Company of the 101st Airborne, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Battalion Company on July 1, 1944; and
Whereas, On October 5, 1944, Major Winters, as a Captain, sent out a four-member reconnaissance patrol to search for enemies near Nijmegen; and
Whereas, The four-member reconnaissance patrol was ambushed, resulting in all four members sustaining wounds, with PFC James Alley, Jr., receiving 32 shrapnel wounds; and
Whereas, Despite the ambush, Major Winters' decision to send the patrol saved the rest of the company from an enemy ambush; and
Whereas, On October 5, 1944, Major Winters, as a Captain, led a bayonet assault with 35 men against a company of more than 250 German SS troops at the Heteren Crossroads in Holland; and
Whereas, Major Winters' quick actions led to the German SS company sustaining more than 160 casualties and 36 of the German infantry taken as prisoners of war; and
Whereas, Major Winters' men sustained one soldier killed in action and 20 other men wounded in action; and
Whereas, Major Winters' actions at Heteren Crossroads prevented a large group of German SS troops from attacking the 1st and 2nd Battalion Headquarters; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Senate of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania urge the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives to recommend awarding the Congressional Medal of Honor to Major Richard D. Winters of Easy Company, 101st Airborne, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Battalion Company; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the presiding officers of each house of Congress and to each member of Congress from Pennsylvania.
POM-61. A concurrent memorial adopted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona urging the United States Congress to enact legislation divesting the United States of the San Carlos irrigation project electric system; to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
Whereas, the San Carlos irrigation project (SCIP) electric system is one of only two electric systems in the United States that are operated by the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs; and
Whereas, SCIP's primary energy source was intended to be electric power from hydropower projects; and
Whereas, extended drought in SCIP's geographic region continues to b reduce hydropower generation, requiring SCIP to seek power on the open market; and
Whereas, due to federal procedures and regulations and oversight by the Bureau of Indian Affairs agency, SCIP faces challenges in securing purchased power through long-term contracts and is required to make most purchases on a cash basis from short-term contracts and the day ahead market, resulting in rate instability and unpredictable costs for customers; and
Whereas, in order to raise funds for capital improvements, SCIP recently had to significantly increase its rates up to 40%, which was an undue financial burden for its customers and resulted in many having their SCIP service cut off due to their inability to pay; and
Whereas, federal regulations limit the ability for SCIP to invest in its system through improvements that are funded outside of federal appropriations, therefore preventing SCIP from raising funds from bonds as other federal utilities do; and
Whereas, the large and rough geographic area of SCIP's territory, which is located on both tribal and nontribal lands, creates a service territory that is fragmented and difficult to maintain and, as a result, requires significant financial investment to upgrade and modernize; and
Whereas, the challenges with maintaining the system have led to system degradation, which has caused repeated and extended power outages impacting customers across the system during both the summer and winter seasons when customers are most reliant on electric service; and
Whereas, since the mid-1980s, problems have persisted with the SCIP system, resulting in congressionally approved legislation authorizing the Bureau of Indian Affairs to divest the SCIP electric system; and
Whereas, stakeholders, including impacted customers, have renewed efforts to improve the reliability and affordability of electric service for SCIP customers; and
Whereas, neighboring nonprofit public power utilities, the San Carlos Apache Tribe and the Gila River Indian Community have engaged in discussions to service the entire SCIP electric system and provide reliable, affordable and safe service to all SCIP customers within their respective community boundaries while supporting stable employment for SCIP employees.
Wherefore your memorialist, the Senate of the State of Arizona, the House of Representatives concurring, prays:
1. That the United States Congress pass legislation divesting the United States and the Bureau of Indian Affairs of the San Carlos irrigation project electric system.
2. That the United States Congress provide funding for a necessary system study and desperately needed improvements that will provide the reliable, affordable and safe power that San Carlos irrigation project customers deserve and are entitled to as citizens of the United States and Arizona.
3. That the Secretary of State of the State of Arizona transmit copies of this Memorial to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives and each Member of Congress from the State of Arizona.
POM-62. A joint resolution adopted by the Legislature of the State of California urging the United States Congress to explore advancing innovative solutions in enteric methane emission reduction while preserving the economic sustainability of the cattle industries; to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Whereas, California is committed to reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and advancing sustainable agricultural practices while supporting the economic viability and circular economy principles of its cattle industries;
Whereas, Solutions can be defined as developing or established technologies and practices that consist of, but are not limited to, feed additives, breeding practices, byproduct-based diets, and biosolutions; and
Whereas, Enteric methane emissions from livestock are a source of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and reducing these emissions can contribute to California's climate goals; and
Whereas, Scientific research has demonstrated that certain solutions can reduce enteric methane emissions in cattle without compromising milk and beef production; and
Whereas, Scientific research is still needed to comprehensively assess the cost-effectiveness of enteric methane reduction solutions, the potential long-term impacts on animal health, and the environmental safety and methane reduction efficacy of these solutions; and
Whereas, The voluntary adoption of enteric methane reduction solutions by California's cattle industries can help achieve California's methane reduction goals but must maintain the economic sustainability of its cattle industries; and
Whereas, The costs associated with implementing enteric methane reduction solutions should not impose an undue financial burden on the cattle industries, and financial incentives and market-based compensation should be among the range of strategies considered to reduce the impact of any cost drivers; and
Whereas, Consumer confidence in cattle products is essential to the success of California's cattle industries, and the adoption of enteric methane and reduction solutions must be carefully balanced against consumer acceptance, ensuring transparency, food safety, and continued market trust; and
Whereas, A competitive and diverse marketplace for enteric methane reduction solutions is necessary to ensure that no single
product or manufacturer is given preference, allowing the cattle industries to choose the most effective and economically viable solutions for their operations; and
Whereas, Organic cattle and dairy producers must have access to enteric methane reduction solutions that comply with organic certification standards, ensuring that all segments involved in the cattle industries can participate in methane reduction efforts while maintaining their market integrity; and
Whereas, the voluntary use of enteric methane reduction solutions by the cattle industries shall not be construed to grant the State Air Resources Board regulatory authority over enteric methane emissions beyond existing law; and
Whereas, Consideration shall be given to directing revenues generated from enteric methane reduction efforts, including those from carbon markets or supply chain incentives, to the cattle industries implementing these reductions; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate and the Assembly of the State of California, jointly, That the Legislature of the State of California remains committed to advancing innovative solutions that reduce enteric methane emissions while preserving the economic sustainability of California's cattle industries, including consideration of the voluntary use of feed additives designed to reduce enteric methane emissions, as part of a broader strategy that thoughtfully balances environmental progress with market viability and consumer confidence; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature of the State of California urges the United States Congress to explore advancing innovative solutions in enteric methane emission reduction while preserving the economic sustainability of the cattle industries, including consideration of the voluntary use of feed additives designed to reduce enteric methane emissions, as part of a broader strategy that thoughtfully balances environmental progress with market viability and consumer confidence generally; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the Governor, the Secretary of Food and Agriculture, the Chair of the State Air Resources Board, the United States Department of Agriculture, the United States Food and Drug Administration, other relevant stakeholders, the President and Vice President of the United States, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Majority Leader of the Senate, and each Senator and Representative from California in the Congress of the United States.
POM-63. A joint resolution adopted by the Legislature of the State of California urging the President of the United States to sign, and the United States Congress to approve, legislation that would authorize the City of Eastvale to be assigned an independent ZIP Code; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Whereas, The City of Eastvale was incorporated on October 1, 2010. Located in the County of Riverside, before incorporation Eastvale was predominantly dairy farms and agricultural land; and
Whereas, The United States Postal Service uses Zone Improvement Plan Codes, commonly known as ZIP Codes, to route mail and deliver packages. ZIP Codes assist the United States Postal Service in meeting its obligation to provide quality mail delivery to the American public at reasonable prices; and
Whereas, The City of Eastvale shares the ZIP Code 91752 with the City of Jurupa Valley.
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The ZIP Code is coded as the former Mira Loma community, which was annexed by the Cities of Eastvale and Jurupa Valley. Additionally, the City of Eastvale also shares the ZIP Code 92880 with the City of Corona; and
Whereas, The City of Eastvale has grown exponentially in the last two decades and currently has an estimated population of over 70,000, according to 2023 census information; and
Whereas, Since its incorporation, the City of Eastvale has experienced various challenges because it shares ZIP Codes with neighboring jurisdictions; and
Whereas, It is difficult for certain businesses to expand in the City of Eastvale because commercial developers and businesses evaluate expansion decisions based on trade areas that are analyzed by ZIP Codes; and
Whereas, Because the City of Eastvale does not have its own ZIP Code, its population demographics and economic data are inaccurately represented in various Geographic Information System (GIS) platforms that entities utilize to inform commercial attractiveness, insurance payment rates, and sales tax distribution decisions; and
Whereas, Eastvale residents and visitors experience navigational and mail delivery challenges because many addresses in the City of Eastvale are incorrectly identified as being located in Corona, Jurupa Valley, or Mira Loma; and
Whereas, Having an address improperly associated with another city has led to increased insurance rates for Eastvale residents due to being grouped with other jurisdictions; and
Whereas, Lack of a definitive ZIP Code causes confusion with voter registration, misdirected property, possible decreased sales tax revenue, and decreased property values because comparable sales are mixed with adjacent communities and are not exclusive to the City of Eastvale. Thus, the continuity of property values is disrupted; and
Whereas, The City of Eastvale is also concerned about possible delays in response efforts in the event of large-scale emergencies such as wildfires, which have become fairly common; and
Whereas, Eastvale residents' eligibility for sport league participation is impacted because many associations and sport entities set team limits and restrictions based on ZIP Codes; and
Whereas, The City of Eastvale's independent ZIP Code advocacy efforts have been widely supported by local governments and community organizations, including the City of Chino, the City of Corona, the City of Norco, the City of Ontario, the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Eastvale Chamber of Commerce, the Eastvale Chinese American Association, the Eastvale Kiwanis Club, and Norco College; and
Whereas, Granting the City of Eastvale a new and independent ZIP Code would address its emergency management, public safety, business attraction and retention, and insurance coverage challenges caused by factors that are outside of its control; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate and the Assembly of the State of California, jointly, That the Legislature urges the President of the United States to sign, and the United States Congress to approve, legislation that would authorize the City of Eastvale to be assigned an independent ZIP Code; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the President and the Vice President of the United States, to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, to the Minority Leader.of the House of Represetrtatives, to the Majority Leader of the United States Senate, to the Minority Leader of the United States Senate, to each Senator and Representative from California in the Congress of the United States, and to the author for appropriate distribution.
