{"database": "openregs", "table": "congressional_record", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where congress = 118 and granule_class = \"SENATE\" sorted by date descending", "rows": [["CREC-2024-12-30-pt1-PgS-FrontMatter", "2024-12-30", 118, 2, "170", null, "House of Representatives", "SENATE", "SENATE", "FRONTMATTER", "S7353", "S7353", null, null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7353", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 195 (Monday, December 30, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 195 (Monday, December 30, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7353]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S\n\nVol. 170\n\nWASHINGTON, MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2024\n\nNo. 195"], ["CREC-2024-12-30-pt1-PgS7353-2", "2024-12-30", 118, 2, "170", null, "House of Representatives", "SENATE", "SENATE", "ALLOTHER", "S7353", "S7353", null, null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7353", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 195 (Monday, December 30, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 195 (Monday, December 30, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7353]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n House of Representatives\n\nThe House was not in session today. Its next meeting will be held on\nTuesday, December 31, 2024, at 10 a.m.\n\n _________________________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-30-pt1-PgS7353-3", "2024-12-30", 118, 2, "170", null, "Senate", "SENATE", "SENATE", "CALLTOORDER", "S7353", "S7353", null, null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7353", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 195 (Monday, December 30, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 195 (Monday, December 30, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7353]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n Senate\n\nMonday, December 30, 2024\n The Senate met at 12:30 and 1 second p.m. and was called to order by\nthe Honorable Robert P. Casey, Jr., a Senator from the Commonwealth of\nPennsylvania.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-30-pt1-PgS7353-4", "2024-12-30", 118, 2, "170", null, "APPOINTMENT OF ACTING PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE", "SENATE", "SENATE", "ALLOTHER", "S7353", "S7353", null, null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7353", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 195 (Monday, December 30, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 195 (Monday, December 30, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7353]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n APPOINTMENT OF ACTING PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE\n\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will please read a communication to\nthe Senate from the President pro tempore (Mrs. Murray).\n The legislative clerk read the following letter:\n\n U.S. Senate,\n\n President pro tempore,\n\n Washington, DC, December 30, 2024.\n To the Senate:\n Under the provisions of rule I, paragraph 3, of the\n Standing Rules of the Senate, I hereby appoint the Honorable\n Robert P. Casey, Jr., a Senator from the Commonwealth of\n Pennsylvania, to perform the duties of the Chair.\n Patty Murray,\n President pro tempore.\n\n Mr. CASEY thereupon assumed the Chair as Acting President pro\ntempore.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-30-pt1-PgS7353-5", "2024-12-30", 118, 2, "170", null, "ADJOURNMENT UNTIL THURSDAY, JANUARY 2, 2025", "SENATE", "SENATE", "ADJOURNMENT", "S7353", "S7353", null, null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7353", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 195 (Monday, December 30, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 195 (Monday, December 30, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7353]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n ADJOURNMENT UNTIL THURSDAY, JANUARY 2, 2025\n\n The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Under the previous order, the\nSenate stands adjourned until 12 noon on Thursday, January 2, 2025.\n Thereupon, the Senate, at 12:30 and 38 seconds p.m., adjourned until\nThursday, January 2, 2025, at 12 noon."], ["CREC-2024-12-26-pt1-PgS-FrontMatter", "2024-12-26", 118, 2, "170", null, "House of Representatives", "SENATE", "SENATE", "FRONTMATTER", "S7351", "S7351", null, null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7351", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 193 (Thursday, December 26, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 193 (Thursday, December 26, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7351]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S\n\nVol. 170\n\nWASHINGTON, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2024\n\nNo. 193"], ["CREC-2024-12-26-pt1-PgS7351-2", "2024-12-26", 118, 2, "170", null, "House of Representatives", "SENATE", "SENATE", "ALLOTHER", "S7351", "S7351", null, null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7351", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 193 (Thursday, December 26, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 193 (Thursday, December 26, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7351]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n House of Representatives\n\nThe House was not in session today. Its next meeting will be held on\nFriday, December 27, 2024, at 12 p.m.\n\n _________________________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-26-pt1-PgS7351-3", "2024-12-26", 118, 2, "170", null, "Senate", "SENATE", "SENATE", "CALLTOORDER", "S7351", "S7351", null, null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7351", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 193 (Thursday, December 26, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 193 (Thursday, December 26, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7351]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n Senate\n\nThursday, December 26, 2024\n The Senate met at 2:30 and 1 second p.m. and was called to order by\nthe Honorable Tammy Duckworth, a Senator from the State of Illinois.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-26-pt1-PgS7351-4", "2024-12-26", 118, 2, "170", null, "APPOINTMENT OF ACTING PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE", "SENATE", "SENATE", "ALLOTHER", "S7351", "S7351", null, null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7351", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 193 (Thursday, December 26, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 193 (Thursday, December 26, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7351]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n APPOINTMENT OF ACTING PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE\n\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will please read a communication to\nthe Senate from the President pro tempore (Mrs. Murray).\n The legislative clerk read the following letter:\n\n U.S. Senate,\n\n President pro tempore,\n\n Washington, DC, December 26, 2024.\n To the Senate:\n Under the provisions of rule I, paragraph 3, of the\n Standing Rules of the Senate, I hereby appoint the Honorable\n Tammy Duckworth, a Senator from the State of Illinois, to\n perform the duties of the Chair.\n Patty Murray,\n President pro tempore.\n\n Ms. DUCKWORTH thereupon assumed the Chair as Acting President pro\ntempore.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-26-pt1-PgS7351-5", "2024-12-26", 118, 2, "170", null, "ADJOURNMENT UNTIL MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2024, AT 12:30 P.M.", "SENATE", "SENATE", "ADJOURNMENT", "S7351", "S7351", null, null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7351", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 193 (Thursday, December 26, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 193 (Thursday, December 26, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7351]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n ADJOURNMENT UNTIL MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2024, AT 12:30 P.M.\n\n The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Under the previous order, the\nSenate stands adjourned until 12:30 p.m. on Monday, December 30, 2024.\n Thereupon, the Senate, at 2:30 and 32 seconds p.m., adjourned until\nMonday, December 30, 2024, at 12:30 p.m."], ["CREC-2024-12-23-pt1-PgS-FrontMatter", "2024-12-23", 118, 2, "170", null, "House of Representatives", "SENATE", "SENATE", "FRONTMATTER", "S7349", "S7349", null, null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7349", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 191 (Monday, December 23, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 191 (Monday, December 23, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7349]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S\n\nVol. 170\n\nWASHINGTON, MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2024\n\nNo. 191"], ["CREC-2024-12-23-pt1-PgS7349-2", "2024-12-23", 118, 2, "170", null, "House of Representatives", "SENATE", "SENATE", "ALLOTHER", "S7349", "S7349", null, null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7349", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 191 (Monday, December 23, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 191 (Monday, December 23, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7349]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n House of Representatives\n\nThe House was not in session today. Its next meeting will be held on\nTuesday, December 24, 2024, at 10 a.m.\n\n _________________________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-23-pt1-PgS7349-3", "2024-12-23", 118, 2, "170", null, "Senate", "SENATE", "SENATE", "CALLTOORDER", "S7349", "S7349", null, null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7349", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 191 (Monday, December 23, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 191 (Monday, December 23, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7349]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n Senate\n\nMonday, December 23, 2024\n The Senate met at 9:53 and 24 seconds a.m. and was called to order by\nthe Honorable Tammy Duckworth, a Senator from the State of Illinois.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-23-pt1-PgS7349-4", "2024-12-23", 118, 2, "170", null, "APPOINTMENT OF ACTING PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE", "SENATE", "SENATE", "ALLOTHER", "S7349", "S7349", null, null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7349", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 191 (Monday, December 23, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 191 (Monday, December 23, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7349]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n APPOINTMENT OF ACTING PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE\n\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will please read a communication to\nthe Senate from the President pro tempore (Mrs. Murray).\n The senior assistant legislative clerk read the following letter:\n\n U.S. Senate,\n\n President pro tempore,\n\n Washington, DC, December 23, 2024.\n To the Senate:\n Under the provisions of rule I, paragraph 3, of the\n Standing Rules of the Senate, I hereby appoint the Honorable\n Tammy Duckworth, a Senator from the State of Illinois, to\n perform the duties of the Chair.\n Patty Murray,\n President pro tempore.\n\n Ms. DUCKWORTH thereupon assumed the Chair as Acting President pro\ntempore.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-23-pt1-PgS7349-5", "2024-12-23", 118, 2, "170", null, "ADJOURNMENT UNTIL THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2024, AT 2:30 P.M.", "SENATE", "SENATE", "ADJOURNMENT", "S7349", "S7349", null, null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7349", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 191 (Monday, December 23, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 191 (Monday, December 23, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7349]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n ADJOURNMENT UNTIL THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2024, AT 2:30 P.M.\n\n The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Under the previous order, the\nSenate stands adjourned until Thursday, December 26, 2024, at 2:30 p.m.\n Thereupon, the Senate, at 9:53 and 53 seconds a.m., adjourned until\nThursday, December 26, 2024, at 2:30 p.m."], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS-FrontMatter-11", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "Senate", "SENATE", "SENATE", "FRONTMATTER", "S7247", "S7247", null, null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7247", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7247]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n S E N A T E\n\nVol. 170\n\nWASHINGTON, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2024\n\nNo. 190"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7247-2", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "PRAYER", "SENATE", "SENATE", "PRAYER", "S7247", "S7247", null, null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7247", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7247]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n PRAYER\n\n The PRESIDENT pro tempore. Today's opening prayer will be offered by\nthe wonderful Senator from the State of Oklahoma James Lankford.\n The guest Chaplain offered the following prayer:\n Let us pray.\n Wonderful Counselor, mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace,\nthe One who holds the government on Your shoulders, we are grateful for\nall the joy in this Christmas season. When we were arrogant, powerless,\nand without hope, You came.\n The first Christmas You set the example of humility. You are the\nsuffering servant who loved us and forgave us when we could bring You\nnothing. We could never say thank You enough.\n A prayer of blessing on the Senators who are retiring from the Senate\nthis week. In the days ahead, help them to hear Your voice and to know\nYour affection.\n I pray for my friend Chaplain Barry Black and his family as they care\nfor him. Give him rest, healing, and fresh insight into Your word and\nvision in the days ahead.\n Father, You told us that when we lack wisdom, we should ask You. We\nare asking now. As we start this day, we do not know how it will end,\nbut we are fixing our eyes on You, and we are asking for Your help. If\nYou could guide the wise men from the East with a star, You can\ncertainly guide us with Your wisdom and with Your presence.\n Today, would You give us the clarity of mind to hear Your thoughts,\nthe humility to listen to each other, and the boldness to do the right\nthing the right way.\n Forgive us as only You can and heal our land as we turn to You.\n I pray this in the powerful and present Name of Jesus. Amen.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7247-3", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE", "SENATE", "SENATE", "PLEDGE", "S7247", "S7247", null, null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7247", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7247]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE\n\n The Presiding Officer led the Pledge of Allegiance, as follows:\n\n I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of\n America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation\n under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7247-4", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "APPOINTMENT OF ACTING PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE", "SENATE", "SENATE", "ALLOTHER", "S7247", "S7247", null, null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7247", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7247]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n APPOINTMENT OF ACTING PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE\n\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will please read a communication to\nthe Senate from the President pro tempore (Mrs. Murray).\n The senior assistant legislative clerk read the following letter:\n\n U.S. Senate,\n\n President pro tempore,\n\n Washington, DC, December 20, 2024.\n To the Senate:\n Under the provisions of rule I, paragraph 3, of the\n Standing Rules of the Senate, I hereby appoint the Honorable\n Alex Padilla, a Senator from the State of California, to\n perform the duties of the Chair.\n Patty Murray,\n President pro tempore.\n\n Mr. PADILLA thereupon assumed the Chair as Acting President pro\ntempore.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7247-5", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "EXECUTIVE CALENDAR (Executive Session)", "SENATE", "SENATE", "SEXECCAL", "S7247", "S7247", null, null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7247", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7247]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n EXECUTIVE CALENDAR\n\n The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Under the previous order, the\nSenate will resume consideration of the following nomination, which the\nclerk will report.\n The senior assistant legislative clerk read the nomination of\nBenjamin J. Cheeks, of California, to be United States District Judge\nfor the Southern District of California."], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7247-6", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "Recognition of the Majority Leader (Executive Session)", "SENATE", "SENATE", "SEXECSESSION", "S7247", "S7247", null, null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7247", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7247]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n Recognition of the Majority Leader\n\n The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The majority leader is recognized."], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7247-7", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "Government Funding (Executive Session)", "SENATE", "SENATE", "SEXECSESSION", "S7247", "S7247", "[{\"name\": \"Charles E. Schumer\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7247", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7247]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n Government Funding\n\n Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, if Republicans do not work with Democrats\nin a bipartisan way very soon, the government will shut down at\nmidnight.