Reports of Committees
Pages S4264–S4265 · Official textThe following reports of committees were submitted:
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By Mr. LEE, from the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, without amendment:
H.R. 204. An act to require that the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior submit accurate reports regarding hazardous fuels reduction activities, and for other purposes.
S. 290. A bill to direct the Secretary of the Interior to upgrade existing emergency communications centers in units of the National Park System to Next Generation 9-1-1 systems, and for other purposes.
S. 332. A bill to require a study on Holocaust education efforts of States, local educational agencies, and public elementary and secondary schools, and for other purposes.
By Mr. LEE, from the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, with an amendment:
S. 700. A bill to require the Secretary of Agriculture to convey the Pleasant Valley Ranger District Administrative Site to Gila County, Arizona.
By Mr. LEE, from the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, without amendment:
S. 815. A bill to designate the outdoor amphitheater at the Blue Ridge Music Center in Galax, Virginia, as the "Rick Boucher Amphitheater".
H.R. 952. An act to convey the reversionary interest of the United States in certain land in Sacramento, California.
By Mr. LEE, from the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, with an amendment and an amendment to the title:
S. 1135. A bill to amend the National Trails System Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study on the feasibility of designating the Bonneville Shoreline Trail.
By Mr. LEE, from the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute:
S. 1175. A bill to amend section 6903 of title 31, United States Code, to provide for additional population tiers, and for other purposes.
By Mr. LEE, from the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, with an amendment:
S. 1353. A bill to extend the authority for modifications to the Second Division Memorial in the District of Columbia.
S. 1363. A bill to provide for greater cooperation and coordination between the Federal Government and the governing bodies and community users of land grant-mercedes in New Mexico relating to historical or traditional uses of certain land grant-mercedes on Federal public land, and for other purposes.
By Mr. LEE, from the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, without amendment:
S. 1470. A bill to require the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to prioritize the completion of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, and for other purposes.
By Mr. LEE, from the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute:
S. 1516. A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of the Cahokia Mounds, Emerald Mounds, and Pulcher Mounds in the State of Illinois, and for other purposes.
By Mr. LEE, from the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, without amendment:
S. 1518. A bill to redesignate the Saratoga National Historical Park as the "Saratoga National Battlefield Park".
H.R. 1550. An act to redesignate Saratoga National Historical Park as Saratoga National Battlefield Park.
S. 1787. A bill to establish the Dolores River National Conservation Area and the Dolores River Special Management Area in the State of Colorado, to protect private water rights in the State, and for other purposes.
By Mr. LEE, from the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute:
H.R. 1829. An act to require the Secretary of Agriculture to convey certain lands within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, and for other purposes.
S. 1860. A bill to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to convey to Brian Head Town, Utah, certain National Forest System land.
S. 1981. A bill to require the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to utilize grazing for wildfire risk reduction, and for other purposes.
By Mr. LEE, from the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, without amendment:
S. 2102. A bill to establish the Ralph David Abernathy, Sr., National Historic Site, and for other purposes.
S. 2273. A bill to amend the Act of July 10, 1890, to modify certain provisions relating to the disposal of public land in the State of Wyoming for educational purposes.
S. 2546. A bill to provide for an extension of the legislative authority of the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Foundation to establish a commemorative work in the District of Columbia and its environs.
By Mr. LEE, from the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, with an amendment:
S. 2787. A bill to amend the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to ensure that ranchers who have grazing agreements on national grasslands are treated the same as permittees on other Federal land.
S. 2881. A bill to provide for the transfer of administrative jurisdiction over certain Federal land in the State of California, and for other purposes.
By Mr. LEE, from the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute:
S. 3004. A bill to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain Bureau of Land Management land to the city of Price, Utah, and for other purposes.
S. 3493. A bill to provide for the conveyance of certain Federal land in Carson City, Nevada, and for other purposes.
By Mr. LEE, from the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, without amendment:
S. 3878. A bill to establish the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians and Jefferson College as affiliated areas of the National Park System, and for other purposes.
H.R. 3937. An act to provide for the conveyance of certain Federal land in Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, and for other purposes.
Executive Reports of Committees
Page S4265 · Official textThe following executive reports of nominations were submitted:
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By Mr. SCOTT, of South Carolina, for the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
*Christopher Phelan, of Minnesota, to be Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers.
*John Crews, of Virginia, to be a Member of the National Credit Union Administration Board for a term expiring August 2, 2031.
By Mr. CRAPO for the Committee on Finance.
*Sriprakash Kothari, of Massachusetts, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury.
*Erin Browne, of New York, to be an Under Secretary of the Treasury .
*George McMaster, of South Carolina, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury.
*Francis Brooke, of Virginia, to be Deputy Secretary of the Treasury.
By Mr. GRASSLEY for the Committee on the Judiciary.
Daniel Desmond Domenico, of Colorado, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Tenth Circuit.
Matthew R. Byrne, of Ohio, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Ohio.
Christopher Nassar, of Oklahoma, to be United States Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma for the term of four years.
*Nomination was reported with recommendation that it be confirmed subject to the nominee's commitment to respond to requests to appear and testify before any duly constituted committee of the Senate. (Nominations without an asterisk were reported with the recommendation that they be confirmed.)
Introduction of Bills and Joint Resolutions
Pages S4265–S4266 · Official textThe 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. WICKER (for himself and Mr. Warnock):
S. 5095. A bill to require the Secretary of Transportation to revise certain Federal motor vehicle safety standards to advance tire technologies, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
By Mr. SCOTT of South Carolina (for himself and Mr.
Warnock):
S. 5096. A bill to amend section 477 of the Social Security Act to improve supports for expectant and parenting youth who have experienced foster care by strengthening coordination with the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Finance.
By Mr. SHEEHY (for himself and Mr. Moreno):
S. 5097. A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for a pause on the issuance of H-1B visas until certain limitations on the issuance thereof are implemented; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
By Mrs. BLACKBURN (for herself and Mr. Warner):
S. 5098. A bill to direct the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to establish a K-12 Cybersecurity Technology Improvement Program, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
By Mr. BOOKER (for himself and Mr. Budd):
S. 5099. A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize a grant program for addressing dental workforce needs; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
By Mr. BOOKER (for himself and Mr. Kim):
S. 5100. A bill to name the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Newton, New Jersey, as the "Anthony `Tony' J. Gallopo VA Clinic"; to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
By Mr. BENNET (for himself and Mr. Hickenlooper):
S. 5101. A bill to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from taking any action to expand the Mid-Continent Limestone Quarry located near Glenwood Springs, Colorado; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
By Mr. SCHIFF:
S. 5102. A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to clarify certain conduct that is prohibited for purposes of bribery of public officials and witnesses, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
By Mr. SCHIFF:
S. 5103. A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to provide that officers and employees of the executive branch are required to recuse themselves in matters affecting the financial interests of their previous employers, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
By Ms. WARREN (for herself, Mr. Booker, and Mr. Welch):
S. 5104. A bill to amend the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act to limit intellectual property protection for plants, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
By Mr. SCHIFF (for himself and Mr. Banks):
S. 5105. A bill to establish the applicability of antitrust laws to the sharing of artificial intelligence frontier model risks, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
By Mr. MERKLEY:
S. 5106. A bill to establish a grant program to promote wildfire resilience investments and a pilot program to reduce the cost burden of insurance premiums, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Finance.
By Mr. SCHIFF:
S. 5107. A bill to prohibit chief executive officers convicted of crimes relating to corruption from serving in the executive branch, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
By Ms. DUCKWORTH (for herself, Mrs. Murray, Mr. Booker,
Mr. Schumer, Ms. Alsobrooks, Ms. Baldwin, Mr. Bennet,
Mr. Blumenthal, Ms. Blunt Rochester, Ms. Cantwell,
Mr. Coons, Ms. Cortez Masto, Mr. Durbin, Mr.
Fetterman, Mr. Gallego, Mrs. Gillibrand, Ms. Hassan,
Mr. Heinrich, Mr. Hickenlooper, Ms. Hirono, Mr.
Kaine, Mr. Kelly, Mr. Kim, Mr. King, Ms. Klobuchar,
Mr. Lujan, Mr. Markey, Mr. Merkley, Mr. Murphy, Mr.
Ossoff, Mr. Padilla, Mr. Peters, Mr. Reed, Ms. Rosen,
Mr. Sanders, Mr. Schatz, Mr. Schiff, Mrs. Shaheen,
Ms. Slotkin, Ms. Smith, Mr. Van Hollen, Mr. Warner,
Mr. Warnock, Ms. Warren, Mr. Welch, Mr. Whitehouse,
and Mr. Wyden):
S. 5108. A bill to protect and expand nationwide access to assisted reproductive technology, including in vitro fertilization; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
By Mr. LANKFORD (for himself and Mr. Coons):
S. 5109. A bill to authorize the Department of Justice to provide grant funding to accredited nonprofit organizations to provide
better access to needed training for law enforcement officers in rural and smaller communities; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
By Mr. CRUZ (for himself and Mr. Schatz):
S. 5110. A bill to add requirements for certain literacy activities carried out under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
By Ms. CORTEZ MASTO (for herself and Mrs. Blackburn):
S. 5111. A bill to require validation of electronic filing identification numbers used to electronically file tax returns and other documents; to the Committee on Finance.
By Mr. MARKEY (for himself, Mr. Sanders, Ms. Warren,
Mr. Blumenthal, Mr. Merkley, Ms. Baldwin, Mr. Booker,
and Ms. Smith):
S. 5112. A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to enforce certain requirements with respect to for-profit corporations that own health care systems, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Finance.
By Mr. GALLEGO (for himself and Mr. Marshall):
S. 5113. A bill to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study and report on the state of men's health in the United States and to establish an Office of Men's Health within the Department of Health and Human Services; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions .
By Mr. CURTIS (for himself and Mr. Kelly):
S. 5114. A bill to amend title 49, United States Code, to include certain ridership forecasting methods in determinations of whether a project under the fixed guideway capital investment grants program is justified, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
By Ms. BLUNT ROCHESTER (for herself and Mr. Justice):
S. 5115. A bill to amend the Food Security Act of 1985 to add the emergency watershed program as a covered program for purposes of carrying out the regional conservation partnership program, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
By Mr. YOUNG (for himself, Mr. Kaine, Mr. Scott of
South Carolina, Mr. Warnock, Mr. Kennedy, and Mr.
Kim):
S. 5116. A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require the standards for accreditation of an institution of higher education to assess the institution's adoption of admissions practices that refrain from preferential treatment in admissions based on an applicant's relationship to alumni of, or donors to, the institution, to authorize a feasibility study on data collection, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
By Mr. KELLY (for himself and Mr. Justice):
S. 5117. A bill to establish consumer transparency and protection requirements for artificial intelligence chatbots, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
By Mr. LUJAN:
S. 5118. A bill to require the Secretary of the Interior to meaningfully involve the public and State, Tribal, and local government officials prior to determining whether to offer certain parcels of land for oil or gas leasing, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
By Mr. MARKEY (for himself, Mrs. Capito, Mr. Van
Hollen, Ms. Collins, Mr. Warner, Mrs. Hyde-Smith, Mr.
Blumenthal, Mr. Daines, Ms. Cantwell, Mrs. Blackburn,
Ms. Klobuchar, Mr. Justice, Mr. Merkley, and Mr.
Cramer):
S. 5119. A bill to require the United States Postal Service to sell the Alzheimer's semipostal stamp for 6 additional years; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
By Mr. HEINRICH (for himself and Mr. Kennedy):
S. 5120. A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand access to psychological and behavioral health services; to the Committee on Finance.
By Mr. MURPHY (for himself, Ms. Baldwin, Mr. Durbin,
Mr. Hickenlooper, Ms. Klobuchar, Mr. Markey, Mr.
Sanders, Mrs. Shaheen, Ms. Smith, Mr. Van Hollen, Mr.
Wyden, Mr. Welch, Mr. Heinrich, Mr. Schiff, and Mrs.
Gillibrand):
S. 5121. A bill to amend chapter 57 of title 28, United States Code, to provide for a code of conduct for justices and judges of the courts of the United States, establish an Ethics Investigations Counsel, and require disclosure of recusals; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
By Mr. WELCH:
S. 5122. A bill to guarantee the right to vote for all citizens regardless of conviction of a criminal offense, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
By Mr. SHEEHY (for himself, Mr. Kelly, Mr. Moran, and
Ms. Cantwell):
S. 5123. A bill to amend title 36, United States Code, to designate July 20 as Lunar Landing Day; considered and passed.
By Mr. PADILLA (for himself, Mr. Blumenthal, Mr. King,
Ms. Klobuchar, Mr. Hickenlooper, Ms. Hirono, Ms.
Slotkin, and Ms. Baldwin):
S. 5124. A bill to prohibit interference in elections for Federal office, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
By Ms. DUCKWORTH:
S. 5125. A bill to require all newly constructed, federally assisted, single-family houses and town houses to meet minimum standards of visitability for persons with disabilities; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
By Ms. BALDWIN (for herself, Ms. Smith, Mr. Heinrich,
and Mr. Fetterman):
S. 5126. A bill to amend the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act and the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to further plant cultivar and animal breed research, development, and commercialization, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
By Mr. BANKS (for himself and Ms. Cortez Masto):
S. 5127. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude from gross income certain compensation to clinical trial participants, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Finance.
By Mr. LEE (for himself and Mr. Tuberville):
S. 5128. A bill to prohibit the award of Federal education funds to educational institutions and agencies that do not allow for religious exemptions to vaccination requirements, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
By Mr. LEE:
S. 5129. A bill to prevent the distribution of intimate visual depictions without consent; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
By Mr. CRUZ (for himself and Mr. Warnock):
S. 5130. A bill to establish the United States Commission on Human Dignity, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
By Mr. SCHATZ (for himself, Mr. Wicker, Ms. Hirono, and
Ms. Duckworth):
S. 5131. A bill to analyze the feasibility of attaching Department of State consular officers to Coast Guard and Navy missions in Pacific Island countries; to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
By Mrs. MURRAY (for herself and Ms. Cortez Masto):
S. 5132. A bill to amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to allow for dual enrollment in the supplemental nutrition assistance program and the food distribution program on Indian reservations; to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
By Mr. MARKEY:
S.J. Res. 202. A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Small Business Administration relating to "Citizenship and Residency Requirements and Recission of Procedural Notice 5000-872050" and "Revised Applicant Ownership, Citizenship, and Residency Requirements for 7(a) and 504 Loans"; to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
Submission of Concurrent and Senate Resolutions
Pages S4266–S4267 · Official textThe following concurrent resolutions and Senate resolutions were read, and referred (or acted upon), as indicated:
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By Mr. CURTIS (for himself, Mr. Lee, and Mr. Crapo):
S. Res. 812. A resolution recognizing the 179th anniversary of the arrival of pioneers belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the Great Salt Lake Valley, honoring the enduring pioneer spirit that shaped the American West, and celebrating its continued relevance to the unfolding American story; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
By Mr. BARRASSO (for himself, Mr. Hickenlooper, Ms.
Cortez Masto, Mr. Cramer, Mr. Crapo, Mr. Cruz, Mr.
Curtis, Mr. Daines, Mrs. Fischer, Mr. Hoeven, Mrs.
Hyde-Smith, Mr. Lankford, Ms. Lummis, Mr. Marshall,
Mr. Moran, Mr. Ricketts, and Mr. Risch):
S. Res. 813. A resolution designating July 25, 2026, as "National Day of the American Cowboy"; considered and agreed to.
By Mr. KIM (for himself, Ms. Duckworth, Mr. Heinrich,
Mr. Hickenlooper, Mr. Padilla, Mr. Kaine, Mr.
Gallego, Ms. Baldwin, Mr. King, Mr. Whitehouse, Mr.
Wyden, Mr. Sanders, Mr. Reed, Ms. Warren, Mr. Durbin,
Mr. Van Hollen, Ms. Klobuchar, Ms. Blunt Rochester,
Mr. Schiff, Mr. Coons, Mrs. Shaheen, Mr. Booker, Mr.
Blumenthal, Mr. Fetterman, Mrs. Gillibrand, Ms.
Cantwell, Mrs. Murray, Mr. Markey, Mr. Murphy, and
Mr. Bennet):
S. Res. 814. A resolution recognizing the importance of independent living and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities made possible by the Americans
with Disabilities Act of 1990 and calling to protect the right of individuals with disabilities to live in their own homes and communities; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
By Mr. DURBIN (for himself and Ms. Duckworth):
S. Res. 815. A resolution commending the Chicago Cubs baseball teams as it celebrates its 150th anniversary on August 29, 2026; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
By Mr. DAINES (for himself, Mr. Peters, and Mr.
Curtis):
S. Res. 816. A resolution honoring 35 years of independence for the countries of Central Asia and recognizing the importance of the United States' growing relationship with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan; to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
By Mr. THUNE:
S. Res. 817. An executive resolution authorizing the en bloc consideration in Executive Session of certain nominations on the Executive Calendar; placed on the executive calendar.