\n It is time to go back to the original agreement we had just a few\ndays ago. It is time the House votes on our bipartisan CR. It is the\nquickest, simplest, and easiest way we can make sure the government\nstays open while delivering critical emergency aid to the American\npeople.\n If the House put our original agreement on the floor today, it would\npass, and we could put the threat of a shutdown behind us. Our\nagreement would keep the government open, provide emergency aid for\ncommunities battered by hurricanes and other natural disasters, support\nour seniors, support our doctors, nurses, rural hospitals, and protect\nour farmers from the dairy cliff.\n As I said, the only--only--way to get anything done is through\nbipartisanship."], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7247-8", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "Business Before the Senate (Executive Session)", "SENATE", "SENATE", "SEXECSESSION", "S7247", "S7248", "[{\"name\": \"Charles E. Schumer\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7247", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Pages S7247-S7248]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n Business Before the Senate\n\n Mr. President, now on Senate business, as the Senate continues\nworking on government funding, the Senate has other matters to attend\nto on the floor.\n Today, the Senate is scheduled to vote on two more district judges:\nBen Cheeks to be the district judge for the Southern District of\nCalifornia and Serena Murillo to be the district judge for the Central\nDistrict of California.\n For the information of my colleagues, our first vote will be at 11\no'clock to advance the Cheeks nomination. If cloture is invoked, the\nSenate will then vote to confirm Judge Cheeks\n\n[[Page S7248]]\n\nsometime this afternoon. And after that, we will proceed with a\nrollcall vote to advance the Murillo nomination. It is my hope that we\ncan finish voting on these two judicial nominees by the end of the day."], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7247", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "Senate", "SENATE", "SENATE", "CALLTOORDER", "S7247", "S7247", null, null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7247", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7247]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n[[Page S7247]]\n\nSenate\n\n(Legislative day of Monday, December 16, 2024)\n\n The Senate met at 10 a.m., on the expiration of the recess, and was\ncalled to order by the Honorable Alex Padilla, a Senator from the State\nof California.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7248-2", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "Government Funding (Executive Session)", "SENATE", "SENATE", "SEXECSESSION", "S7248", "S7248", "[{\"name\": \"Chuck Grassley\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7248", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7248]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n Government Funding\n\n Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I am here to visit with my colleagues\nabout the Social Security bill that is before the Senate, but before I\ndo that, I would like to give my point of view from past shutdowns of\nthe Federal Government and why the shutdown of the Government is a bad\nidea.\n Usually, people approach shutting the Government down because they\nhave some big scheme they want to accomplish, and they will accomplish\nit during the negotiations to opening up the Government or\naccomplishing from the threat of shutting down the Government. What I\nhave found in past instances when that has been tried: You shut the\ngovernment down. You open the government up. And that Member or Members\nhave not accomplished the goal that they wanted to accomplish.\n It costs money to shut the Government down. It costs money during\nthis week to get ready to shut the Government down. And after a period\nof time of a day or, at the most, 35 days, about 6 or 7 years ago,\nGovernment opens up, and it costs money to open the Government up.\n The Government is supposed to be a service for the American people,\nand you can't serve the American people when the Government isn't\noperating. So I hope that something can be accomplished today or\ntomorrow so the Government stays open."], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7248-3", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "Social Security Trust Fund (Executive Session)", "SENATE", "SENATE", "SEXECSESSION", "S7248", "S7249", "[{\"name\": \"Jeff Merkley\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Chuck Grassley\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7248", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Pages S7248-S7249]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n Social Security Trust Fund\n\n Mr. President, now to the Social Security trust fund, that fund is\nspeeding toward insolvency. Come 2033, seniors will automatically see\ntheir retirement benefits cut 25 percent, absent congressional action.\nCongress should be working toward a consensus on legislation to ensure\nthat this never happens. Instead, we are on the cusp of enacting\nsignificant changes to Social Security that will result in larger cuts\nthat would normally happen 2033 but now happen sooner. If the bill\nbefore us is enacted, a typical senior would see their benefits cut by\nan additional $4,000 and 6 months earlier than that date that is\npredicted now to be the year 2033. That is quite a stocking stuffer for\n50 million seniors that depend on Social Security, some who have no\nother income, like from pensions, for example.\n While the vast majority of seniors stand to receive a lump of coal\nfor Christmas, a select few State and local government employees will\nbe gifted a boost in their benefits. In Iowa, only 1 percent of the\nretirees would benefit, while everyone else would get less. That\ndoesn't sound fair to me.\n Now, don't get me wrong. I have great respect for the government\nworkers in Iowa. This includes the police officers and firefighters to\n whom we owe our gratitude. Congress should work to address\n the inequities that the bill before us is trying to solve.\n Let's be crystal clear: This bill would increase unfairness in how\nSocial Security benefits are calculated. The Social Security windfall\nelimination provision--or WEP, as it is called around here--which this\nbill repeals, addresses a real concern that exists in how the Social\nSecurity benefit formula works, or more, how it fails to work when the\ngovernment employee spends most of their career in non-Social Security\ncovered positions. The Social Security benefit formula is designed to\nbe progressive; that is, it provides a low-income worker a more\ngenerous benefit relative to their contributions compared to a middle-\nclass income individual. As a result, absent the windfall elimination\nprovision, senior-level employees who spend most of their career not\ncontributing to Social Security, while also earning a high salary and a\ngovernment pension, would receive a generous Social Security benefit\nworking as few as 10 years covered by Social Security.\n The Social Security formula treats those 10 years as if this was\ntheir only income during their working life and therefore provides an\nunfair bonus. That is simply not fair to the average private sector\nworker who spends their entire career paying Social Security taxes,\nearning similar or lower pay than the government workers but receives\nless Social Security benefit per dollar paid in.\n Now, you don't have to take this Senator's word for it. AARP, the\npremiere voice for senior citizens, says as much in its website, noting\nthat repealing the WEP without replacing it would allow individuals to\ninaccurately receive a higher Social Security benefit than if they had\nworked their whole careers in jobs covered by Social Security.\n This unfairness doesn't only exist between government workers and\nprivate sector workers. Most States have opted into Social Security for\nthe vast majority of their workers. These States' government employees\nand retirees covered by Social Security see no benefit under this bill.\n In Iowa, only 8 percent of government workers are not covered by\nSocial Security. For some States, it is fewer than 5 percent. But there\nhappens to be a handful of States where 50 percent or more of their\nworkers are exempt from Social Security and thus don't pay Social\nSecurity taxes. For instance, in the State of Massachusetts, it is over\n97 percent of their government employees.\n Can you imagine that? Liberal Massachusetts thinks their government\nemployees are too good for Social Security.\n It is these States that will be the big winner under this bill.\nEffectively, States like Iowa, where the vast majority of government\nemployees are covered by Social Security, are being asked to subsidize\nthe retirement of government workers in Massachusetts, California,\nColorado--States that largely choose to opt out of Social Security.\n I have put forward a commonsense and fiscally responsible amendment.\nIt would address the inequity that can arise due to how current law\naddresses noncovered Social Security employment without the unfairness\nthat will arise under the bill before us.\n My amendment would pay for the repeal of the windfall elimination\nprovision and the government pension offset, while also making Social\nSecurity fair for everyone.\n Under my amendment, if State and local employees who are not\ncurrently covered by Social Security voluntarily opt in to Social\nSecurity, these rules are repealed for current and future retirees of\nthat State's government pension system.\n Only current workers under 52 or with at least 10 years until\nretirement would need to join Social Security. This helps ensure such\nworkers will work long enough to earn Social Security benefits. They\nwould also be able to get the benefit of the more generous Social\nSecurity formula.\n The underlying bill would raid from the Social Security trust fund\n$200 billion. In contrast, my amendment would increase Social Security\nsolvency by $100 billion if all States took advantage of my proposal.\nSo that is a win-win for everyone.\n Now, I know that this bill will probably be debated under no\nopportunity to offer my amendment or an amendment by Senator Cruz of\nTexas that would also be more fiscally responsible than the bill before\nus and not harm senior citizens by reducing their income from the\nSocial Security trust fund 6 months sooner than otherwise.\n I yield the floor.\n I suggest the absence of a quorum.\n The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.\n The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.\n\n[[Page S7249]]\n\n Mr. MERKLEY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order\nfor the quorum call be rescinded.\n The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so\nordered."], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7248", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "Social Security Fairness Act (Executive Session)", "SENATE", "SENATE", "SEXECSESSION", "S7248", "S7248", "[{\"name\": \"Chuck Grassley\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Charles E. Schumer\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7248", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7248]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n Social Security Fairness Act\n\n Mr. President, finally, the Senate will keep working on the Social\nSecurity Fairness Act. We should pass the bill sent to us by the House\nas soon as we can. It is very important for our retired teachers and\nfirefighters and postal workers and police officers and so many other\npublic servants who deserve their full Social Security benefits.\n I yield the floor.\n I suggest the absence of a quorum.\n The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.\n The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.\n Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order\nfor the quorum call be rescinded.\n The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so\nordered.\n The Senator from Iowa."], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7249", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "Gaza (Executive Session)", "SENATE", "SENATE", "SEXECSESSION", "S7249", "S7251", "[{\"name\": \"Jeff Merkley\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Alex Padilla\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7249", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Pages S7249-S7251]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n Gaza\n\n Mr. MERKLEY. Mr. President, we are all here, getting ready to leave\nafter we fund the government and return home to our families. We get\npretty excited about this time of year thinking about the holidays to\ncome. We are heading home to our loved ones. We know there will be\nextended family gatherings. There will be games with the children.\nThere will be exchanges of presents. There will be food. There will be\nawesome food--ham, turkey, all kinds of wonderfully crafted vegetable\ndishes--and there will be so much that we can drink. Oh, yes. There\nwill be wine varieties. There will eggnog; perhaps some of it will be\nspiked. There will be carbonated apple juice or cranberry juice for the\nkids. We will put it into glasses, and we will have a toast. We will\nreally celebrate life. We will celebrate life with a roof over our\nheads, with our loved ones close by, and with our cupboards well-\nstocked.\n Also in these holidays, there will be time for reflection in every\nreligious tradition. For those of us who are fortunate to have that\nroof over our heads and food in the cupboards and our loved ones close\nby, we will recognize that, for so many, that is not the case. For so\nmany here in the United States, who by virtue of economic conditions or\nthe ravages of disease or mental afflictions, they will not have a roof\nover their heads; they may not have family members close by; they may\nnot even have a cupboard, let alone one that is well-stocked. We will\nponder our responsibility to try to improve those conditions.\n We will ponder the landscape across the broader globe, knowing that\nin many places, people have been so ravaged by natural disasters, so\naffected by conflict and war. I am sure we will see programs and\ncommentary about Sudan, where millions have been displaced by civil war\nand by drought and by famine; or in Burma, where so many are suffering\nescalating violence; or in Ukraine, where people are brutalized by\nPutin's invasion, in the efforts to defend their country.\n No matter where you look, there is no shortage of suffering, but the\nplace that weighs the heaviest on my heart this season is the Middle\nEast. We have the families of Israel continuing to grieve the losses of\n1,200 of their own loved ones on October 7, 2023. We have families in\nIsrael who continue to not know the fate of their loved ones taken\nhostage--whether they are alive, whether they are dead, whether they\nare being cared for, whether they are suffering. Will they be released?\nAnd there will be an empty chair at the table.\n The victims in Israel weigh on my heart, but the Palestinian victims\nalso weigh on my heart, individuals in the West Bank--Palestinians who\nhave suffered from decades of occupation, of the economic constraints\nand indignity that come from checkpoints, that come from land lost to\nsettlements and to outposts, to olive orchards bulldozed down, to lives\nlost and injuries suffered from increasing violence by settlers against\nPalestinian villagers.\n\n But, by far, the most devastated communities are the Palestinian\ncommunities in Gaza because of the extraordinary level of devastation.\nAnd it weighs on my heart because of the connection between the United\nStates and Israel, our close connection with our ally, where we share\nsecurity strategies, where we provide economic and military assistance.\nWe share intelligence on the issues of the world. We are so closely\nconnected that we are connected to the devastation in Gaza.\n Since October 7, 2023, more than 45,000 Palestinians in Gaza have\ndied. More than 100,000 have been severely injured. The vast bulk of\nthose injured and those who have died are women and children and\nseniors--people who have no connection whatsoever to Hamas, which\nconducted the raids on October 7 of 2023. The devastation is massive.\n This same picture, taken in North Gaza, could be almost copied for\ncommunity after community from north to south of Gaza.\n Of the 2.1 million people, the Palestinians in Gaza, some 1.9\nmillion--almost everyone, that is--are without a home, either because\ntheir home has been blasted into smithereens or because they have been\nforcibly moved to a different location within Gaza--forced relocation.\n A year ago, Senator Van Hollen and I went to Rafah gate. We had hoped\nto get inside Gaza to see with our own eyes and talk to people and\nunderstand better the devastation, but what we heard a year ago was\nthat all of the fundamentals for a normal community were devastated.\nShelter I have already spoken to--the 1.9 million people relocated\neither because they were forced to flee or because their homes no\nlonger existed; that the phone networks were down; that the cell\nnetworks were down; that the internet networks were down. Even if they\nwere up, people had very little opportunity to recharge their cell\nphones because there wasn't electricity. So the power was down. The\ntransportation was down because many roads were impassable. Food was in\nshort supply, driving malnutrition a year ago. Clean water was often\nunavailable a year ago.