Additional Cosponsors
Pages S4267–S4268 · Official textAt the request of Mr. Barrasso, the name of the Senator from California (Mr. Padilla) was added as a cosponsor of S. 142, a bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal to wildland firefighters in recognition of their strength, resiliency, sacrifice, and service to protect the forests, grasslands, and communities of the United States, and for other purposes. At the request of Mr. Tillis, the name of the Senator from South Carolina (Ms. Graham) was added as a cosponsor of S. 185, a bill to provide a civil remedy for individuals harmed by sanctuary jurisdiction policies, and for other purposes. At the request of Ms. Graham, her name was added as a cosponsor of S. 304, a bill to amend section 301 of the Immigration and Nationality Act to clarify those classes of individuals born in the United States who are nationals and citizens of the United States at birth. At the request of Mr. Schmitt, the name of the Senator from Colorado (Mr. Bennet) was added as a cosponsor of S. 494, a bill to establish a national plan to coordinate research on epilepsy, and for other purposes. At the request of Mr. Risch, the name of the Senator from Indiana (Mr. Banks) was added as a cosponsor of S. 1169, a bill to prohibit State excise taxes on firearms and ammunition manufacturers and dealers. At the request of Ms. Ernst, the name of the Senator from South Carolina (Ms. Graham) was added as a cosponsor of S. 1517, a bill to include sexual assault and aggravated sexual violence in the definition of aggravated felony under the Immigration and Nationality Act in order to expedite the removal of aliens convicted of any such crime. At the request of Mr. Kelly, the name of the Senator from Nevada (Ms. Rosen) was added as a cosponsor of S. 1541, a bill to support the national defense and economic security of the United States by supporting vessels, ports, and shipyards of the United States and the U.S. maritime workforce. At the request of Mrs. Blackburn, the name of the Senator from South Carolina (Ms. Graham) was added as a cosponsor of S. 1952, a bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to establish a criminal prohibition on the public release of the name of a Federal law enforcement officer with the intent to obstruct a criminal investigation or immigration enforcement operation. At the request of Mr. Young, the names of the Senator from Colorado (Mr. Hickenlooper) and the Senator from Ohio (Mr. Moreno) were added as cosponsors of S. 2223, a bill to amend the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to increase the amount that may be invested in small business investment companies. At the request of Mr. Sullivan, the names of the Senator from Connecticut (Mr. Blumenthal) and the Senator from Illinois (Ms. Duckworth) were added as cosponsors of S. 2229, a bill to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint a coin in recognition of the Foreign Service of the United States and its contribution to United States diplomacy. At the request of Mr. Cornyn, the name of the Senator from South Carolina (Ms. Graham) was added as a cosponsor of S. 3054, a bill to amend the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 and the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to enhance efforts to combat the trafficking of children. At the request of Mr. Risch, the name of the Senator from Indiana (Mr. Banks) was added as a cosponsor of S. 3085, a bill to ensure that certain operations, functions, and services of the Federal Government relating to enforcement of firearms laws and firearm export licensing continue during a lapse in appropriations. At the request of Mr. Daines, the names of the Senator from South Carolina (Mr. Scott) and the Senator from Colorado (Mr. Bennet) were added as cosponsors of S. 3103, a bill to authorize the extension of nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to products of certain countries. At the request of Mr. Lee, the name of the Senator from South Carolina (Ms. Graham) was added as a cosponsor of S. 3197, a bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to establish a rebuttable presumption that a defendant who is not a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident poses a danger to the community and a serious risk of flight, for purposes of determining whether to release or detain the defendant pending trial. At the request of Ms. Collins, the name of the Senator from New Hampshire (Ms. Hassan) 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. Sheehy, the name of the Senator from Indiana (Mr. Banks) was added as a cosponsor of S. 3314, a bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to expand a directive of the Veterans Health Administration regarding informed consent to apply to certain types of medications. At the request of Mr. Banks, the name of the Senator from Virginia (Mr. Kaine) was added as a cosponsor of S. 3589, a bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide students with disabilities and their families with access to critical information needed to select the right college and succeed once enrolled. At the request of Mrs. Blackburn, the name of the Senator from South Carolina (Ms. Graham) was added as a cosponsor of S. 3606, a bill to subject aliens convicted of fraud to deportation and to bestow concurrent jurisdiction to revoke the citizenship of any naturalized United States citizen convicted of fraud on any court that enters such a conviction. At the request of Mr. Schmitt, the name of the Senator from South Carolina (Ms. Graham) was added as a cosponsor of S. 3674, a bill to expand and clarify the grounds for civil denaturalization proceedings for individuals who have defrauded a governmental program, joined a terrorist organization, or committed certain criminal offenses. At the request of Mr. Cornyn, the name of the Senator from South Carolina (Ms. Graham) was added as a cosponsor of S. 3675, a bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to protect U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, as well as other Federal law enforcement officers, and for other purposes. At the request of Ms. Graham, her name was added as a cosponsor of S. 3805, a bill to amend chapter 93 of title 18, United States Code, to prohibit obstruction of immigration laws by official interference. At the request of Mr. Budd, the name of the Senator from South Carolina (Ms. Graham) was added as a cosponsor of S. 3909, a bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to provide that the prohibition on the possession of firearms and ammunition by certain aliens shall apply with respect to the use of firearms and ammunition by government entities. At the request of Mr. Sheehy, the names of the Senator from Mississippi (Mr. Wicker) and the Senator from New Mexico (Mr. Lujan) were added as cosponsors of S. 3982, a bill to establish protections against digital impersonation fraud, and for other purposes. At the request of Mr. Cornyn, the name of the Senator from South Carolina (Ms. Graham) was added as a cosponsor of S. 4316, a bill to ensure that State and local law enforcement may cooperate with Federal officials to protect our communities from violent criminals and suspected terrorists who are illegally present in the United States. At the request of Mr. Kennedy, the names of the Senator from Colorado (Mr. Bennet) and the Senator from Tennessee (Mrs. Blackburn) were added as cosponsors of S. 4379, a bill to require the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense to jointly submit a report on efforts by the Government of the Russian Federation to violate the religious freedoms of the people of Ukraine, to require the President to impose all applicable sanctions with respect to foreign persons determined to have engaged in such efforts, and for other purposes. At the request of Mrs. Blackburn, the name of the Senator from South Carolina (Ms. Graham) was added as a cosponsor of S. 4405, a bill to authorize an increase in the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant allocation for jurisdictions that enter into a 287(g) agreement to enhance immigration enforcement. At the request of Mr. Marshall, the name of the Senator from Pennsylvania (Mr. McCormick) was added as a cosponsor of S. 4418, a bill to prohibit the imposition of any duty on the importation of phosphate fertilizers under section 122 or 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, and for other purposes. At the request of Mr. Moreno, the name of the Senator from Michigan (Mr. Peters) was added as a cosponsor 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. Young, the names of the Senator from Mississippi (Mr. Wicker) and the Senator from Delaware (Ms. Blunt Rochester) were added as cosponsors of S. 4441, a bill to establish the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource, and for other purposes. At the request of Mr. Coons, the names of the Senator from Rhode Island (Mr. Whitehouse) and the Senator from Wyoming (Mr. Barrasso) were added as cosponsors of S. 4472, a bill to amend the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act to reauthorize the provisions of such Act through fiscal year 2031, and for other purposes. At the request of Mr. Scott of South Carolina, the name of the Senator from West Virginia (Mr. Justice) was added as a cosponsor of S. 4528, a bill to provide for the long-term improvement of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and for other purposes. At the request of Mr. Budd, the name of the Senator from South Carolina (Ms. Graham) was added as a cosponsor of S. 4593, a bill to amend title II of the Immigration and Nationality Act to require mandatory detention of aliens who are physically present in the United States, but have not been admitted to the United States. At the request of Ms. Graham, her name was added as a cosponsor of S. 4620, a bill to permanently establish the E-Verify employment eligibility verification system, to mandate the use of E-Verify by all employers, and for other purposes. At the request of Mr. Risch, the name of the Senator from North Carolina (Mr. Budd) was added as a cosponsor of 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. At the request of Mr. Ricketts, the names of the Senator from Tennessee (Mrs. Blackburn) and the Senator from Illinois (Mr. Durbin) were added as cosponsors of S. 4709, a bill to amend the Arms Export Control Act to modify a limitation relating to exports and transfers of defense articles and services under the AUKUS partnership, and for other purposes. At the request of Mr. Scott of South Carolina, the name of the Senator from Washington (Ms. Cantwell) was added as a cosponsor of S. 4767, a bill to extend the authorization of the African American Civil Rights Network. At the request of Ms. Hirono, the name of the Senator from New Jersey (Mr. Kim) was added as a cosponsor of S. 4859, a bill to improve the structure of the Federal Pell Grant program, and for other purposes. At the request of Mr. Budd, the name of the Senator from South Carolina (Ms. Graham) was added as a cosponsor of S. 4873, a bill to amend the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 by limiting nonmilitary foreign assistance to organizations that provide or promote abortion, promote gender ideology, or promote discriminatory equity ideology, and for other purposes. At the request of Ms. Ernst, the names of the Senator from Idaho (Mr. Risch) and the Senator from South Carolina (Ms. Graham) were added as cosponsors of S.
4952, a bill to combat fraud in Federal programs, and for other purposes. At the request of Mr. Kim, the name of the Senator from New Mexico (Mr. Lujan) was added as a cosponsor of S. 5037, a bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to make all children eligible for Medicaid from birth until age 26, to require States to automatically enroll children and young adults under age 26 in the State Medicaid program, and for other purposes. At the request of Mrs. Gillibrand, the name of the Senator from Illinois (Mr. Durbin) was added as a cosponsor of S. 5093, a bill to establish the Office of the Ombudsperson for Immigrant Children in Immigration Custody, and for other purposes. At the request of Mr. Cornyn, the name of the Senator from Washington (Ms. Cantwell) was added as a cosponsor of S. Res. 781, a resolution commemorating June 19, 2026, as "Juneteenth National Independence Day" in recognition of June 19, 1865, the date on which news of the end of slavery reached the slaves in the Southwestern States.
Senate Resolution 812--Recognizing the 179th Anniversary of the Arrival of Pioneers Belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to the Great Salt Lake Valley, Honoring the Enduring...