\n A year ago, Senator Van Hollen and I could not get into Gaza.\nReporters have not been allowed into Gaza except for very carefully\nmonitored, short visits monitored by the Netanyahu government.\nHumanitarian organizations were having a hard time getting in and often\nhad to do a very careful exchange of an exact number for an exact\nnumber coming out.\n But as we stood there at that gate, a couple of doctors came out, and\nI spent some time talking to them. One of them was a burn specialist,\nwho described how hard it was to treat many of the massive burns he had\nwitnessed. The other was a bone doctor, and he said: I can treat the\nbroken bones, but I can't necessarily treat the soft tissue damage that\ncomes from the shock waves that emanate from all of the explosions\ntaking down the buildings. The impact, he said, of a blast's radius in\nterms of the shock waves was even greater than the physical damage.\n We were able to talk to humanitarian organizations of aid workers who\nhad been in Gaza, and they said: Understand this--that we are seasoned\nworkers who have been in the worst places in the world. We have been in\nYemen. We have been on the frontlines of Ukraine. We have been in\nSudan. Nothing compares to the devastation in Gaza.\n That was a year ago.\n I was particularly affected by hearing about the challenges of\nmothers. Mothers receive our attention particularly when they are\ncarrying babies because all our efforts go to making sure that\ndelivery--that child will come safely into the world, healthy into the\nworld, and that the mother will be cared for. But what we heard from\nthe humanitarian organizations was that hunger was driving malnutrition\nand malnutrition made people more susceptible to disease, and for\nmothers, it meant increases in miscarriages, increases in stillbirths,\nincreases in very low birth weight babies, increases in the difficulty\nof mothers' breastfeeding their children because they were too\nmalnourished to produce milk, and babies getting sick because when\nformula was used, if available, the water might be contaminated.\n Think about the children you have brought into the world or that your\nwife or your partner has brought into the world and how horrific it\nwould be to see those circumstances.\n This time of year is a time of year in my spiritual tradition where\nwe think a lot about the challenges Mary went through. She and Joseph\nwere traveling from Galilee to Bethlehem, and they were traveling there\nat the time that Mary was very pregnant with Jesus, because a census\nhad been ordered by Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus, and they were\nrequired to be there and report to Joseph's ancestral home of\nBethlehem. Traveling the roads when one is pregnant is very hard. And\nthen they weren't able to find a room in Bethlehem, and Mary went into\nlabor and delivered in a barn--not ideal circumstances.\n Because of this time of year and because we think about that story so\nmuch, the mothers in Gaza--their conditions are so much worse. It is\nsomething we can connect with. And now the children in Gaza are\nentering their second year in this devastation. Some have some format\nof school, but many do not.\n\n[[Page S7250]]\n\n Now, we here in America know--we know--what COVID did to interrupt\nthe education of our children. Some did well with tutors. Many suffered\nisolation. Many suffered setbacks in what they learned. Many are still\ncarrying that challenge forward as they seek education. So we can also\nconnect to the children of Gaza who have had their education, their\nlives so disrupted--lives disrupted by a lack of food and water,\ninstability, a lack of safety.\n Two weeks ago, an ambassador from the Middle East drew attention to a\npart of Gaza in worse shape than the rest of Gaza, and he referred to\nthis area. Specifically, it is North Gaza. And where is North Gaza? You\nhave northern Gaza and southern Gaza separated by the Netzarim Corridor\nthat travels from Israel to the Mediterranean Sea. But then within\nnorthern Gaza, you have Gaza City and then communities: Beit Lahia,\nBeit Hanoun, and Jabalia. In those communities, he said, there are\n65,000 people who are starving to death because food cannot get in--\n65,000 people starving.\n We know food conditions have been horrific in Gaza for a year; but in\nthis case, it is sustained prevention of food getting in, and people\nare starving. He asserted this, so I asked a visiting official from\nanother Middle Eastern country about this. And he emphasized, yes. Yes,\nhe said, there are, in fact, 65,000 people or more starving in northern\nGaza, isolated from the rest of the world.\n OK. Well, that is two officials. But that is a big thing to say. But\nthen this came out, ``Gaza Humanitarian Access Snapshot #8.'' It is\ncosigned by 30 organizations, organizations like Save the Children,\nlike CARE, like Mercy Corps, and 27 others.\n What do they say in this report? They say.\n\n . . . leaving 65,000-75,000 people trapped without food,\n water, electricity or reliable healthcare.\n\n That is a direct quote from the report of these 30 humanitarian\norganizations.\n It goes on to say:\n\n Humanitarian aid has been almost entirely blocked for 60\n days.\n\n It goes on to say that ``only three hospitals remain partially\noperational with restricted access.'' Very little healthcare.\n It says:\n\n The population faces imminent risks of disease, starvation,\n and violence without urgent relief.\n\n Without urgent relief.\n I called up Cindy McCain. We know Cindy well here. Cindy McCain is\nexecutive director of the World Food Programme. She is the spouse of\nour former deceased colleague John McCain. I said to her: Is this\nright? Are 65,000 people isolated in north Gaza for week after week\nafter week, no deliveries of food or virtually none? She said, ``Yes.''\nShe said, yes, that is the case.\n She didn't just say it to me. She also talked about Gaza more\nbroadly. She said we can no longer sit by and just allow these people\nto starve to death. Children, especially, she said, are starving to\ndeath. The height of malnutrition, the height of hunger in that region\nis unbelievably horrible.\n In November, the United Nations made 41 attempts to deliver aid to\nthis section of north Gaza, to the besieged people trapped in north\nGaza. But 37 of the 41 attempts were blocked by the Netanyahu\ngovernment; four other deliveries were not blocked but were troubled.\n Here is the situation. A year ago, we heard that if there isn't\nsufficient food, chaos will ensue because starving people will storm\nwhatever truck there is that has food because they are desperate. The\ntrucks won't be able to make it to the warehouse. Or if they do make it\nto the warehouse, the warehouse will be sacked.\n We are now in the very condition that the humanitarian organizations\ntold us would happen. So very little food is being allowed in; and what\nis being allowed in can't be distributed in any significant, organized\nfashion, and people are starving. Even if those four truckloads could\nhave been at the warehouse and distributed, there is too little food--a\nmicroscopic amount of food--for the 65,000 people who are there.\n So here we are now. Gaza's destruction--this destruction that we saw\nin the previous chart, this destruction--this is carried out by\nAmerican bombs. This is how we are complicit in this situation. It is\nour munitions that are being used by the Israel Defense Forces to\nproduce this result. We are connected; and, therefore, we are morally\nconnected to the situation in Gaza.\n Our weapon packages have included 50,000 120-mm high explosive mortar\nrounds. Our provisions have included more than 32,000 120-mm tank\nrounds, more than 14,000 2,000-pound bombs, and 6,500 500-pound bombs,\nand hundreds of 250-pound bombs.\n Think about a 2,000-pound bomb. This is like the biggest bomb. The\nNew York Times described how, when it is dropped, it is designed to\nbreak fortified military bunkers. It will create a massive crater 40 to\n50 feet wide. And when it explodes, it will shatter ``into razor-sharp\nfragments that can kill or incapacitate people over several hundred\nfeet.''\n You kind of get the feeling how any bomb like that is indiscriminate.\nWhether it is dropped on the intended building or it falls somewhere\nfurther afield, it kills a tremendous number of civilians. We are\nproviding those bombs.\n The Biden administration suspended the delivery of 200-pound bombs to\nthe Netanyahu government because of that and also suspended the 500-\npound bombs. But the Wall Street Journal reported in July that the\ndelivery of the 500-pound bombs had been restored.\n The point here is we continue to be deeply connected and tied to this\ndevastation in Gaza. It is not just the devastation of civilians, it is\nalso American lives, and it is also international law.\n National Security Memorandum 20--a process that was created because\nof the work of my colleague Senator Van Hollen, says this:\n It is reasonable to assess that defense articles covered .\n . . have been used by Israeli security forces . . .\n inconsistent with its International Humanitarian Law [and\n the] obligations for mitigating civilian harm.\n\n So what have we done? It was last February--now 10 months ago--that a\ngroup of us called on the United States for ``Operation Gaza Relief.''\nWe must at least provide massive amounts of humanitarian aid so people\nare not starving in Gaza. We have that responsibility.\n If we are urging Israel to provide the aid, which is the best\nstrategy, but they do not do it, we have the obligation to provide it.\nAnd we did so little.\n We have the most massive sealift capability in the world, and we\ndidn't use a single bit of it to address the humanitarian crisis in\nGaza.\n We have two hospital ships that have a thousand beds each, and we did\nnot move them into the Mediterranean to help out. We did not encourage\nother nations to provide their hospital ships.\n We did do one modest thing. We did a floating pier that operated\nintermittently from May to July that had all kinds of problems breaking\nup in the waves. It provided, ultimately--at the best estimate--enough\nfood for people of Gaza for a week, not at all addressing the magnitude\nof the challenge.\n We had a responsibility to provide help, independent of any other\ncessation of hostilities, and we failed.\n Yes, we pressed for a cessation of hostilities. We pressed for a\nceasefire. And I applaud the administration for doing so. But while\nthat failed, we also failed. We, America, failed in our responsibility\nto provide relief to the humanitarian suffering, on which we are so\nclosely connected.\n Our own law says that if our aid is impeded--as it has been by the\nNetanyahu government--that we cannot provide arms. But we have been\nviolating our own law.\n 620I says:\n\n No assistance shall be furnished under this Act or the Arms\n Export Control Act to any country when it is made known to\n the President that the government of such country prohibits\n or other otherwise redirects, directly or indirectly, the\n transport or delivery of United States humanitarian\n assistance.\n\n We have a moral responsibility, and we have a legal responsibility.\nSo we must--must--do more. We must do more in the remaining weeks of\nthis administration. We must do more in the opening year of the next\nadministration, because these issues of moral responsibility, these\nissues of international law, do not depend on who sits in the Oval\nOffice.\n\n[[Page S7251]]\n\n So as we stand here about to go home and celebrate with our big\nplates of food and our full pitchers of wine, as we read our cards\ncalling for peace in the world, as we offer our prayers, let us not\nforget those who suffer in the Middle East. Let us not forget the\nfamilies who lost their family members on October 7 in Israel. Let us\nnot forget the families in Israel whose family members are still held\nhostage. Let us not forget those on the West Bank suffering the\ninflictions of local violence. But most of all, let us not forget the\nvictims in Gaza and do all we can, under our moral responsibility,\nunder our legal responsibility, to come to their aid.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Van Hollen). The Senator from California.\n Mr. PADILLA. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to waive the\nmandatory quorum call.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered."], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7251-2", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "Unanimous Consent Request--H.R. 766 (Executive Session)", "SENATE", "SENATE", "SCONSENTREQUEST", "S7251", "S7252", "[{\"name\": \"Benjamin L. Cardin\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Chuck Grassley\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Gary C. Peters\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"John Thune\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", "[{\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"766\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"766\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"766\"}]", "170 Cong. Rec. S7251", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Pages S7251-S7252]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n Unanimous Consent Request--H.R. 766\n\n Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, in a moment, I am going to be making a\nunanimous consent request. I am going to wait for Senator Grassley to\nbe on the floor.\n Let me just, if I might, explain what the unanimous consent will be.\nIt deals with H.R. 766. I am a proud sponsor of the Preventive Health\nSavings Act since the 113th Congress as it stands. The Congressional\nBudget Office scores budgetary implications of preventive health\nlegislation in a 10-year timeframe, limiting Congress's ability to\nunderstand the long-term impacts of meaningful prevention policies.\n This bicameral, bipartisan legislation would direct CBO to more\naccurately reflect the long-term cost saving potential of preventive\nhealthcare initiatives and encourage the use of data-informed\npreventive health measures.\n On March 19 of this year, the House of Representatives passed this\nlegislation by voice vote.\n Now, here is the challenge we have. This legislation will allow us to\nimplement preventive healthcare sooner. That will save lives and will\nsave dollars. To just give you one example, we now have a multicancer\nblood screening test that could be implemented for certain targeted\npopulations.\n The longer that is delayed--and being reimbursable under our\nhealthcare system--the more people are not going to have the advantage\nof that, and more lives are going to be lost. And later detection of\ncancer, we know, is a more costly type of care that is needed, and it\ncosts more money.\n So we have a chance today, because this is a House-passed bill, to\nsend this bill to the President, and that is why I will be making a\nunanimous consent request in regards to the bill.\n I know that Senator Grassley has other legislation that he has been\ntrying to get attached. I will urge him not to do that because it will,\nobviously, mean this bill will not pass. His issue is not related to\nthe issue that this bill is about.\n I want to thank Senator Whitehouse and Senator Grassley for their\nhelp on the Budget Committee itself. But this is our last opportunity\nto do something meaningful to implement preventive healthcare that will\nsave lives and actually save dollars for the taxpayers of this country.\nThere is no question about it. This bill saves money, and we can get it\ndone now.\n Any amendment on it, obviously, would have to go back to the House,\nand there is no possibility that the House would agree to it.\n Mr. President, as if in legislative session, I ask unanimous consent\nthat the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of H.R. 766,\nwhich was received from the House and is at the desk; further, that the\nbill be considered read a third time and passed; and that the motion to\nreconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?\n The Senator from Iowa is recognized.\n Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, reserving the right to object, I have a\ncounteroffer. But before I get to that, I want to say, first of all, it\nis not easy for me to stand here and object to something the Senator\nfrom Maryland wants to bring up, because he is a gentleman in the 100\npercent way in the U.S. Senate. So it is not easy to go against his\nideas.\n But I want you to know, I have been working on the this with\nRepresentative Burgess, the leader in the House of Representatives, and\nwe offered four amendments to him. In the negotiations, he agreed to\ntwo of them, and two of them he didn't agree to. And we agreed not to\npush for that amendment.\n So we felt that we had good discussions with Representative Burgess.\nBut now we are working on the House bill here, and none of those things\nthat Burgess agreed to could be. So where we are is that, even though\nBurgess agreed to some compromise, Senators over here have issues with\npreventing Congress from depositing savings into the Medicare\nImprovement Fund in budget years 11 through 30, based upon CBO\nestimates of preventing health savings legislation.\n Now, I have no doubt that preventive medicine saves money, but\nputting money in a fund for 11 to 30 years out can only lead to what we\nknow happens too often here in the U.S. Senate of budget gimmicks,\nsaying that we are going to use funds in a certain fund. Well, that is\na perfectly legitimate thing to do, but you have to have confidence\nthat what CBO says about that is going to be legitimate and have\ncredibility.\n And so what I have been trying to work out with Representative\nBurgess\n\n[[Page S7252]]\n\nis just exactly to do that: Put this fund out there. As you say, it is\ngoing to save money. But I want to make sure that CBO, when they say\nsomething, we have a way of verifying that.\n So I want to say that I appreciate the intentions of this bill.\nIncreasing preventive healthcare to improve health outcomes and help\npatients and taxpayers avoid costly treatment and services down\nthe road is a laudable goal. However, I am concerned that, as currently\nconstructed, this bill will lead to budget gimmicks that will\nultimately increase rather than decrease health spending.\n\n The sponsors are well aware of my concerns. I worked in good faith to\noffer up ideas to address my budget gimmick concerns. I made it clear I\nam willing to compromise. I have already done so with my most recent\noffer and dropped commonsense budget process reform provisions that I\nthought were important. And these budget process reforms were what was\nin the famous Enzi-Whitehouse bill that Senator Enzi--former-Senator\nEnzi--and, now, Senator Whitehouse worked out in Budget Committee\nreform. And I have said that Burgess was willing to go along with my\nchanges to establish commonsense guardrails and to prevent budget\ngimmicks. But these changes have been rejected in the Senate, and my\nconcerns haven't been addressed.\n The bill before us contains no commonsense guardrails, such as\nrequiring a disclaimer that a supplementary estimate doesn't replace a\nCBO 10-year cost estimate, ensuring supplementary estimates are\nseparate and distinct from the 10-year cost estimates, and requiring\nthe Congressional Budget Office to be transparent in their modeling.\n That latter point is based on the proposition that we expect CBO to\nshow us how they arrived at figures dealing with cost savings of some\nparticular preventive medicine program.\n The bill also doesn't address concerns about how supplementary\nanalysis could be used for budget gimmicks in the future, such as\ndepositing uncertain out-year savings into the Medicare and Medicaid\nImprovement Funds.\n The bill needs commonsense guardrails to prevent budget gimmicks. So\nI would like to suggest this alternative.\n So I ask the Senator from Maryland to modify his request to include\nmy amendment, which is at the desk; that the amendment be considered\nand agreed to; that the bill, as amended, be considered read a third\ntime and passed; and that the motion to reconsider be considered made\nand laid upon the table.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection to the modification?\n Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, reserving the right to object, if I\nmight--and, again, I appreciate Senator Grassley's comments about this\nSenator. I feel the same about Senator Grassley. He has been an\nincredible voice in the U.S. Senate, particularly on transparency,\nparticularly against waste, and has taken on some of the most\nchallenging battles here on the floor of the U.S. Senate.\n I have worked on this legislation now for several Congresses. My\npartners are Senator Crapo, Senator Cramer, Senator King. We have all\nworked on this bill together.\n And the bill is very simple. It just allows a more realistic budget\nwindow for preventive healthcare. And it is something that we have been\ntalking about for a long time so that we don't get trapped with high\nupfront costs that have large savings, and we never get to the savings\nbecause CBO cannot score it under the current budget rules.\n The challenges that Senator Grassley is raising are not in this bill.\nWe have worked very closely with the budget people to make sure that\nthis bill does not contain the concerns that Senator Grassley is\nraising.\n The Senator might be raising a very legitimate concerns, but it is\nnot this legislation that is causing it. This legislation only allows\nus to be able to implement in a more realistic way preventive\nhealthcare services with legitimate cost estimates and offsets so that\nwe can get the savings from preventive healthcare and implement\npreventive healthcare sooner, saving lives and dollars.\n We can make progress on this issue now. The problem is twofold with\nthe request that is being made. First, the potential abuse is not in\nthis legislation. It deals with a broader issue. And then, secondly, if\nthis bill is amended, I think Senator Grassley also understands the\nchances of passage are zero. There is no possibility that this bill can\nbe taken up in the House at this late stage.\n So this is our last opportunity. I came to the floor today and not\nbefore because I respect greatly Senator Grassley and his concerns, and\nI was hoping we could find a path forward for that to happen. But there\nis no path forward for that to happen now, and by including the\nrequest, I would be sacrificing both bills. And I would hope the\nSenator would recognize that and allow this modest improvement for\npreventive healthcare to go forward.\n With that, I regretfully object.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection on the modification is heard.\n Is there objection to the original request?\n Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, yes, I object. I would like to--\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.\n Mr. GRASSLEY. Around here, we use the words ``budget gimmickry''\npretty freely. And I want to say, as an example, that every Senator in\nthis Senate knows the term ``Medicare sequester'' as a budget gimmick,\nso something at the end of the 10-year window we are going to draw in\nto spend money today. That is one example of a budget gimmick. I just\nwant to make sure that we don't widen that down the road.\n I yield the floor.\n Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.\n The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.\n Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for\nthe quorum call be rescinded.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7251", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "Cloture Motion (Executive Session)", "SENATE", "SENATE", "SCLOTURE", "S7251", "S7251", "[{\"name\": \"Richard J. Durbin\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"John Thune\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Alex Padilla\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7251", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7251]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n Cloture Motion\n\n Pursuant to rule XXII, the Chair lays before the Senate the pending\ncloture motion, which the clerk will state.\n The legislative clerk read as follows:\n\n Cloture Motion\n\n We, the undersigned Senators, in accordance with the\n provisions of rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate,\n do hereby move to bring to a close debate on the nomination\n of Executive Calendar No. 849, Benjamin J. Cheeks, of\n California, to be United States District Judge for the\n Southern District of California.\n Charles E. Schumer, Richard J. Durbin, Tammy Duckworth,\n Robert P. Casey, Jr., Tammy Baldwin, Catherine Cortez\n Masto, Debbie Stabenow, Patty Murray, Amy Klobuchar,\n Chris Van Hollen, Jack Reed, Jeanne Shaheen, Andy Kim,\n Margaret Wood Hassan, Elizabeth Warren, Christopher A.\n Coons, Adam B. Schiff, Jeff Merkley.\n\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unanimous consent, the mandatory quorum\ncall has been waived.\n The question is, Is it the sense of the Senate that debate on the\nnomination of Benjamin J. Cheeks, of California, to be United States\nDistrict Judge for the Southern District of California, shall be\nbrought to a close?\n The yeas and nays are mandatory under the rule.\n The clerk will call the roll.\n The legislative clerk called the roll.\n Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Senator from West Virginia (Mr.\nManchin) and the Senator from California (Mr. Schiff) are necessarily\nabsent.\n Mr. THUNE. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator\nfrom Florida (Mr. Rubio) and the Senator from Ohio (Mr. Vance).\n The yeas and nays resulted--yeas 49, nays 47, as follows:\n\n [Rollcall Vote No. 329 Ex.]\n\n YEAS--49\n\n Baldwin\n Bennet\n Blumenthal\n Booker\n Brown\n Cantwell\n Cardin\n Carper\n Casey\n Coons\n Cortez Masto\n Duckworth\n Durbin\n Fetterman\n Gillibrand\n Hassan\n Heinrich\n Hickenlooper\n Hirono\n Kaine\n Kelly\n Kim\n King\n Klobuchar\n Lujan\n Markey\n Merkley\n Murphy\n Murray\n Ossoff\n Padilla\n Peters\n Reed\n Rosen\n Sanders\n Schatz\n Schumer\n Shaheen\n Sinema\n Smith\n Stabenow\n Tester\n Van Hollen\n Warner\n Warnock\n Warren\n Welch\n Whitehouse\n Wyden\n\n NAYS--47\n\n Barrasso\n Blackburn\n Boozman\n Braun\n Britt\n Budd\n Capito\n Cassidy\n Collins\n Cornyn\n Cotton\n Cramer\n Crapo\n Cruz\n Daines\n Ernst\n Fischer\n Graham\n Grassley\n Hagerty\n Hawley\n Hoeven\n Hyde-Smith\n Johnson\n Kennedy\n Lankford\n Lee\n Lummis\n Marshall\n McConnell\n Moran\n Mullin\n Murkowski\n Paul\n Ricketts\n Risch\n Romney\n Rounds\n Schmitt\n Scott (FL)\n Scott (SC)\n Sullivan\n Thune\n Tillis\n Tuberville\n Wicker\n Young\n\n NOT VOTING--4\n\n Manchin\n Rubio\n Schiff\n Vance\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this vote, the yeas are 49, the nays are\n47.\n The motion is agreed to.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The senior Senator from Maryland."], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7252", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "COUNTER-UAS AUTHORITY EXTENSION ACT", "SENATE", "SENATE", "ALLOTHER", "S7252", "S7253", "[{\"name\": \"Gary C. Peters\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", "[{\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"S\", \"number\": \"5639\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"S\", \"number\": \"5639\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"S\", \"number\": \"5639\"}]", "170 Cong. Rec. S7252", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Pages S7252-S7253]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n COUNTER-UAS AUTHORITY EXTENSION ACT\n\n Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, as if in legislative session and\nnotwithstanding rule XXII, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate\nproceed to the immediate consideration of S. 5639, which was introduced\nearlier today.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title.\n The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:\n\n A bill (S. 5639) to extend the authority for the protection\n of certain facilities and assets from unmanned aircraft.\n\n There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill.\n Mr. PETERS. I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read\nthree times and passed and that the motion to reconsider be considered\nmade and laid upon the table.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.\n The bill (S. 5639) was ordered to be engrossed for a third reading,\nwas read the third time, and passed, as follows:\n\n S. 5639\n\n Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of\n the United States of America in Congress assembled,\n\n SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.\n\n This Act may be cited as the ``Counter-UAS Authority\n Extension Act''.\n\n SEC. 2. EXTENSION OF COUNTER-UAS AUTHORITIES OF THE\n DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND THE\n DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE.\n\n Section 210G(i) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6\n U.S.C. 124n(i)) is amended by striking ``December 20, 2024''\n and inserting ``September 30, 2025''.\n\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Michigan.\n Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, as we near the deadline to fund the\ngovernment tonight without a clear path from my Republican colleagues\nin the House, it appears that we are once again on the brink of a\ngovernment shutdown. When the clock runs out at midnight, the current\nauthorities that the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI have\nto safely disable drones that pose a security threat will also expire,\nand we simply cannot let that happen.\n I just received unanimous consent to pass a bill that will extend the\ncurrent authorities for 1 year. I appreciate my Senate colleagues for\njoining me in passing this legislation so that our Federal law\nenforcement Agencies can continue to protect against dangerous drones\nwhile giving us additional time\n\n[[Page S7253]]\n\nto work on bipartisan legislation that Senator Johnson and I have\nauthored to strengthen counterdrone efforts.\n There are now more than 1 million drones currently registered in the\nUnited States, and the overwhelming majority of them are used for\nhobby, commercial, or law enforcement purposes and in a responsible and\nlegal way, but we have also seen many instances where drones can pose a\nserious threat to the safety of the public, our critical\ninfrastructure, our airports, and our communities.\n From the reports of drone sightings in New Jersey that have led to\nairport runway closures and caused alarm in multiple cities to drone\nincursions at NFL games that put fans and teams' safety at risk, we\nneed to be able to take the appropriate actions to identify, track, and\nsafely disable drones that could be a threat.\n Earlier this week, I called on the Senate to pass strong bipartisan\nlegislation that would not only extend the current authorities we have\nin place to take down threatening drones but that would also help\naddress the current concerns we are seeing from communities all across\nour country by helping to provide State and local law enforcement with\nthe authority to use technology to identify and disarm risky drones so\nthat they can protect our own communities. Unfortunately, that\nlegislation was blocked from passing, and that is why it is so\nimportant that we just passed this 1-year extension so that the FBI and\nthe DHS will be able to disable any drones that pose a danger to public\nservice.\n So I want to thank my colleagues for joining me in passing this 1-\nyear extension so that we can ensure we will be able to protect our\ncommunities from any immediate drone threats. I hope my colleagues on\nboth sides of the aisle will continue to work with me in the months\nahead, along with Senator Johnson, on a larger piece of legislation\nthat will allow us to more effectively address the risks posed by\nincreasing numbers of drones in our country.\n I yield the floor.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7253", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "EXECUTIVE CALENDAR", "SENATE", "SENATE", "SEXECCAL", "S7253", "S7254", "[{\"name\": \"John Cornyn\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7253", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Pages S7253-S7254]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n EXECUTIVE CALENDAR\n\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Texas.\n\n 118th Congress\n\n Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, it is hardly breaking news that this is\nDecember 20--5 days before Christmas, a day celebrated by 2 billion\npeople throughout the world. It is also the last day of the 118th\nCongress, and there is no better time than the present to take stock of\nwhat we have done or not done this last year.\n Students around the country wrapped up their semester, and they have\ncome home with a report card to show their parents the grades they have\nearned in things like math, science, English, and other subjects. Of\ncourse, report cards are a helpful metric of advancement--or not, as\nthe case may be. It is also a means to hold people accountable--where\nthey are excelling, where they need to improve.\n Here in the Senate, I think it is important to issue the Democratic\nmajority a similar report card-style evaluation. People may wonder:\nWell, why would it just be of the Democratic majority and not the\nSenate as a whole? Well, obviously each of us represents our respective\nState, but there is one important difference: Only the majority leader,\nthe Democratic majority leader, sets the Senate's schedule.\n That means we consider bills that only he calls up for consideration.\nNo one else in the Senate--not the other 99 of us--can schedule bills\nfor votes.\n That also means that what he does not schedule on the Senate's\ncalendar is not considered, including bills that have passed the House,\neven by broad bipartisan majorities. And in a few short days, all the\nbills that he has chosen not to schedule will suffer a quiet death.\n The majority leader's ability to run this Chamber has repercussions\nin every State, city, and community across the country. As public\nservants, we are all accountable to the people we serve. And leaders of\nthe institution should be accountable as well, which is what I want to\nproceed to do now.\n Last year, the majority leader's report card at the halfway mark of\nthe congressional session showed that he had quite a bit of room for\nimprovement in the second half of this 2-year session. But,\nunfortunately, I am sorry to report, he did not improve his performance\nlast year. In fact, in the recent referendum on Senate Democrats'\nperformance, which is the general election of November 5, the American\npeople voted for Republicans to take over the reins of the Senate next\nyear because they believed the Senate--and the country--was headed in\nthe wrong direction.\n So let's start with government funding. That seems particularly\ntimely now, since here we are in another government shutdown narrative,\nwhich is--I will show or attempt to show that it is entirely contrived\nand is by design and is not the way the Senate should be running.\n You recall, last year, the majority leader earned an incomplete on\nthis subject. I had hopes that we would see a change in the way we\nhandled the government funding. So the first 2 months of this calendar\nyear, we saw the Appropriations Committee pass bipartisan\nappropriations bills that were never scheduled on the Senate floor.\n Now we find ourselves in the exact same situation as last year. The\nAppropriations Committee did their work, again, on a bipartisan basis.\nMany of the 12 bills they passed were passed unanimously but never\ncalled up or scheduled for votes here in the Senate.