Pages S4268–S4269 · Official textOF PIONEERS BELONGING TO THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS TO THE GREAT SALT LAKE VALLEY, HONORING THE ENDURING PIONEER SPIRIT THAT SHAPED THE AMERICAN WEST, AND CELEBRATING ITS CONTINUED RELEVANCE TO THE UNFOLDING AMERICAN STORY Mr. CURTIS (for himself, Mr. Lee, and Mr. Crapo) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary:
Text printed in the Record (8,291 characters)
Whereas the early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (referred
to in this preamble as the "Church") sought nothing more
than the freedom to worship according to the dictates of
their own conscience;
Whereas, in the years following the establishment of the
Church, the early members of the Church endured repeated
persecution, including mob violence, the destruction of their
homes and crops, the loss of their property, and forced
displacement from one settlement after another;
Whereas, on June 27, 1844, Joseph Smith, the leader and
prophet of the Church, was murdered by an armed mob, leaving
the Church and its members facing an uncertain future;
Whereas Brigham Young, who succeeded Joseph Smith as leader
of the Church, concluded that safety and religious liberty
could only be found far beyond the settled United States and
organized the Church's members for a journey into the
wilderness of the American West;
Whereas, beginning in February 1846, thousands of Latter-
day Saint pioneers set out across the frozen Iowa plains and
ultimately traveled more than 1,300 miles by wagon and, for
many, by foot, crossing prairies, deserts, mountains, and
rivers to reach their new home;
Whereas the Latter-day Saint pioneers endured extreme cold,
disease, hunger, and exhaustion during the journey, and many
families buried children, parents, and spouses along the
trail, their graves marking a path of sacrifice across the
American West;
Whereas, upon entering the Great Salt Lake Valley on July
24, 1847, Brigham Young declared, "This is the right
place," foretelling how the valley would become home to many
Latter-day Saint pioneers and their posterity;
Whereas, within days of their arrival, the Latter-day Saint
pioneers laid out a city, plowed fields, irrigated the
desert, and began to build homes, mills, and churches where
none had stood before;
Whereas, over the following decades, tens of thousands more
Latter-day Saint pioneers followed the same trail, and,
together with earlier arrivals, established more than 500
communities throughout the American West, transforming the
region into a place of prosperity;
Whereas the industry of the Latter-day Saint pioneers
extended far beyond their own settlements, as they built
roads and bridges, operated ferries across major rivers,
planted way-station crops, and assisted thousands of other
westward-bound emigrants who relied on the resources and
goodwill the Latter-day Saint pioneers had established;
Whereas, on July 24, 1849, the Latter-day Saint pioneers
held their first formal commemoration of the anniversary of
their arrival, gathering for a procession and a public
celebration of thanksgiving in Salt Lake City;
Whereas that observance has continued for 177 years and is
now celebrated annually as "Pioneer Day," a Utah State
holiday marked by parades, rodeos, reenactments, fireworks,
and civic gatherings that welcome participants of every faith
and background;
Whereas the story of the Latter-day Saint pioneers is, at
its core, a distinctly American story of a people who, having
been denied protection and refuge, built both for themselves
and for the generations who followed;
Whereas the pioneer spirit of self-reliance, enterprise,
and perseverance that carried the Latter-day Saint pioneers
across the plains continues today in the character of the
American West, which remains a place where individuals and
communities join together to solve hard problems and build
for the future; and
Whereas the legacy of the Latter-day Saint pioneers stands
as a lasting reminder that the American story is written not
only by the founding generation, but by every generation that
chooses to press forward with unconquerable faith and
undaunted hope: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) recognizes the 179th anniversary of the arrival of
Latter-day Saint pioneers to the Great Salt Lake Valley on
July 24, 1847, and the annual observance of "Pioneer Day"
that commemorates it;
(2) honors the extraordinary sacrifice of the Latter-day
Saint pioneers, including those who gave their lives along
the trail, in pursuit of religious liberty and a place to
call home;
(3) commends the Latter-day Saint pioneers and their
descendants for their foundational role in settling and
developing the American West, and for a legacy of industry,
cooperation, and faith that continues to benefit the United
States; and
(4) encourages all the people of the United States to
reflect on the enduring virtues of the Latter-day Saint
pioneers and to carry forward, in their own generation, that
same spirit of resilience in the continuation of the American
story.
Mr. CURTIS. Mr. President, tomorrow, Utahns will celebrate Pioneer Day, which commemorates the arrival of the first company of Latter-day Saint pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847.
For many outside Utah, Pioneer Day may seem a little unique and a strange local observance, but the values it commemorates are profoundly American and can resonate with all of us. We recognize not only a historic journey but the enduring pioneer spirit that helped shape the American West and continues to shape our country today.
The early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sought to actualize our first freedom and something every American should cherish: religious liberty. Instead, they were driven from their homes, stripped of their property, and forced to flee into an uncertain wilderness. Thousands traveled more than 1,300 miles across plains, deserts, and mountains.
I recently walked 250 miles in remembrance of that journey, and it is true that it challenged me, but I had every modern advantage, including seven pairs of shoes, a support team, and an RV to sleep in. Their sacrifice was of an entirely different magnitude: parents buried children, children buried parents, spouses buried their soulmates. Yet they sang a song that will be sung in many church buildings across Utah on Sunday: "Come, Come, Ye Saints." In that song, they sing "All is well," for they had a vision of a land, as the song goes, "far away in the West, where none shall come to hurt or make afraid; there the Saints will be blessed."
When they finally reached that place, the Salt Lake Valley, they didn't dwell on all they had lost; they focused on what they could build. Within days, they were planting crops, digging irrigation canals, laying out streets, and creating communities where none had existed before. Over the decades that followed, they established hundreds of settlements across the Mountain West, built roads and bridges, and helped countless other immigrants travel west.
That is the pioneer spirit. That is the American spirit. It is resilience in the face of hardship. It is self-reliance married with cooperation. It is choosing to build instead of surrender.
As our Nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, I believe those values are as relevant today as they were nearly 180 years ago. Every generation faces its own frontier. Ours may not be crossing the plains, but we are still called to solve difficult problems, to contribute meaningfully to our communities, and to leave a better nation for those who inherit it.
Americans still want to build something meaningful. They still want to provide for their families. They still want their children to inherit greater opportunities than they themselves received. Those aspirations haven't changed. What has changed is that sometimes we forget the virtues and the sacrifices that are required to achieve them.
May we all this Pioneer Day recommit ourselves to remembering that heritage and channeling that spirit in our own hearts because the American story has never belonged to just one generation. It is written by each generation willing to work, sacrifice, and build for the next.
That is why the resolution I am introducing with my colleagues today is about more than honoring the past. It is about carrying forward the virtues that made those pioneers successful: faith, sacrifice, community, industry, and perseverance. May we honor their legacy by living those same values and by continuing to move our Nation forward one faithful step at a time.
Senate Resolution 813--Designating July 25, 2026, as "National Day of the American Cowboy"
Pages S4269–S4270 · Official textMr. BARRASSO (for himself, Mr. Hickenlooper, Ms. Cortez Masto, Mr. Cramer, Mr. Crapo, Mr. Cruz, Mr. Curtis, Mr. Daines, Mrs. Fischer, Mr. Hoeven, Mrs. Hyde-Smith, Mr. Lankford, Ms. Lummis, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Moran, Mr. Ricketts, and Mr. Risch) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:
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Whereas pioneering men and women, recognized as "cowboys", helped to establish the American West;
Whereas the cowboy embodies honesty, integrity, courage, compassion, respect, a strong work ethic, and patriotism;
Whereas the cowboy spirit exemplifies strength of character, sound family values, and good common sense;
Whereas the cowboy archetype transcends ethnicity, gender, geographic boundaries, and political affiliations;
Whereas the cowboy, who lives off the land and works to protect and enhance the environment, is an excellent steward of the land and its creatures;
Whereas cowboy traditions have been a part of the culture of the United States for generations;
Whereas the cowboy continues to be an important part of the economy through the work of many thousands of ranchers across the United States who contribute to the economic well-being of every State;
Whereas millions of fans watch professional and working ranch rodeo events annually, making rodeo one of the most-watched sports in the United States;
Whereas membership and participation in rodeo and other organizations that promote and encompass the livelihood of cowboys span every generation and transcend race and gender;
Whereas the cowboy is a central figure in literature, film, and music and occupies a central place in the public imagination;
Whereas the cowboy is an icon of the United States; and
Whereas the ongoing contributions made by cowboys and cowgirls to their communities should be recognized and encouraged: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) designates July 25, 2026, as "National Day of the American Cowboy"; and
(2) encourages the people of the United States to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
Senate Resolution 814--Recognizing the Importance of Independent Living and Economic Self-Sufficiency for Individuals with Disabilities Made Possible by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990...