\n Leader Schumer made the exact same mistake he made last year. He\nprocrastinated on scheduling floor time to consider the bills, and we\nare, even now, as I speak, dealing with the funding decisions that\nshould have been decided and settled last September.\n So here we are, less than 3 days before the Senate was scheduled to\nhead home, he negotiated a text of a bill that was more than 1,500\npages. You might wonder why is it that he would fail to call up the 12\nfunding bills for the entire rest of the year and then 3 days before we\nare supposed to leave for the Christmas recess, propose a 1,500-page\nbill.\n Well, it should seem pretty obvious. It is because the people who\nnegotiate that bill are not the rank-and-file members of the Senate. As\na matter of fact, they don't even get a chance to change the negotiated\nproduct, which is done between the so-called Big Four. So he was hoping\nto shove through a ``cramnibus'' that lawmakers would not even have\ntime to read, and he snuck in a pay raise for Congress to boot.\n Now it is only a few days before the end of the year, and we are in\nthe exact same boat we found ourselves last year. We are now tasked\nwith passing a continuing resolution to kick the can down the road even\nmore into March. Again, this should have been addressed last September.\n I must say, I am disappointed but not entirely surprised. It was part\nof a plan.\n So I believe that on the appropriations process, keeping the lights\non and keeping the government open, the report card for the Democratic\nmajority and the majority leader is an F.\n Now let's turn to the National Defense Authorization Act. I have said\ntime and time again on this floor something that I think we all\nrecognize; that this is the most dangerous world since World War II,\nwith North Korea sending soldiers to fight with the Russians in\nUkraine; with Kim Jong Un launching missiles over allies of the United\nStates into the Sea of Japan; with Hamas and Hezbollah and the\nHouthis--the proxies for Tehran--killing innocent people; and then, of\ncourse, the war in Ukraine, which has tragically gone on for 2 years\nwith hundreds and thousands of people dead. So you would think that one\nof the most important things we would do is pass the National Defense\nAuthorization bill--something we have done literally 63 years in a row.\n That bill should have been signed into law by the end of the last\nfiscal year, which is September 30. But, yes, once again, the majority\nleader--the only person who can schedule these bills on the floor--\nprocrastinated.\n That bill was finally completed the last week of the year, more than\n2 months past the deadline. But just like government funding, the\nmajority leader did not learn from his mistakes on the NDAA.\n Two days ago, on Wednesday of this week, he actually came down here\nand brazenly acknowledged what many people had said; that they were\nworried\n\n[[Page S7254]]\n\nthat we would not even be able to pass the Defense Authorization bill\nthis year because he hadn't scheduled it for consideration on the\nfloor. But he came down and bragged that, yes, here we are; we are\ngoing to vote on the NDAA. But it is a conference report that rank-and-\nfile members have never had the chance to debate and amend on the\nSenate floor. This, again, was a bill negotiated behind closed doors,\nnot in the light of day with Senators--all 100 Senators--having a\nchance to participate. It was just a railroad job. He acts like the way\nhe handled it was to his credit, but just the opposite is true.\n\n Next, we have the farm bill. A strong and on-time farm bill is\nessential to the health and well-being of the agriculture industry, the\nAmerican people, and our economy.\n Texas, which I am proud to represent, is home to more than 230,000\nfarms and ranches--more than any other State in the country. One out of\nevery seven Texans works in an ag-related job, so this legislation\nprovides critical lifelines for the folks back home. And here again,\nlast year, the Senate failed to pass a farm bill on a timely basis and\ninstead kicked the can down the road.\n Unfortunately, recently, the chair of the Agriculture Committee--a\nDemocratic chair--waited until November--that was just last month--to\nrelease a partisan farm bill that was simply not going to cut it for\nour farmers and ranchers back home, and it had no chance of passing\nbecause it was strictly a party-line, partisan bill. So instead of\nworking together on a bipartisan basis to pass a fair and effective\nfarm bill on time, we had to scramble to include farm assistance in the\nend-of-the-year continuing resolution. That was part of the 1,500-page\nbill that the majority leader and others negotiated, which,\nunfortunately, does not look like it is going to go anywhere--that part\nof it, the farm assistance.\n But we wouldn't have needed to do that, or at least not the scale at\nwhich that farm assistance was provided for, if we had simply done our\nwork on time and passed a timely farm bill.\n Of course, this continuing resolution, or whatever the House ends up\nsending to us, doesn't allow producers to plan, doesn't give them\ncertainty for multiple years. The least Congress could do for our\nfarmers and ranchers is to provide them agricultural assistance now.\n Playing politics with the livelihoods of the very people who grow our\ncrops and feed the world is unacceptable. That is why getting our work\ndone on the farm bill on time is so important, and it is something that\nthe Republican majority will deliver on next year.\n So for this Congress, the Democratic leader, once again, has earned\nan F for failing to pass a timely farm bill.\n With a C-plus on the NDAA and multiple Fs, we have to wonder, What\nhas Senator Schumer been doing all year? What has the Senate been doing\nall year if we haven't done our work on time? What has happened?\n The answer is, we have simply squandered our time. There are 365 days\nin a year. According to my colleague, the incoming Senate majority\nleader John Thune, in 2024, the Senate had been in session only 116\ndays out of 365--116 days--as of today. Last year, we were in session a\nlittle bit longer, 124 days. But this year, we had nine Mondays during\nthe regular session weeks where the Senate took an extra recess day\noff. So we came in on Tuesday and left on Thursday. Honestly, looking\nat it, we only worked about 2\\1/2\\ days a week.\n I am relieved that the incoming majority leader is going to put this\nChamber back to work and produce our work on time next year.\n The majority leader has also wasted a significant part of the year\nwith the summer of show votes, when he could have been getting this\nother essential work done. Show votes are something that he knows are\nnot going to pass but are designed for political messaging or to\nembarrass the opposing political party.\n We voted on a number of bills that were never intended to pass. We\nvoted on a tax package that hadn't even been considered here in the\nSenate by the Finance Committee mere hours before the Senate was\nscheduled for a recess.\n This is a huge bill that hadn't received any input from the Senate\nFinance Committee--none. It could not have been more clear that the\nmajority leader was playing games, not actually trying to produce a\nlegislative result.\n So the only subject where the Democratic leader was remotely\nsuccessful was this last one here, procrastination. He gets an A. But\nno one takes a class in procrastination. Recess is not a subject that\nreceives a grade either.\n In short, this is an embarrassing report card for the majority leader\nand the Democratic majority this last year.\n It is no surprise, given this lack luster performance, that the\nAmerican people chose a different direction in the November 5 election.\n While I am disappointed, I am very much looking forward to working\nwith my Republican colleagues and President Trump and any willing\nDemocrat who is willing to join us to make sure we can report back to\nthe American people with some better news and a better report card next\nyear.\n I yield the floor.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Kelly). The Senator from Hawaii.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7254", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "TRUTH AND HEALING COMMISSION ON INDIAN BOARDING SCHOOL POLICIES ACT", "SENATE", "SENATE", "ALLOTHER", "S7254", "S7267", "[{\"name\": \"Brian Schatz\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Lisa Murkowski\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", "[{\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"S\", \"number\": \"1723\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"S\", \"number\": \"1723\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"S\", \"number\": \"1723\"}]", "170 Cong. Rec. S7254", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Pages S7254-S7267]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n TRUTH AND HEALING COMMISSION ON INDIAN BOARDING SCHOOL POLICIES ACT\n\n Mr. SCHATZ. Mr. President, earlier this week, I spoke about the\nhistoric accomplishments of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs with\nmy good friend and vice chair Lisa Murkowski over the last 4 years.\n I made it very clear that the foundation of this success--and\ncontinues to be--Native leaders, communities, and advocates sharing\ntheir priorities and telling us what is most important to them.\n I also emphasized that we cannot and will not rest on our laurels\nbecause our progress is still in progress.\n That is why, today, we have to pass S. 1723, the Truth and Healing\nCommission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act.\n This bill would establish a Federal commission to investigate the\nFederal Indian boarding school era, when the Federal Government\npartnered with religious institutions in an attempt to assimilate\nNative children at so-called schools, often far from their homes and\nfamilies, where they were stripped of their cultures, languages, and\nidentities and beaten and abused, both mentally and physically.\nThousands--likely more--died at those schools, and those who returned\nhome were never the same.\n The Truth and Healing Commission would turn the page on this shameful\nera and help begin the healing process for Native survivors,\ndescendants, and communities and those who continue to experience the\ngenerational trauma and lasting legacy of these policies today.\n S. 1723 passed out of the committee after extensive bipartisan\ndebate. Since then, Vice Chair Murkowski and I have worked with the\nbill's sponsor, Senator Warren, the Native American Boarding School\nCoalition, and other advocates to refine the bill and to accommodate\nfeedback. The current version of this legislation is the result of\nhundreds of hours--hundreds of hours--of drafting, redrafting,\ndiscussion, and tough negotiations.\n I will now turn it over to the vice chair for some remarks before I\nmake a unanimous consent request.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Alaska.\n Ms. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I want to thank and acknowledge Senator\nSchatz, as well as his team on the Indian Affairs Committee, for their\nwork as we have sought to advance S. 1723, the Truth and Healing\nCommission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act.\n I also want to acknowledge Senator Warren for her help on this and,\nof course, the Native American Boarding School Coalition and so many of\nthe advocates that really, really have helped us advance this.\n As the chairman of the committee has noted, we have worked this\nlegislation over a long period of time, and it is a priority for us in\nthe committee because, for too long--for far too long--this dark legacy\nof the Indian boarding school era has just kind of sat in the corner,\nunrecognized and unacknowledged.\n From 1819 to 1969, the U.S. Government forcibly removed Native\nchildren from their families and Tribes and placed them in boarding\nschools. These Indian boarding schools, as they came\n\n[[Page S7255]]\n\nto be called, were not just education institutions, but, oftentimes,\nthey were viewed as tools to eradicate Native cultures, languages, and\ntraditions to ``civilize'' Native American children--again, a very dark\nera within our government.\n So what we seek to do with this bill is to create a commission to\nbring light to the generational trauma caused by this time of Indian\nboarding schools. By allowing people's stories to be heard, we can help\nhonor the experience of victims and their families, facilitate healing,\nand foster greater understanding and empathy among all people.\n I think this is a good step and an important step in helping the\nsurvivors of Indian boarding schools and the families and communities\nthat were impacted, to help them find healing. We have heard stories--I\nhave heard stories--of many in my State who attended boarding schools,\nsome in the State of Alaska, some outside the State of Alaska, in the\nlistening sessions that Secretary Haaland led, as Secretary of the\nInterior, on this very important issue. Again, these are stories that\nmust be recognized. And, again, I thank those who have shared them\nbecause, at many times, they were very painful, uncovering scars from\nthe past. But how we can offer ways to pursue healing is what this\ncommission is all about.\n Again, my thanks to Chairman Schatz for being such a great partner on\nthis legislation, as well as on so many other matters that we have been\nable to advance successfully through the committee. And my thanks to\nthe chairman's team and to mine, as the ranking member on the\ncommittee. We have done good work. It has been a successful year for\nthe committee.\n I am hoping--hoping--that there is a path somehow and that this\nlegislation will actually be able to be taken up by the House of\nRepresentatives and signed into law. That would be a good and a fitting\nending.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Hawaii.\n Mr. SCHATZ. Mr. President, as if in legislative session and\nnotwithstanding rule XXII, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate\nproceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 432, S. 1723.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title.\n The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:\n\n A bill (S. 1723) to establish the Truth and Healing\n Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies in the United\n States, and for other purposes.\n\n There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill,\nwhich had been reported from the Committee on Indian Affairs with an\namendment to strike all after the enacting clause and insert in lieu\nthereof the following:\n\n SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.\n\n (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Truth and\n Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act of\n 2023''.\n (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act\n is as follows:\n\nSec. 1. Short title; table of contents.\nSec. 2. Findings.\nSec. 3. Purposes.\nSec. 4. Definitions.\n\n TITLE I--COMMISSION AND SUBCOMMITTEES\n\n Subtitle A--Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School\n Policies in the United States\n\nSec. 101. Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School\n Policies in the United States.\n\n Subtitle B--Duties of the Commission\n\nSec. 111. Duties of the Commission.\n\n Subtitle C--Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee\n\nSec. 121. Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee.\n\n TITLE II--ADVISORY COMMITTEES\n\n Subtitle A--Native American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee\n\nSec. 201. Native American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee.\n\n Subtitle B--Federal Truth and Healing Advisory Committee\n\nSec. 211. Federal Truth and Healing Advisory Committee.\n\n TITLE III--GENERAL PROVISIONS\n\nSec. 301. Clarification.\nSec. 302. Burial management.\nSec. 303. Co-stewardship agreements.\nSec. 304. No right of action.\n\n SEC. 2. FINDINGS.\n\n Congress finds that--\n (1) attempts to destroy Native American cultures,\n religions, and languages through assimilationist practices\n and policies can be traced to the early 17th century and the\n founding charters of some of the oldest educational\n institutions in the United States;\n (2) in June 2021, and in light of the long history of the\n assimilationist policies and practices referred to in\n paragraph (1) and calls for reform from Native peoples, the\n Secretary of the Interior directed the Department of the\n Interior to investigate the role of the Federal Government in\n supporting those policies and practices and the\n intergenerational impacts of those policies and practices;\n (3) in May 2022, the Department of the Interior published\n volume 1 of a report entitled ``Federal Indian Boarding\n School Initiative Investigative Report'' (referred to in this\n section as the ``Report''), which found that--\n (A) as early as 1819, and until 1969, the Federal\n Government directly or indirectly supported approximately 408\n Indian Boarding Schools across 37 States;\n (B) American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian\n children, as young as 3 years old, were forcibly removed from\n their homes and sent to Indian Boarding Schools located\n throughout the United States;\n (C) Indian Boarding Schools used systematic, violent, and\n militarized identity-altering methods, such as physical,\n sexual, and psychological abuse and neglect, to attempt to\n forcibly assimilate Native children and strip them of their\n languages, cultures, and social connections;\n (D) the violent methods referred to in subparagraph (C)\n were carried out for the purpose of--\n (i) destroying the cultures, languages, and religions of\n Native peoples; and\n (ii) dispossessing Native peoples of their ancestral lands;\n (E) many of the children who were taken to Indian Boarding\n Schools did not survive, and of those who did survive, many\n never returned to their parents, extended families, or\n communities;\n (F) many of the children who were taken to Indian Boarding\n Schools and did not survive were interred in cemeteries and\n unmarked graves; and\n (G) American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian\n communities continue to experience intergenerational trauma\n and cultural and familial disruption from experiences rooted\n in Indian Boarding Schools Policies, which divided family\n structures, damaged cultures and individual identities, and\n inflicted chronic physical and psychological ramifications on\n American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian children,\n families, and communities;\n (4) the ethos and rationale for Indian Boarding Schools is\n infamously expressed in the following quote from the founder\n of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, Richard Henry\n Pratt: ``Kill the Indian in him, and save the man.'';\n (5) the children who perished at Indian Boarding Schools or\n in neighboring hospitals and other institutions were buried\n in on-campus and off-campus cemeteries and unmarked graves;\n (6) parents of children who were forcibly removed from or\n coerced into leaving their homes and placed in Indian\n Boarding Schools were prohibited from visiting or engaging in\n correspondence with their children;\n (7) parental resistance to compliance with the harsh, no-\n contact policy of Indian Boarding Schools resulted in parents\n being incarcerated or losing access to basic human rights,\n food rations, and clothing; and\n (8) the Federal Government has a responsibility to fully\n investigate its role in, and the lasting effects of, Indian\n Boarding School Policies.\n\n SEC. 3. PURPOSES.\n\n The purposes of this Act are--\n (1) to establish a Truth and Healing Commission on Indian\n Boarding School Policies in the United States, including\n other necessary advisory committees and subcommittees;\n (2) to formally investigate, document, and report on the\n histories of Indian Boarding Schools, Indian Boarding School\n Polices, and the systematic and long-term effects of those\n schools and policies on Native American peoples;\n (3) to develop recommendations for Federal action based on\n the findings of the Commission; and\n (4) to promote healing for survivors of Indian Boarding\n Schools, the descendants of those survivors, and the\n communities of those survivors.\n\n SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS.\n\n In this Act:\n (1) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Truth\n and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies in\n the United States established by section 101(a).\n (2) Federal truth and healing advisory committee.--The term\n ``Federal Truth and Healing Advisory Committee'' means the\n Federal Truth and Healing Advisory Committee established by\n section 211(a).\n (3) Indian.--The term ``Indian'' has the meaning given the\n term in section 6151 of the Elementary and Secondary\n Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7491).\n (4) Indian boarding school.--The term ``Indian Boarding\n School'' means--\n (A) a site of an institution that--\n (i) provided on-site housing or overnight lodging;\n (ii) was described in Federal records as providing formal\n academic or vocational training and instruction to American\n Indians, Alaska Natives, or Native Hawaiians;\n (iii) received Federal funds or other Federal support; and\n (iv) was operational before 1969;\n (B) a site of an institution identified by the Department\n of the Interior in appendices A and B of the report entitled\n ``Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative Investigative\n Report'' and dated May 2022 (or a successor report); or\n (C) any other institution that implemented Indian Boarding\n School Policies, including an Indian day school.\n\n[[Page S7256]]\n\n (5) Indian boarding school policies.--The term ``Indian\n Boarding School Policies'' means Federal laws, policies, and\n practices purported to ``assimilate'' and ``civilize''\n American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians that\n included psychological, physical, sexual, and mental abuse,\n forced removal from home or community, and identity-altering\n practices intended to terminate Native languages, cultures,\n religions, social organizations, or connections to\n traditional land.\n (6) Indian tribe.--The term ``Indian Tribe'' has the\n meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-\n Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).\n (7) Native american.--The term ``Native American'' means an\n individual who is--\n (A) an Indian; or\n (B) a Native Hawaiian.\n (8) Native american truth and healing advisory committee.--\n The term ``Native American Truth and Healing Advisory\n Committee'' means the Native American Truth and Healing\n Advisory Committee established by the Commission under\n section 201(a).\n (9) Native hawaiian.--The term ``Native Hawaiian'' has the\n meaning given the term in section 6207 of the Elementary and\n Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7517).\n (10) Native hawaiian organization.--The term ``Native\n Hawaiian organization'' means a private nonprofit\n organization that--\n (A) serves and represents the interests of Native\n Hawaiians;\n (B) has as its primary and stated purpose the provision of\n services to Native Hawaiians;\n (C) has Native Hawaiians serving in substantive and\n policymaking positions; and\n (D) is recognized for having expertise in Native Hawaiian\n affairs.\n (11) Office of hawaiian affairs.--The term ``Office of\n Hawaiian Affairs'' has the meaning given the term in section\n 6207 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965\n (20 U.S.C. 7517).\n (12) Survivors truth and healing subcommittee.--The term\n ``Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee'' means the\n Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee established by\n section 121(a).\n (13) Trauma-informed care.--The term ``trauma-informed\n care'' means holistic psychological and health care practices\n that include promoting culturally responsive practices,\n patient psychological, physical, and emotional safety, and\n environments of healing, trust, peer support, and recovery.\n (14) Tribal organization.--The term ``Tribal organization''\n has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian\n Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C.\n 5304).\n\n TITLE I--COMMISSION AND SUBCOMMITTEES\n\n Subtitle A--Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School\n Policies in the United States\n\n SEC. 101. TRUTH AND HEALING COMMISSION ON INDIAN BOARDING\n SCHOOL POLICIES IN THE UNITED STATES.\n\n (a) Establishment.--There is established a commission, to\n be known as the ``Truth and Healing Commission on Indian\n Boarding School Policies in the United States''.\n (b) Membership.--\n (1) Membership.--\n (A) In general.--The Commission shall include 5 members, to\n be jointly appointed by the majority and minority leaders of\n the Senate, in consultation with the Chairperson and Vice\n Chairperson of the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate,\n the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the minority\n leader of the House of Representatives, and the Chair and\n Ranking Member of the Committee on Natural Resources of the\n House of Representatives, from among the nominees submitted\n under paragraph (2)(A), of whom--\n (i) 1 shall be an individual with extensive experience and\n expertise as a principal investigator overseeing or leading\n complex research initiatives with and for Indian Tribes and\n Native Americans;\n (ii) 1 shall be an individual (barred in good standing)\n with extensive experience and expertise in the area of\n indigenous human rights law and policy, including overseeing\n or leading broad-scale investigations of abuses of indigenous\n human rights;\n (iii) 1 shall be an individual with extensive experience\n and expertise in Tribal court judicial and restorative\n justice systems and Federal agencies, such as participation\n as a Tribal judge, researcher, or former presidentially\n appointed commissioner;\n (iv) 1 shall be an individual with extensive experience and\n expertise in providing and coordinating trauma-informed care\n and other health-related services to Indian Tribes and Native\n Americans; and\n (v) 1 shall be a Native American individual recognized as a\n traditional cultural authority by their respective Native\n community.\n (B) Additional requirements for membership.--In addition to\n the requirements described in subparagraph (A), members of\n the Commission shall be persons of recognized integrity and\n empathy, with a demonstrated commitment to the values of\n truth, reconciliation, healing, and expertise in truth and\n healing endeavors that are traditionally and culturally\n appropriate so as to provide balanced points of view and\n expertise with respect to the duties of the Commission.\n (2) Nominations.--\n (A) In general.--Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations,\n Native Americans, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and Native\n Hawaiian organizations may submit to the Secretary of the\n Interior nominations for individuals to be appointed to the\n Commission not later than 90 days after the date of enactment\n of this Act.\n (B) Native american preference.--Individuals nominated\n under subparagraph (A) who are Native American shall receive\n a preference in the selection process for appointment to the\n Commission under paragraph (1).\n (C) Submission to congress.--Not later than 7 days after\n the submission deadline for nominations described in\n subparagraph (A), the Secretary of the Interior shall submit\n to Congress a list of the individuals nominated under that\n subparagraph.\n (3) Date.--Members of the Commission under paragraph (1)\n shall be appointed not later than 180 days after the date of\n enactment of this Act.\n (4) Period of appointment; vacancies; removal.--\n (A) Period of appointment.--A member of the Commission\n shall be appointed for a term that is the shorter of--\n (i) 6 years; and\n (ii) the life of the Commission.\n (B) Vacancies.--After all initial members of the Commission\n are appointed and the initial business meeting of the\n Commission has been convened under subsection (c)(1), a\n single vacancy in the Commission--\n (i) shall not affect the powers of the Commission; and\n (ii) shall be filled within 90 days in the same manner as\n was the original appointment.\n (C) Removal.--A quorum of members of the Commission may\n remove a member of the Commission only for neglect of duty or\n malfeasance.\n (5) Termination.--The Commission shall terminate 30 days\n after the date on which the Commission completes its duties\n under section 111(e)(5)(B).\n (6) Limitation.--No member of the Commission shall be an\n officer or employee of the Federal Government.\n (c) Business Meetings.--\n (1) Initial business meeting.--90 days after the date on\n which all of the members of the Commission are appointed\n under subsection (b)(1)(A), the Commission shall hold the\n initial business meeting of the Commission--\n (A) to appoint a Chairperson, a Vice Chairperson, a\n Secretary, and such other positions as determined necessary\n by the Commission;\n (B) to establish rules for meetings of the Commission; and\n (C) to appoint members of--\n (i) the Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee under\n section 121(b)(1); and\n (ii) the Native American Truth and Healing Advisory\n Committee under section 201(b)(1).\n (2) Subsequent business meetings.--After the initial\n business meeting of the Commission is held under paragraph\n (1), the Commission shall meet at the call of the\n Chairperson.\n (3) Advisory and subcommittee committees designees.--Each\n Commission business meeting shall include participation by 2\n non-voting designees from each of the Survivors Truth and\n Healing Subcommittee, the Native American Truth and Healing\n Advisory Committee, and the Federal Truth and Healing\n Advisory Committee, as appointed in accordance with section\n 121(c)(1)(D), section 201(e)(1)(C), and section 211(c)(1)(C),\n as applicable.\n (4) Format of meetings.--A business meeting of the\n Commission may be conducted in-person, virtually, or via\n phone.\n (5) Quorum required.--A business meeting of the Commission\n may only be held once a quorum, established in accordance\n with subsection (d), is present.\n (d) Quorum.--A simple majority of the members of the\n Commission present shall constitute a quorum for a business\n meeting.\n (e) Rules.--The Commission may establish, by a majority\n vote, any rules for the conduct of Commission business, in\n accordance with this section and other applicable law.\n (f) Commission Personnel Matters.--\n (1) Compensation of commissioners.--A member of the\n Commission shall be compensated at a daily equivalent of the\n annual rate of basic pay prescribed for grade 14 of the\n General Schedule under section 5332 of title 5, United States\n Code, for each day, not to exceed 14 days per month, for\n which a member is engaged in the performance of their duties\n under this Act, including convening meetings, including\n business meetings or public or private meetings to receive\n testimony in furtherance of the duties of the Commission and\n the purposes of this Act.\n (2) Travel expenses.--A member of the Commission shall be\n allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of\n subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies\n under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States\n Code, while away from their homes or regular places of\n business in the performance of services for the Commission.\n (3) Detail of government employees.--Any Federal Government\n employee, with the approval of the head of the appropriate\n Federal agency and at the request of the Commission, may be\n detailed to the Commission without--\n (A) reimbursement to the agency of that employee; and\n (B) interruption or loss of civil service status, benefits,\n or privileges.\n (g) Powers of Commission.--\n (1) Hearings and evidence.--The Commission may, for the\n purpose of carrying out this Act--\n (A) hold such hearings and sit and act at such times and\n places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence,\n virtually or in-person, as the Commission may determine\n necessary to accomplish the purposes of this Act;\n (B) conduct or request such interdisciplinary research,\n investigation, or analysis of such information and documents,\n records, or other evidence as the Commission may determine\n necessary to accomplish the purposes of this Act, including--\n (i) securing, directly from a Federal agency, such\n information as the Commission considers necessary to\n accomplish the purposes of this Act; and\n\n[[Page S7257]]\n\n (ii) requesting the head of any relevant Tribal or State\n agency to provide to the Commission such information as the\n Commission considers necessary to accomplish the purposes of\n this Act;\n (C) subject to paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (i),\n require, by subpoena or otherwise, the production of such\n records, papers, correspondence, memoranda, documents, books,\n videos, oral histories, recordings, or any other paper or\n electronic material, as the Commission may determine\n necessary to accomplish the purposes of this Act;\n (D) oversee, direct, and collaborate with the Federal Truth\n and Healing Advisory Committee, the Native American Truth and\n Healing Advisory Committee, and the Survivors Truth and\n Healing Subcommittee to accomplish the purposes of this Act;\n and\n (E) coordinate with Federal and non-Federal entities to\n preserve and archive, as appropriate, any gifts, documents,\n or other property received while carrying out the purposes of\n this Act.\n (2) Contracting; volunteer services.--\n (A) Contracting.--The Commission may, to such extent and in\n such amounts as are provided in appropriations Acts, and in\n accordance with applicable law, enter into contracts and\n other agreements with public agencies, private organizations,\n and individuals to enable the Commission to carry out the\n duties of the Commission under this Act.\n (B) Volunteer and uncompensated services.--Notwithstanding\n section 1342 of title 31, United States Code, the Commission\n may accept and use such voluntary and uncompensated services\n as the Commission determines to be necessary.\n (C) General services administration.--The Administrator of\n General Services shall provide, on request of the Commission,\n on a reimbursable basis, administrative support and other\n services for the performance of the functions of the\n Commission under this Act.\n (3) Postal services.--The Commission may use the United\n States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions\n as other agencies of the Federal Government.\n (4) Gifts, fundraising, and disbursement.--\n (A) Gifts and donations.--\n (i) In general.--The Commission may accept, use, and\n dispose of any gift, donation, service, property, or other\n record or recording to accomplish the purposes of this Act.\n (ii) Return of gifts and donations.--On termination of the\n Commission under subsection (b)(5), any gifts, unspent\n donations, property, or other record or recording accepted by\n the Commission under clause (i) shall be--\n\n (I) returned to the applicable donor that made the donation\n under that clause; or\n (II) archived under subparagraph (E).\n\n (B) Fundraising.--The Commission may, on the affirmative\n vote of \\3/5\\ of the members of the Commission, solicit funds\n to accomplish the purposes of this Act.\n (C) Disbursement.--The Commission may, on the affirmative\n vote of \\3/5\\ of the members of the Commission, approve the\n expenditure of funds to accomplish the purposes of this Act.\n (D) Tax documents.--The Commission (or a designee) shall,\n on request of a donor under subparagraph (A) or (B), provide\n tax documentation to that donor for any tax-deductible gift\n made by that donor under those subparagraphs.