Pages S4270–S4271 · Official textAND ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES MADE POSSIBLE BY THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990 AND CALLING TO PROTECT THE RIGHT OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO LIVE IN THEIR OWN HOMES AND COMMUNITIES Mr. KIM (for himself, Ms. Duckworth, Mr. Heinrich, Mr. Hickenlooper, Mr. Padilla, Mr. Kaine, Mr. Gallego, Ms. Baldwin, Mr. King, Mr. Whitehouse, Mr. Wyden, Mr. Sanders, Mr. Reed, Ms. Warren, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Van Hollen, Ms. Klobuchar, Ms. Blunt Rochester, Mr. Schiff, Mr. Coons, Mrs. Shaheen, Mr. Booker, Mr. Blumenthal, Mr. Fetterman, Mrs. Gillibrand, Ms. Cantwell, Mrs. Murray, Mr. Markey, Mr. Murphy, and Mr. Bennet) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions:
Text printed in the Record (8,650 characters)
Whereas, in enacting the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.) (referred to in this preamble as the "Americans with Disabilities Act"), Congress recognized that "historically, society has tended to isolate and segregate individuals with disabilities, and, despite some improvements, such forms of discrimination against individuals with disabilities continue to be a serious and pervasive social problem";
Whereas the Americans with Disabilities Act recognizes the rights of individuals with disabilities to fully participate in their communities through independent living, equality of opportunity, and economic self-sufficiency;
Whereas, on June 22, 1999, the Supreme Court of the United States in Olmstead v. L.C., 527 U.S. 581 (1999) (referred to in this preamble as "the Olmstead decision") held that, under the Americans with Disabilities Act, States must offer qualified individuals with disabilities the choice to receive their long-term services and support in a community-based setting;
Whereas the Supreme Court of the United States further recognized that "confinement in an institution severely diminishes the everyday life activities of individuals, including activities involving family relations and social contacts, work options, economic independence, educational advancement, and cultural enrichment";
Whereas, as a result of the integration mandate, many individuals with disabilities have been able to live in their own homes, and become productive members of the community, particularly through access to home and community-based services through the Medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.) (referred to in this preamble as "the Medicaid program");
Whereas 36 years after the date of enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and 27 years after the Olmstead decision, the Department of Justice issued a deeply flawed and harmful opinion that rejects the integration mandate and threatens the hard-won progress toward full integration of individuals with disabilities into society;
Whereas, prior to the Department of Justice opinion described in the preceding whereas clause, the Olmstead decision and the integration mandate of the Americans with Disabilities Act and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794) have been repeatedly affirmed by courts across the United States, by Congress, and in Federal regulations, prohibiting States from forcing individuals with disabilities into segregated settings, such as psychiatric hospitals, nursing homes, segregated schools, and sheltered workshops, when those individuals could be served in their homes and communities;
Whereas the Department of Justice admits its interpretation of the Olmstead decision is "out of step with common understanding of that decision within Federal courts", yet encourages non-compliance with the integration mandate;
Whereas 36 years after the date of the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act--
(1) more than 8,400,000 individuals receive home and community-based services through the Medicaid program;
(2) individuals with disabilities are participating in the labor force at a rate of over 41 percent;
(3) on average, it is 3 times less expensive to serve someone through home and community-based services relative to an institution; and
(4) individuals returning to the community from institutions report improved life satisfaction, reduced unmet needs, and enhanced feelings of dignity;
Whereas the continuation of segregated institutional settings has hindered the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in communities, schools, and workplaces, undermining the promise of the Americans with Disabilities Act;
Whereas individuals of color with disabilities experience disproportionately greater barriers to high-quality and accessible health care, education, housing, and competitive integrated employment opportunities, infringing on the right of individuals to fully participate in their communities under the Americans with Disabilities Act;
Whereas the Americans with Disabilities Act represents the floor, not the ceiling, of efforts needed to dismantle barriers to full participation, equal opportunity, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities; and
Whereas fulfilling the promise of the Americans with Disabilities Act requires individuals, families, communities, and government to work together to guarantee that individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to thrive in their communities throughout their lives: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) recognizes the importance of independent living, equal opportunity, full participation, and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities made possible by the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.) (referred to in this resolution as the "Americans with Disabilities Act");
(2) encourages the people of the United States to celebrate the advancement of inclusion and equality of opportunity made possible by the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act;
(3) pledges to continue to work on a bipartisan basis to identify and address the remaining barriers that undermine the national goals of equality of opportunity, independent living, economic self-sufficiency, and full participation for individuals with disabilities, including by focusing on individuals with disabilities who remain segregated in institutions;
(4) pledges to work with States to improve funding for and access to home and community-based services for individuals with disabilities, with a focus on reducing and eliminating institutionalization;
(5) admonishes against recent cuts, and any future cuts, to the Medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.) (referred to in this resolution as "the Medicaid program"), including the establishment of burdensome work-reporting requirements and other barriers, which puts the health of individuals with disabilities at risk and hinders the progress made since the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act;
(6) calls on Congress to work in a bipartisan manner to reverse the biggest cut to the Medicaid program in history and increase funding for home- and community-based services;
(7) calls on the Department of Justice to immediately rescind its incorrect and arbitrary interpretation of the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States in Olmstead v. L.C., 527 U.S. 581 (1999) that was issued on June 18, 2026, relating to the integration mandate of title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. 12131 et seq.) and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794);
(8) calls on Federal agencies to develop policies that advance the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act, including by--
(A) condemning any executive or legislative action that would dismantle or relocate major offices within the Department of Education, including the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services and Office for Civil Rights; and
(B) calling on the Department of Labor to develop policies and practices, and to provide technical assistance, to increase the number and quality of competitive integrated employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities that enable such individuals to become economically self-sufficient;
(9) calls on the Department of Health and Human Services to fully staff and support the Administration for Community Living
and to champion independent living by providing information, resources, technical assistance related to home and community-based services, and supporting family caregivers;
(10) calls on the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide accessible and inclusive homes and communities that increase the options available for accessible, inclusive, and equitable housing for individuals with disabilities;
(11) calls on the Department of Transportation to create accessible transit and airports and increase the hiring, promotion, and retention of individuals with disabilities in the transportation workforce;
(12) calls on the Federal Communications Commission to provide information, resources, and technical assistance to enable individuals with disabilities to have full and equitable access to communications and telecommunications services and technologies; and
(13) calls on the Federal Emergency Management Agency to continue to implement a whole community approach and to increase inclusivity and accessibility in emergency preparedness.
Senate Resolution 815--Commending the Chicago Cubs Baseball Teams as It Celebrates Its 150th Anniversary on August 29, 2026
Page S4271 · Official textMr. DURBIN (for himself and Ms. Duckworth) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation:
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Whereas the Chicago Cubs became a charter member of the National League of Professional Baseball Clubs in 1876;
Whereas, since 1876, more than 182,000,000 fans have attended games of the Chicago Cubs, and millions more have listened to games on the radio and watched games on television across the United States and the world;
Whereas the founding team had only 11 players for the entire season which consisted of James White, Cal McVey, Ross Barnes, John Peters, Adrian "Cap" Anson, John Glenn, Paul Hines, Bob Addy, Oscar Bielaski, Fred Andrus, and Albert G. Spalding;
Whereas Albert G. Spalding, a native of Illinois, and founder of the sporting goods company which still bears his name today, served as the pitcher and manager;
Whereas the 1906 Chicago Cubs won 116 games, finishing 116-36, before losing the World Series to the Chicago White Sox;
Whereas the team's season record of 116 wins during the 154-game season of 1906 is still a Major League Baseball record today;
Whereas the Chicago Cubs won both the 1907 and 1908 World Series against the Detroit Tigers playing at the West Side Grounds;
Whereas the Chicago Cubs have played at Wrigley Field since 1916, which is a designated National Historic Landmark and the second-oldest active ballpark in Major League Baseball;
Whereas Wrigley Field was the last baseball stadium to have lights installed in 1988, the first stadium to have an organ playing music, the first stadium to build permanent concession stands, and the first stadium to have a live broadcast of games;
Whereas "Wrigleyville" is the vibrant neighborhood that surrounds Wrigley Field, providing a location for fans to support surrounding small businesses, galvanize the city of Chicago, and come together to root the Chicago Cubs to victory;
Whereas, for more than 50 years, Harry Caray, with his trademark shout of "Holy Cow" that is known to baseball fans across the world, who broadcasted thousands of baseball games before ending his career with the Chicago Cubs, earned his induction into the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Hall of Fame, the Baseball Hall of Fame, and the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame;
Whereas legendary broadcaster Jack Brickhouse, who served as the voice of the Chicago Cubs on the radio from 1940-1944, became the television announcer from 1947-1981, and was known for his "Hey-Hey!" catchphrase, was inducted into the Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame and awarded the National Baseball Hall of Fame's Ford C. Frick Award;
Whereas Pat Hughes, the Chicago Cubs lead play-by-play radio announcer, whose voice is woven into the fabric of sports culture in Chicago, called the 2016 World Series championship that ended the 108-year drought for the Cubs, and was inducted into the Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame and awarded the National Baseball Hall of Fame's Ford C. Frick Award;
Whereas, between 1948 and 2019, WGN-TV revolutionized baseball broadcasting and brought Chicago Cubs baseball to the masses, airing more than 7,000 Cubs games and helping spread the thrills of Cubs baseball through its unsurpassed sports coverage and its historic partnership with the team;
Whereas the Chicago Cubs have won 8 division titles, 17 National League pennants, and 3 World Series championships, including the series of 7 games in 2016 during which the Cubs completed a historic comeback from down 3 games to 1 to defeat the Cleveland Indians;
Whereas the 2016 parade following the Chicago Cubs World Series championship, attended by an estimated 5,000,000 people, celebrated the Cubs making the World Series for the first time since 1965, breaking the so-called "Curse of the Billy Goat";
Whereas the Chicago Cubs have scored more than 103,400 runs, have more than 200,000 hits, and is only the third franchise in Major League Baseball to hit 15,000 home runs;
Whereas 54 players, managers, and executives for the Chicago Cubs have been enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York;
Whereas Ferguson "Fergie" Jenkins became one of the most dominant pitchers in the 1960s and 1970s, and in 1971 went 24-13, throwing a complete game in 30 of his 39 starts, and becoming the first pitcher for the Chicago Cubs and the first Canadian to win the Cy Young Award;
Whereas, between 1953 and 1971, Ernie Banks, who was later awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama and inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, played as shortstop and first baseman for the Chicago Cubs, often exclaiming his catchphrase, "It's a beautiful day for a ballgame . . . Let's play two!";
Whereas, in 1998, Sammy Sosa, 1 of 8 players in history with more than 600 home runs, chased the single-season home run record of Roger Maris' 61 home runs with Mark McGwire, earning the National League Most Valuable Player Award by driving in more runs than McGwire and leading the Chicago Cubs to the playoffs;
Whereas Ron Santo, who played third baseman for 14 years for the Chicago Cubs, was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, named to the first All-Star Game in 1963, won the first of 5 straight Gold Glove Awards, and, from 1963-1970, averaged almost 29 home runs and 106 runs batted in per season;
Whereas Billy Williams, left fielder and 6-time All Star, was named 1961 National League Rookie of the Year after hitting 25 home runs with 86 runs batted in, and is a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame;
Whereas second baseman Ryne "Ryno" Sandberg made 10 consecutive All-Star Game appearances, won 9 consecutive Gold Gloves from 1983-1991, and famously led the Chicago Cubs to a comeback victory, hitting 2 consecutive home runs in the ninth and tenth innings against Bruce Sutter of the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field in the "Sandberg Game";
Whereas, in 1999, Ernie Banks, Sammy Sosa, Billy Williams, and Fergie Jenkins were selected as members of the Chicago Cubs All-Century Team;
Whereas famous Chicago Cubs such as Frank Chance, Johnny Evers, Joe Tinker, Mordecai Brown, Gabby Hartnett, Hack Wilson, Stan Hack, Phil Cavarretta, Andre Dawson, Lee Smith, Kerry Wood, Anthony Rizzo, and more than 2,000 others have brought joy to fans for generations; and
Whereas, since 2009, the Chicago Cubs Charities has donated more than $51,000,000 to promote youth sports and well-being and support youth and families throughout the city of Chicago and State of Illinois: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate commends the Chicago Cubs on the celebration of their 150th anniversary on August 29, 2026, in light of their successes on the field, their significant contributions to the sport, and the tremendous sense of pride they have provided for all those who have played for, worked for, and enjoyed the triumphs of the Chicago Cubs.