\n (E) Archiving.--The Commission shall coordinate with the\n Library of Congress and the National Museum of the American\n Indian to archive and preserve relevant gifts or donations\n received under subparagraph (A) or (B).\n (h) Convening.--\n (1) Convening protocol.--\n (A) In general.--Not later than 45 days after the initial\n business meeting of the Native American Truth and Healing\n Advisory Committee, the Commission, 3 designees from the\n Native American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee, and 3\n designees from the Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee\n shall hold a meeting to establish rules, protocols, and\n formats for convenings carried out under this subsection.\n (B) Rules and protocols.--Not later than 45 days after the\n initial meeting described in subparagraph (A), the Commission\n shall finalize rules, protocols, and formats for convenings\n carried out under this subsection by a \\3/5\\ majority in\n attendance at a meeting of the Commission.\n (C) Additional meetings.--The Commission and designees\n described in subparagraph (A) may hold additional meetings,\n as necessary, to amend, by a \\3/5\\ majority in attendance at\n a meeting of the Commission, the rules, protocols, and\n formats for convenings established under that subparagraph.\n (2) Announcement of convenings.--Not later than 30 days\n before the date of a convening under this subsection, the\n Commission shall announce the location and details of the\n convening.\n (3) Minimum number of convenings.--The Commission shall\n hold--\n (A) not fewer than 1 convening in each of the 12 regions of\n the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Hawai`i during the life of\n the Commission; and\n (B) beginning 1 year after the date of enactment of this\n Act, not fewer than 1 convening per quarter to receive\n testimony each calendar year until the date on which the\n Commission submits the final report of the Commission under\n section 111(e)(3).\n (4) Opportunity to provide testimony.--No person or entity\n shall be denied the opportunity to provide relevant testimony\n at a convenings held under this subsection, subject to the\n discretion of the Chairperson of the Commission (or a\n designee).\n (i) Subpoenas.--\n (1) In general.--\n (A) Issuance of subpoenas.--\n (i) In general.--If a person fails to supply information\n requested by the Commission, the Commission may issue, on a\n unanimous vote of the Commission, a subpoena requiring from a\n person the production of any written or recorded evidence\n necessary to carry out the duties of the Commission under\n section 111.\n (ii) Notification.--\n\n (I) In general.--Not later than 10 days before the date on\n which the Commission issues a subpoena under clause (i), the\n Commission shall submit to the Attorney General a\n confidential, written notice of the intent to issue the\n subpoena.\n (II) Subpoena prohibited by attorney general.--\n\n (aa) In general.--The Attorney General, on receiving a\n notice under subclause (I), may, on a showing of a procedural\n or substantive defect, and after the Commission has a\n reasonable opportunity to cure, prohibit the issuance of the\n applicable subpoena described in that notice.\n (bb) Notification to congress.--On prohibition of the\n issuance of a subpoena under item (aa), the Attorney General\n shall submit to Congress a report detailing the reasons for\n that prohibition.\n (B) Production of evidence.--The production of evidence may\n be required from any place within the United States.\n (2) Failure to obey a subpoena.--\n (A) Order from a district court of the united states.--If a\n person does not obey a subpoena issued under paragraph (1),\n the Commission is authorized to apply to a district court of\n the United States described in subparagraph (B) for an order\n requiring that person to comply with the subpoena.\n (B) Location.--An application under subparagraph (A) may be\n made within the judicial district where the person described\n in that subparagraph resides or transacts business.\n (C) Penalty.--Any failure to obey an order of a court\n described in subparagraph (A) may be punished by the court as\n a civil contempt.\n (3) Subject matter jurisdiction.--The district court of the\n United States in which an action is brought under paragraph\n (2)(B) shall have original jurisdiction over any civil action\n brought by the Commission to enforce, secure a declaratory\n judgment concerning the validity of, or prevent a threatened\n refusal or failure to comply with the applicable subpoena\n issued by the Commission.\n (4) Service of subpoenas.--The subpoenas of the Commission\n shall be served in the manner provided for subpoenas issued\n by a district court of the United States under the Federal\n Rules of Civil Procedure.\n (5) Service of process.--All process of any court to which\n an application is made under paragraph (2) may be served in\n the judicial district in which the person required to be\n served resides or transacts business.\n (j) Nondisclosure.--\n (1) Privacy act of 1974 applicability.--Subsection (b) of\n section 552a of title 5, United States Code (commonly known\n as the ``Privacy Act of 1974''), shall not apply to the\n Commission.\n (2) Freedom of information act applicability.--Records and\n other communications provided to, from, between, or within\n the Commission, the Federal Truth and Healing Advisory\n Committee, the Native American Truth and Healing Advisory\n Committee, the Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee, and\n related agencies shall be exempt from disclosure under\n subsection (b)(3)(B) of section 552 of title 5, United States\n Code (commonly known as the ``Freedom of Information Act'').\n (3) Federal advisory committee act applicability.--Chapter\n 10 of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the\n ``Federal Advisory Committee Act''), shall not apply to the\n Commission.\n (k) Consultation or Engagement With Native Americans,\n Indian Tribes, Tribal Organizations, the Office of Hawaiian\n Affairs, and Native Hawaiian Organizations.--In carrying out\n the duties of the Commission under section 111, the\n Commission shall meaningfully consult or engage, as\n appropriate, in a timely manner with Native Americans, Indian\n Tribes, Tribal organizations, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs,\n and Native Hawaiian organizations.\n (l) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized\n to be appropriated to the Commission to carry out this Act\n $15,000,000 for each fiscal year, to remain available until\n expended.\n\n Subtitle B--Duties of the Commission\n\n SEC. 111. DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION.\n\n (a) Investigation.--\n (1) In general.--The Commission shall conduct a\n comprehensive interdisciplinary investigation of Indian\n Boarding School Policies, including the social, cultural,\n economic, emotional, and physical effects of Indian Boarding\n School Policies in the United States on Native American\n communities, Indian Tribes, survivors of Indian Boarding\n Schools, families of those survivors, and their descendants.\n (2) Matters to be investigated.--The matters to be\n investigated by the Commission under paragraph (1) shall\n include, at a minimum--\n (A) conducting a comprehensive review of existing research\n and historical records of Indian Boarding School Policies and\n any documentation, scholarship, or other resources relevant\n to the purposes of this Act from--\n (i) any archive or any other document storage location,\n notwithstanding the location of that archive or document\n storage location; and\n (ii) any research conducted by private individuals, private\n entities, and non-Federal Government entities, whether\n domestic or foreign, including religious institutions;\n (B) collaborating with the Federal Truth and Healing\n Advisory Committee to obtain all relevant information from--\n (i) the Department of the Interior, the Department of\n Health and Human Services, other relevant Federal agencies,\n and institutions or organizations, including religious\n institutions or\n\n[[Page S7258]]\n\n organizations, that operated an Indian Boarding School,\n carried out Indian Boarding School Policies, or have\n information the Commission determines relevant to the\n investigation of the Commission; and\n (ii) Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, Native Americans,\n the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and Native Hawaiian\n organizations; and\n (C) conducting a comprehensive assessment of the impacts of\n Indian Boarding School Policies on American Indian, Alaska\n Native, and Native Hawaiian cultures, traditions, and\n languages.\n (3) Research related to objects, artifacts, and real\n property.--If the Commission conducts a comprehensive review\n of research described in paragraph (2)(A)(ii) that focuses on\n objects, artifacts, or real or personal property that are in\n the possession or control of private individuals, private\n entities, or non-Federal government entities within the\n United States, the Commission may enter into a contract or\n agreement to acquire, hold, curate, or maintain those\n objects, artifacts, or real or personal property until the\n objects, artifacts, or real or personal property can be\n properly repatriated or returned, consistent with applicable\n Federal law and regulations, subject to the condition that no\n Federal funds may be used to purchase those objects,\n artifacts, or real or personal property.\n (b) Meetings and Convenings.--\n (1) In general.--The Commission shall hold, with the advice\n of the Native American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee\n and the Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee, and in\n coordination with, as relevant, Indian Tribes, Tribal\n organizations, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and Native\n Hawaiian organizations, as part of its investigation under\n subsection (a), safe, trauma-informed, and culturally\n appropriate public or private meetings or convenings to\n receive testimony relating to that investigation.\n (2) Requirements.--The Commission shall ensure that\n meetings and convenings held under paragraph (1) provide\n access to adequate trauma-informed care services for\n participants, attendees, and communities during and following\n the meetings and convenings where the Commission receives\n testimony, including ensuring private space is available for\n survivors and descendants of survivors, family members, and\n other community members to receive trauma-informed care\n services.\n (c) Recommendations.--\n (1) In general.--The Commission shall make recommendations\n to Congress relating to the investigation carried out under\n subsection (a), which shall be included in the final report\n required under subsection (e)(3).\n (2) Inclusions.--Recommendations made under paragraph (1)\n shall include, at a minimum, recommendations relating to--\n (A) in light of Tribal and Native Hawaiian law, Tribal\n customary law, tradition, custom, and practice, how the\n Federal Government can meaningfully acknowledge the role of\n the Federal Government in supporting Indian Boarding School\n Policies in all issue areas that the Commission determines\n relevant, including appropriate forms of memorialization,\n preservation of records, objects, artifacts, and burials;\n (B) how modification of existing laws, procedures,\n regulations, policies, budgets, and practices will, in the\n determination of the Commission, address the findings of the\n Commission and ongoing effects of Indian Boarding School\n Policies; and\n (C) how the Federal Government can promote public awareness\n and education of Indian Boarding School Policies and the\n impacts of those policies, including through coordinating\n with the Native American Truth and Healing Advisory\n Committee, the Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee, the\n National Museum of the American Indian, and other relevant\n institutions and organizations.\n (d) Duties Related to Burials.--The Commission shall, with\n respect to burial sites associated with Indian Boarding\n Schools--\n (1) coordinate, as appropriate, with the Native American\n Truth and Healing Advisory Committee, the Federal Truth and\n Healing Advisory Committee, the Survivors Truth and Healing\n Subcommittee, lineal descendants, Indian Tribes, the Office\n of Hawaiian Affairs, Federal agencies, institutions, and\n organizations to locate and identify, in a culturally\n appropriate manner, marked and unmarked burial sites,\n including cemeteries, unmarked graves, and mass burial sites,\n where students of Indian Boarding Schools were originally or\n later interred;\n (2) locate, document, analyze, and coordinate the\n preservation or continued preservation of records and\n information relating to the interment of students, including\n any records held by Federal, State, international, or local\n entities or religious institutions or organizations; and\n (3) share, to the extent practicable, with affected lineal\n descendants, Indian Tribes, and the Office of Hawaiian\n Affairs burial locations and the identities of children that\n attended Indian Boarding Schools.\n (e) Reports.--\n (1) Annual reports to congress.--Not less frequently than\n annually each year until the year before the year in which\n the Commission submits the final report under paragraph (3),\n the Commission shall submit to the Committee on Indian\n Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources\n of the House of Representatives a report that describes the\n activities of the Committee during the previous year,\n including an accounting of funds and gifts received and\n expenditures made, the progress made, and any barriers\n encountered in carrying out this Act.\n (2) Commission initial report.--Not later than 4 years\n after the date on which a majority of the members of the\n Commission are appointed under section 101(b)(1), the\n Commission shall submit to the individuals described in\n paragraph (4), and make publicly available, an initial report\n containing--\n (A) a detailed review of existing research, including\n documentation, scholarship, or other resources shared with\n the Commission that further the purposes of this Act;\n (B) a detailed statement of the initial findings and\n conclusions of the Commission; and\n (C) a detailed statement of the initial recommendations of\n the Commission.\n (3) Commission final report.--Not later than 6 years after\n the date on which a majority of the members of the Commission\n are appointed under section 101(b)(1), the Commission shall\n submit to the individuals described in paragraph (4), and\n make publicly available, a final report containing the\n findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the Commission\n that have been agreed on by the vote of a majority of the\n members of the Commission and \\3/5\\ of the members of each of\n the Native American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee and\n the Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee.\n (4) Report recipients.--The individuals referred to in\n paragraphs (2) and (3) are--\n (A) the President;\n (B) the Secretary of the Interior;\n (C) the Attorney General;\n (D) the Comptroller General of the United States;\n (E) the Secretary of Education;\n (F) the Secretary of Health and Human Services;\n (G) the Secretary of Defense;\n (H) the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the Committee\n on Indian Affairs of the Senate;\n (I) the Chairperson and Ranking Member of the Committee on\n Natural Resources of the House of Representatives;\n (J) the Chair and Co-Chair of the Congressional Native\n American Caucus;\n (K) the Executive Director of the White House Council on\n Native American Affairs;\n (L) the Director of the Office of Management and Budget;\n (M) the Archivist of the United States;\n (N) the Librarian of Congress; and\n (O) the Director of the National Museum of the American\n Indian.\n (5) Additional commission responsibilities relating to the\n publication of the initial and final reports.--\n (A) Events relating to initial report.--\n (i) In general.--The Commission shall hold not fewer than 2\n events in each region of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and\n Hawai`i following publication of the initial report under\n paragraph (2) to receive comments on the initial report.\n (ii) Timing.--The schedule of events referred to in clause\n (i) shall be announced not later than 90 days after the date\n on which the initial report under paragraph (2) is published.\n (B) Publication of final report.--Not later than 180 days\n after the date on which the Commission submits the final\n report under paragraph (3), the Commission, the Secretary of\n the Interior, the Secretary of Education, the Secretary of\n Defense, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall\n each make the final report publicly available on the website\n of the applicable agency.\n (6) Secretarial response to final report.--Not later than\n 120 days after the date on which the Secretary of the\n Interior, the Secretary of Education, the Secretary of\n Defense, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services\n receive the final report under paragraph (3), the Secretaries\n shall each make publicly available a written response to\n recommendations for future action by those agencies, if any,\n contained in the final report, and submit the written\n response to--\n (A) the President;\n (B) the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate;\n (C) the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of\n Representatives; and\n (D) the Comptroller General of the United States.\n\n Subtitle C--Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee\n\n SEC. 121. SURVIVORS TRUTH AND HEALING SUBCOMMITTEE.\n\n (a) Establishment.--There is established a subcommittee of\n the Commission, to be known as the ``Survivors Truth and\n Healing Subcommittee''.\n (b) Membership, Nomination, and Appointment to the\n Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee.--\n (1) Membership.--The Survivors Truth and Healing\n Subcommittee shall include 15 members, to be appointed by the\n Commission, in consultation with the National Native American\n Boarding School Healing Coalition, from among the nominees\n submitted under paragraph (2)(A), of whom--\n (A) 13 shall be representatives from each of the 12 regions\n of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Hawai`i;\n (B) 9 shall be individuals who attended an Indian Boarding\n School, of whom--\n (i) not fewer than 2 shall be individuals who graduated\n during the 5-year period preceding the date of enactment of\n this Act from--\n\n (I) an Indian Boarding School in operation as of that date\n of enactment; or\n (II) a Bureau of Indian Education-funded school; and\n\n (ii) all shall represent diverse regions of the United\n States;\n (C) 5 shall be descendants of individuals who attended\n Indian Boarding Schools, who shall represent diverse regions\n of the United States; and\n (D) 1 shall be an educator who, as of the date of the\n appointment--\n (i) is employed at an Indian Boarding School; or\n (ii) was employed at an Indian Boarding School during the\n 5-year period preceding the date of enactment of this Act.\n\n[[Page S7259]]\n\n (2) Nominations.--\n (A) In general.--Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations,\n Native Americans, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and Native\n Hawaiian organizations may submit to the Secretary of the\n Interior nominations for individuals to be appointed to the\n Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee not later than 90\n days after the date of enactment of this Act.\n (B) Submission.--The Secretary of the Interior shall\n provide the Commission with nominations submitted under\n subparagraph (A) at the initial business meeting of the\n Commission under section 101(c)(1) and the Commission shall\n select the members of the Survivors Truth and Healing\n Subcommittee from among those nominees.\n (3) Date.--\n (A) In general.--The Commission shall appoint all members\n of the Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee during the\n initial business meeting of the Commission under section\n 101(c)(1).\n (B) Failure to appoint.--If the Commission fails to appoint\n all members of the Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee\n in accordance with subparagraph (A), the Chair of the\n Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate, with the\n concurrence of the Vice Chair of the Committee on Indian\n Affairs of the Senate, shall appoint individuals, in\n accordance with the requirements of paragraph (1), to all\n vacant positions of the Survivors Truth and Healing\n Subcommittee not later than 30 days after the date of the\n initial business meeting of the Commission under section\n 101(c)(1).\n (4) Period of appointment; vacancies; removal.--\n (A) Period of appointment.--A member of the Survivors Truth\n and Healing Subcommittee shall be appointed for an\n automatically renewable term of 2 years.\n (B) Vacancies.--\n (i) In general.--A member of the Survivors Truth and\n Healing Subcommittee may self-vacate the position at any time\n and for any reason.\n (ii) Effect; filling of vacancy.--A vacancy in the\n Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee--\n\n (I) shall not affect the powers of the Survivors Truth and\n Healing Subcommittee if a simple majority of the positions of\n the Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee are filled; and\n (II) shall be filled within 90 days in the same manner as\n was the original appointment.\n\n (C) Removal.--A quorum of members of the Commission may\n remove a member of the Survivors Truth and Healing\n Subcommittee only for neglect of duty or malfeasance.\n (5) Termination.--The Survivors Truth and Healing\n Subcommittee shall terminate 90 days after the date on which\n the Commission submits the final report required under\n section 111(e)(3).\n (6) Limitation.--No member of the Survivors Truth and\n Healing Subcommittee shall be an officer or employee of the\n Federal Government.\n (c) Business Meetings.--\n (1) Initial meeting.--Not later 30 days after the date on\n which all members of the Survivors Truth and Healing\n Subcommittee are appointed under subsection (b)(1), the\n Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee shall hold an\n initial business meeting--\n (A) to appoint--\n (i) a Chairperson, who shall also serve as the Vice\n Chairperson of the Federal Truth and Healing Advisory\n Committee;\n (ii) a Vice Chairperson, who shall also serve as the Vice\n Chairperson of the Native American Truth and Healing Advisory\n Committee; and\n (iii) a Secretary;\n (B) to establish, with the advice of the Commission, rules\n for the Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee;\n (C) to appoint 3 designees to fulfill the responsibilities\n described in section 101(h)(1)(A); and\n (D) to appoint, with the advice of the Commission, 2\n members of the Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee to\n serve as non-voting designees on the Commission in accordance\n with section 101(c)(3).\n (2) Subsequent business meetings.--After the initial\n business meeting of the Survivors Truth and Healing\n subcommittee is held under paragraph (1), the Survivors Truth\n and Healing Subcommittee shall meet at the call of the\n Chairperson.\n (3) Format of business meetings.--A business meeting of the\n Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee may be conducted in-\n person, virtually, or via phone.\n (4) Quorum required.--A business meeting of the Survivors\n Truth and Healing Subcommittee may only be held once a\n quorum, established in accordance with subsection (d), is\n present.\n (d) Quorum.--A simple majority of the members of the\n Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee present shall\n constitute a quorum for a business meeting.\n (e) Rules.--The Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee,\n with the advice of the Commission, may establish, by a\n majority vote, any rules for the conduct of business, in\n accordance with this section and other applicable law.\n (f) Duties.--The Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee\n shall--\n (1) assist the Commission, the Native American Truth and\n Healing Advisory Committee, and the Federal Truth and Healing\n Advisory Committee in coordinating public and private\n convenings, including--\n (A) providing advice to the Commission on developing\n criteria and protocols for convenings; and\n (B) providing advice and evaluating Committee\n recommendations relating to the commemoration and public\n education relating to Indian Boarding Schools and Indian\n Boarding School Policies; and\n (2) provide advice to, or fulfill such other requests by,\n the Commission as the Commission may require to carry out the\n purposes described in section 3.\n (g) Consultation or Engagement With Native Americans,\n Indian Tribes, Tribal Organizations, the Office of Hawaiian\n Affairs, and Native Hawaiian Organizations.--In carrying out\n the duties of the Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee\n under subsection (f), the Survivors Truth and Healing\n Subcommittee shall meaningfully consult or engage, as\n appropriate, in a timely manner with Native Americans, Indian\n Tribes, Tribal organizations, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs,\n and Native Hawaiian organizations.\n (h) Nondisclosure.--\n (1) Privacy act of 1974 applicability.--Subsection (b) of\n section 552a of title 5, United States Code (commonly known\n as the ``Privacy Act of 1974''), shall not apply to the\n Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee.\n (2) Freedom of information act applicability.--Records and\n other communications provided to, from, between, or within\n the Commission, the Federal Truth and Healing Advisory\n Committee, the Native American Truth and Healing Advisory\n Committee, the Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee, and\n related agencies shall be exempt from disclosure under\n subsection (b)(3)(B) of section 552 of title 5, United States\n Code (commonly known as the ``Freedom of Information Act'').\n (3) Federal advisory committee act applicability.--Chapter\n 10 of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the\n ``Federal Advisory Committee Act''), shall not apply to the\n Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee.\n (i) Personnel Matters.--\n (1) Compensation of members.--A member of the Survivors\n Truth and Healing Subcommittee shall be compensated at a\n daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed\n for grade 13 of the General Schedule under section 5332 of\n title 5, United States Code, for each day, not to exceed 14\n days per month, for which a member of the Survivors Truth and\n Healing Subcommittee is engaged in the performance of their\n duties under this Act, including the convening of meetings,\n including public and private meetings to receive testimony in\n furtherance of the duties of the Survivors Truth and Healing\n Subcommittee and the purposes of this Act.\n (2) Travel expenses.--A member of the Survivors Truth and\n Healing Subcommittee shall be allowed travel expenses,\n including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates\n authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of\n chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from\n their homes or regular places of business in the performance\n of services for the Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee.\n\n TITLE II--ADVISORY COMMITTEES\n\n Subtitle A--Native American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee\n\n SEC. 201. NATIVE AMERICAN TRUTH AND HEALING ADVISORY\n COMMITTEE.\n\n (a) Establishment.--The Commission shall establish an\n advisory committee, to be known as the ``Native American\n Truth and Healing Advisory Committee''.\n (b) Membership, Nomination, and Appointment to the Native\n American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee .--\n (1) Membership.--\n (A) In general.--The Native American Truth and Healing\n Advisory Committee shall include 19 members, to be appointed\n by the Commission from among the nominees submitted under\n paragraph (2)(A), of whom--\n (i) 1 shall be the Vice Chairperson of the Commission, who\n shall serve as the Chairperson of the Native American Truth\n and Healing Advisory Committee;\n (ii) 1 shall be the Vice Chairperson of the Survivors Truth\n and Healing Subcommittee, who shall serve as the Vice\n Chairperson of the Native American Truth and Healing Advisory\n Committee;\n (iii) 1 shall be the Secretary of the Interior, or a\n designee, who shall serve as the Secretary of the Native\n American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee;\n (iv) 13 shall be representatives from each of the 12\n regions of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Hawai`i;\n (v) 1 shall represent the National Native American Boarding\n School Healing Coalition;\n (vi) 1 shall represent the National Association of Tribal\n Historic Preservation Officers; and\n (vii) 1 shall represent the National Indian Education\n Association.\n (B) Additional requirements.--Not fewer than 2 members of\n the Native American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee\n shall have experience with health care or mental health,\n traditional healing or cultural practices, counseling, or\n working with survivors, or descendants of survivors, of\n Indian Boarding Schools to ensure that the Commission\n considers culturally responsive support for survivors,\n families, and communities.\n (2) Nominations.--\n (A) In general.--Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations,\n Native Americans, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and Native\n Hawaiian organizations may submit to the Secretary of the\n Interior nominations for individuals to be appointed to the\n Native American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee not\n later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act.\n (B) Submission.--The Secretary of the Interior shall\n provide the Commission with nominations submitted under\n subparagraph (A) at the initial business meeting of the\n Commission under section 101(c)(1) and the Commission shall\n select the members of the Native American Truth and Healing\n Advisory Committee from among those nominees.\n (3) Date.--\n (A) In general.--The Commission shall appoint all members\n of the Native American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee\n during the initial business meeting of the Commission under\n section 101(c)(1).\n\n[[Page S7260]]\n\n (B) Failure to appoint.--If the Commission fails to appoint\n all members of the Native American Truth and Healing Advisory\n Committee in accordance with subparagraph (A), the Chair of\n the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate, with the\n concurrence of the Vice Chair of the Committee on Indian\n Affairs of the Senate, shall appoint, in accordance with the\n requirements of paragraph (1), individuals to all vacant\n positions of the Native American Truth and Healing Advisory\n Committee not later than 30 days after the date of the\n initial business meeting of the Commission under section\n 101(c)(1).\n (4) Period of appointment; vacancies.--\n (A) Period of appointment.--A member of the Native American\n Truth and Healing Advisory Committee shall be appointed for\n an automatically renewable term of 2 years.\n (B) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the Native American Truth and\n Healing Advisory Committee--\n (i) shall not affect the powers of the Native American\n Truth and Healing Advisory Committee if a simple majority of\n the positions of the Native American Truth and Healing\n Advisory Committee are filled; and\n (ii) shall be filled within 90 days in the same manner as\n was the original appointment.\n (5) Termination.--The Native American Truth and Healing\n Advisory Committee shall terminate 90 days after the date on\n which the Commission submits the final report required under\n section 111(e)(3).\n (6) Limitation.--No member of the Native American Truth and\n Healing Advisory Committee (other than the member described\n in paragraph (1)(A)(iii)) shall be an officer or employee of\n the Federal Government.\n (c) Quorum.--A simple majority of the members of the Native\n American Truth and Healing Committee shall constitute a\n quorum.\n (d) Removal.--A quorum of members of the Native American\n Truth and Healing Committee may remove another member only\n for neglect of duty or malfeasance.\n (e) Business Meetings.--\n (1) Initial business meeting.--Not later than 30 days after\n the date on which all members of the Native American Truth\n and Healing Advisory Committee are appointed under subsection\n (b)(1)(A), the Native American Truth and Healing Advisory\n Committee shall hold an initial business meeting--\n (A) to establish rules for the Native American Truth and\n Healing Advisory Committee;\n (B) to appoint 3 designees to fulfill the responsibilities\n described in section 101(h)(1)(A); and\n (C) to appoint 2 members of the Native American Truth and\n Healing Advisory Committee to serve non-voting as designees\n on the Commission in accordance with section 101(c)(3).\n (2) Subsequent business meetings.--After the initial\n business meeting of the Native American Truth and Healing\n Advisory Committee is held under paragraph (1), the Native\n American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee shall meet at\n the call of the Chairperson.\n (3) Format of business meetings.--A meeting of the Native\n American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee may be\n conducted in-person, virtually, or via phone.\n (4) Quorum required.--A business meeting of the Native\n American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee may only be\n held once a quorum, established in accordance with subsection\n (c), is present.\n (f) Rules.--The Native American Truth and Healing Advisory\n Committee may establish, with the advice of the Commission,\n by a majority vote, any rules for the conduct of business, in\n accordance with this section and other applicable law.\n (g) Duties.--The Native American Truth and Healing Advisory\n Committee shall--\n (1) serve as an advisory body to the Commission;\n (2) assist the Commission in organizing and carrying out\n culturally appropriate public and private convenings relating\n to the duties of the Commission;\n (3) assist the Commission in determining what documentation\n from Federal and religious organizations and institutions may\n be necessary to fulfill the duties of the Commission;\n (4) assist the Commission in the production of the initial\n report and final report required under paragraphs (2) and\n (3), respectively, of section 111(e);\n (5) coordinate with the Federal Truth and Healing Advisory\n Committee and the Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee;\n and\n (6) provide advice to, or fulfill such other requests by,\n the Commission as the Commission may require to carry out the\n purposes described in section 3.\n (h) Consultation or Engagement With Native Americans,\n Indian Tribes, Tribal Organizations, the Office of Hawaiian\n Affairs, and Native Hawaiian Organizations.--In carrying out\n the duties of the Native American Truth and Healing Advisory\n Committee under subsection (g), the Native American Truth and\n Healing Advisory Committee shall meaningfully consult or\n engage, as appropriate, in a timely manner with Native\n Americans, Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, the Office of\n Hawaiian Affairs, and Native Hawaiian organizations.\n (i) Nondisclosure.--\n (1) Privacy act of 1974 applicability.--Subsection (b) of\n section 552a of title 5, United States Code (commonly known\n as the ``Privacy Act of 1974''), shall not apply to the\n Native American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee.\n (2) Freedom of information act applicability.--