Senate Resolution 816--Honoring 35 Years of Independence for the Countries of Central Asia and Recognizing the Importance of the United States' Growing Relationship with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan...
Pages S4271–S4272 · Official textSENATE RESOLUTION 816--HONORING 35 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE FOR THE COUNTRIES OF CENTRAL ASIA AND RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF THE UNITED STATES' GROWING RELATIONSHIP WITH KAZAKHSTAN, KYRGYZSTAN, TAJIKISTAN, TURKMENISTAN, AND UZBEKISTAN Mr. DAINES (for himself, Mr. Peters, and Mr. Curtis) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations:
Text printed in the Record (2,395 characters)
Whereas the Kyrgyz Republic formally declared its national independence on August 31, 1991;
Whereas the Republic of Uzbekistan officially declared its national independence on September 1, 1991;
Whereas the Republic of Tajikistan officially proclaimed its national independence on September 9, 1991;
Whereas Turkmenistan formally marked its transition to an independent state on September 27, 1991;
Whereas the Republic of Kazakhstan officially declared its national independence on December 16, 1991;
Whereas, in 1991, the oppressive and murderous reign of the Soviet Union ended and with it the shackles of tyranny over Central Asia;
Whereas the United States' relations with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan have been steadily growing on a bilateral basis and through forums such as the C5+1;
Whereas those countries have been critical partners in countering transnational threats, including terrorism, illicit trafficking, and regional instability;
Whereas Central Asia and the Caucasus serve as a vital geopolitical bridge connecting East and West, facilitating critical global trade, energy security, and digital connectivity via corridors such as the Middle Corridor;
Whereas the ongoing governance reforms, anti-corruption initiatives, and economic modernizations within those countries strengthen their long-term resilience and institutional independence;
Whereas the United States seeks to foster resilient, independent economic ecosystems in Central Asia to enhance market access, private investment, and supply chain security; and
Whereas deepening educational, cultural, and professional exchanges between the United States and the peoples of Central Asia promotes mutual understanding and shared prosperity: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) congratulates the countries of Central Asia on 35 years of independence;
(2) affirms the strategic importance of the United States' relationship with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan;
(3) fully supports the inherent right of all countries to determine their own foreign policy, security arrangements, and economic alliances without external coercion; and
(4) affirms that the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the countries of Central Asia are foundational to the peace, security, and balance of power across Eurasia.
Senate Resolution 817--Authorizing the En Bloc Consideration in Executive Session of Certain Nominations on the Executive Calendar
Pages S4272–S4273 · Official textMr. THUNE submitted the following resolution; which was submitted and read:
Text printed in the Record (11,090 characters)
Resolved, That it shall be in order to move to proceed to the en bloc consideration of the following nominations on the Executive Calendar:
(1) Calendar Number 729: John Breslow, of Arizona, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Cyprus.
(2) Calendar Number 730: Todd Steggerda, of Virginia, to be Representative of the United States of America to the Office of the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva, with the rank of Ambassador.
(3) Calendar Number 731: Adam Cassady, of Virginia, to be Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy.
(4) Calendar Number 732: Preston Wells Griffith III, of Virginia, to be Representative of the United States of America to the Vienna Office of the United Nations, with the rank of Ambassador.
(5) Calendar Number 733: Preston Wells Griffith III, of Virginia, to be Representative of the United States of America to the International Atomic Energy Agency, with the rank of Ambassador.
(6) Calendar Number 734: Fleet White, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Political-Military Affairs).
(7) Calendar Number 739: Kenneth Sorenson, of Hawaii, to be United States Attorney for the District of Hawaii for the term of 4 years.
(8) Calendar Number 740: Johnson TeeHee II, of Oklahoma, to be United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Oklahoma for the term of 4 years.
(9) Calendar Number 746: Timothy VerHey, of Michigan, to be United States Attorney for the Western District of Michigan for the term of 4 years.
(10) Calendar Number 747: James Arnott, of Missouri, to be United States Marshal for the Western District of Missouri for the term of 4 years.
(11) Calendar Number 748: Jack Chambers, of West Virginia, to be United States Marshal for the Southern District of West Virginia for the term of 4 years.
(12) Calendar Number 749: Jason Holt, of Oklahoma, to be United States Marshal for the Northern District of Oklahoma for the term of 4 years.
(13) Calendar Number 757: Michael Kavoukjian, of Florida, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Kingdom of Norway.
(14) Calendar Number 759: William Trachman, of Colorado, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the United Republic of Tanzania.
(15) Calendar Number 761: Eric Wendt, of California, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Albania.
(16) Calendar Number 762: David Brat, of Virginia, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Commonwealth of Australia.
(17) Calendar Number 764: Frank Garcia, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the African Development Foundation for a term expiring September 22, 2031.
(18) Calendar Number 766: Glen Smith, of Iowa, to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development.
(19) Calendar Number 781: Sean Costello, of Alabama, to be United States Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama for the term of 4 years.
(20) Calendar Number 782: Michael Vance, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Intelligence and Research).
(21) Calendar Number 820: Michael McDonald, of the District of Columbia, to be Chairperson of the National Endowment for the Humanities for a term of 4 years.
(22) Calendar Number 821: James Macy, of Wisconsin, to be a Member of the National Labor Relations Board for the term of 5 years expiring August 27, 2030.
(23) Calendar Number 822: David M. Prouty, of Maryland, to be a Member of the National Labor Relations Board for the term of 5 years expiring August 27, 2031. (Reappointment)
(24) Calendar Number 823: Brett Matsumoto, of Maryland, to be Commissioner of Labor Statistics, Department of Labor, for a term of 4 years.
(25) Calendar Number 824: William Hague, of Washington, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Interior.
(26) Calendar Number 826: Kaveh Farzad, of Maryland, to be an Assistant Secretary of Energy (International Affairs).
(27) Calendar Number 832: Don Richard Berthiaume, Jr., of Virginia, to be Inspector General, Department of Justice.
(28) Calendar Number 834: Charlton Allen, of North Carolina, to be General Counsel of the Federal Labor Relations Authority for a term of 5 years.
(29) Calendar Number 835: Christopher Michael De Bono, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of 15 years.
(30) Calendar Number 836: Sharon E. Goodie, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of 15 years.
(31) Calendar Number 837: Bradford Pentony Wilson, of New Jersey, to be Archivist of the United States.
(32) Calendar Number 840: Brian Cavanaugh, of Maryland, to be Under Secretary for Management, Department of Homeland Security.
(33) Calendar Number 841: James Woodruff, of Florida, to be Chairman of the Merit Systems Protection Board.
(34) Calendar Number 842: Michael Christopher DiLorenzo, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of 15 years.
(35) Calendar Number 843: Craig Edward Leen, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of 15 years.
(36) Calendar Number 844: Christine Michelle Macey, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of 15 years.
(37) Calendar Number 845: John Barlow Timmer, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of 15 years.
(38) Calendar Number 846: Cameron Hamilton, of Virginia, to be Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security.
(39) Calendar Number 847: Charles Baldis, of Virginia, to be Special Counsel, Office of Special Counsel, for the term of 5 years.
(40) Calendar Number 848: James Andrew Crowell IV, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals for the term of 15 years.
(41) Calendar Number 849: Stuart Gordon Nash, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals for the term of 15 years.
(42) Calendar Number 850: Rudolph Bauer, of South Carolina, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Belize.
(43) Calendar Number 853: Barbera Thornhill, of North Carolina, to be Director of the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking, with the rank of Ambassador at Large.
(44) Calendar Number 854: Christopher Anderson, of Wisconsin, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Kingdom of Cambodia.
(45) Calendar Number 855: Stanley Brown, of Virginia, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Equatorial Guinea.
(46) Calendar Number 856: Joseph Burkhalter, of Georgia, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Moldova.
(47) Calendar Number 857: John Hurley, of California, to be Representative of the United States of America to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, with the rank of Ambassador.
(48) Calendar Number 858: Daniel Perez, of Florida, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Federative Republic of Brazil.
(49) Calendar Number 859: Laurence Socha, of Illinois, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of The Gambia.
(50) Calendar Number 860: Juan Segura, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Western Hemisphere Affairs).
(51) Calendar Number 861: Juan Segura, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Inter-American Foundation for a term expiring September 20, 2026.
(52) Calendar Number 862: Juan Segura, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Inter-American Foundation for a term expiring September 20, 2032. (Reappointment)
(53) Calendar Number 863: Brendan Hanrahan, of New York, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (European and Eurasian Affairs).
(54) Calendar Number 864: Donald Blome, of Illinois, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Near Eastern Affairs).
(55) Calendar Number 865: Katherine Bowles, of Alabama, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Legislative Affairs).
(56) Calendar Number 866: Edward Eppler, of Connecticut, to be Chief Financial Officer, Department of Transportation.
(57) Calendar Number 867: Karen Sessions, of Texas, to be a Commissioner of the Consumer Product Safety Commission for a term of 7 years from October 27, 2025.
(58) Calendar Number 868: Thomas B. Chapman, of Maryland, to be a Member of the National Transportation Safety Board for a term expiring December 31, 2028. (Reappointment)
(59) Calendar Number 869: Karen Jean Hedlund, of New York, to be a Member of the Surface Transportation Board for a term expiring December 31, 2030. (Reappointment)
(60) Calendar Number 870: David Cummins, of Virginia, to be Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration for a term of 5 years.
(61) Calendar Number 871: Brien Lorenze, of Virginia, to be a Commissioner of the Consumer Product Safety Commission for a term of 7 years from October 27, 2024.
(62) Calendar Number 872: Hal Duncan, of Texas, to be Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
(63) Calendar Number 873: Erich Hernandez-Baquero, of Florida, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Air Force.
(64) Calendar Number 874: Roger Mason, of Virginia, to be Director of the National Reconnaissance Office.
(65) Calendar Number 875: Jules Hurst III, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller).
(66) Calendar Number 899: Mark Cruz, of Oregon, to be Director of the Indian Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services, for the term of 4 years.
(67) Calendar Number 900: Kevin Lilly, of Texas, to be Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife.
(68) Calendar Number 903: Christopher Nassar, of Oklahoma, to be United States Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma for the term of 4 years.
(69) Calendar Number 904: Christopher Phelan, of Minnesota, to be Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers.
(70) Calendar Number 905: John Crews, of Virginia, to be a Member of the National Credit Union Administration Board for a term expiring August 2, 2031.
(71) Calendar Number 906: Sriprakash Kothari, of Massachusetts, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury.
(72) Calendar Number 907: Erin Browne, of New York, to be an Under Secretary of the Treasury.
(73) Calendar Number 908: George McMaster, of South Carolina, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury.
(74) Calendar Number 909: Francis Brooke, of Virginia, to be Deputy Secretary of the Treasury.
Authority for Committees to Meet
Page S4273 · Official textMr. President, I have six requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority Leaders.
Pursuant to Rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate:
The Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 10 a.m., to vote on nominations.
The Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 10:15 a.m., to conduct a hearing on nominations.
The Committee on Finance is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., to conduct a hearing on nominations.
The Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions is authorized to meet in executive session during the session of the Senate on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 9:47 a.m.
The Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions is authorized to meet in executive session during the session of the Senate on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 11:45 a.m.
The Committee on the Judiciary is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 10:15 a.m., to conduct an executive business meeting.
Lunar Landing Day Act
Pages S4273–S4274 · Official textMr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. 5123, which is at the desk.
The PRESIDING OFFICER
The clerk will report the bill by title.
The legislative clerk read as follows:
Text printed in the Record (98 characters)
A bill (S. 5123) to amend title 36, United States Code, to designate July 20 as Lunar Landing Day.
There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill.
I ask unanimous consent that 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
Without objection, it is so ordered.
The bill (S. 5123) was ordered to be engrossed for a third reading, was read the third time, and passed as follows:
Text printed in the Record (4,234 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 "Lunar Landing Day Act".
SEC. 2. DESIGNATION.
(a) In General.--Chapter 1 of title 36, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by redesignating sections 106 through 115 as sections 107 through 116, respectively;
(2) by moving section 147 so as to appear after section 105 and by redesignating such section 147 as section 106;
(3) by redesignating the second section designated as section 106 and sections 107 through 116 as sections 107 through 116, respectively;
(4) by redesignating the second section designated as 116 and section 117 as sections 118 and 119, respectively;
(5) by moving section 146 so as to appear after section 119, as so redesignated, and by redesignating such section 146 as section 120;
(6) by redesignating the second section designated as section 118, the second section designated as section 119, and sections 120 through 135 as sections 121 through 138, respectively;
(7) by moving section 144 so as to appear after section 138, as so redesignated, and by redesignating such section 144 as section 139;
(8) by redesignating the second section designated as section 136, the second section designated as section 137, the second section designated as section 138, the second section designated as section 139, and sections 140 and 141 as sections 140 through 145, respectively;
(9) by moving section 148 so as to appear after section 145, as so redesignated, and by redesignating such section 148 as section 146;
(10) by moving the second section designated as section 145 so as to appear after section 146, as so redesignated, and by redesignating such section 145 as section 147;
(11) by redesignating the second section designated as section 142 and the second section designated as section 143 as sections 148 and 149, respectively; and
(12) by inserting after section 116, as so redesignated, the following:
"Sec. 117. Lunar Landing Day
"(a) Designation.--July 20 is Lunar Landing Day.
"(b) Recognition.--All private citizens, organizations, and Federal, State, and local governmental and legislative entities are encouraged to recognize Lunar Landing Day through proclamations, activities, and educational efforts--
"(1) commemorating the first successful landing of humans on the Moon on July 20, 1969; and
"(2) inspiring the continued leadership of the United States in space exploration and science.".
(b) Technical and Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections for chapter 1 of title 36, United States Code, is amended by striking the items relating to sections 101 through 148 and inserting the following:
"101. American Heart Month. "102. Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month. "103. Cancer Control Month. "104. Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup Day. "105. Child Health Day. "106. Choose Respect Day. "107. Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. "108. Columbus Day. "109. Constitution Week. "110. Father's Day. "111. Flag Day.
"112. Gold Star Mother's Day. "113. Honor America Days. "114. Law Day, U.S.A.. "115. Leif Erikson Day. "116. Loyalty Day. "117. Lunar Landing Day. "118. Memorial Day. "119. Mother's Day. "120. National Atomic Veterans Day. "121. National Aviation Day. "122. National Day of Prayer. "123. National Defense Transportation Day. "124. National Disability Employment Awareness Month. "125. National Flag Week. "126. National Forest Products Week. "127. National Freedom Day. "128. National Grandparents Day. "129. National Hispanic Heritage Month. "130. National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day. "131. National Maritime Day. "132. National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. "133. National Poison Prevention Week. "134. National Safe Boating Week. "135. National School Lunch Week. "136. National Transportation Week. "137. Pan American Aviation Day. "138. Parents' Day. "139. Patriot Day. "140. Peace Officers Memorial Day. "141. Police Week. "142. Save Your Vision Week. "143. Steelmark Month. "144. Stephen Foster Memorial Day. "145. Thomas Jefferson's Birthday. "146. U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day. "147. Veterans day. "148. White cane safety day. "149. Wright Brothers Day.".
National Day of the American Cowboy
Page S4274 · Official textMr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 813, which is at the desk.
The PRESIDING OFFICER
The clerk will report the resolution by title.
The legislative clerk read as follows:
Text printed in the Record (95 characters)
A resolution (S. Res. 813) designating July 25, 2026, as "National Day of the American Cowboy".
There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the resolution.
I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, 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 resolution (S. Res. 813) was agreed to.
The preamble was agreed to. (The resolution, with its preamble, is printed in today's Record under "Submitted Resolutions.")
Orders for Monday, July 27, 2026
Page S4274 · Official textMr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand adjourned until 3 p.m. on Monday, July 27; 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, notwithstanding rule XXII, the cloture motion with respect to the Clayton nomination ripen at 5:30 p.m.
The PRESIDING OFFICER
Without objection, it is so ordered.
Adjournment Until Monday, July 27, 2026, at 3 P.m.
Page S4274 · Official textMr. President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask that it stand adjourned under the previous order.
There being no objection, the Senate, at 4:58 p.m., adjourned until Monday, July 27, 2026, at 3 p.m.
Confirmations
Page S4274 · Official textExecutive nominations confirmed by the Senate July 23, 2026:
Text printed in the Record (208 characters)
DANIEL MACK TRAYNOR, OF NORTH DAKOTA, TO BE UNITED STATES CIRCUIT JUDGE FOR THE EIGHTH CIRCUIT.
ANTONIO M. POZOS, OF PENNSYLVANIA, TO BE UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA.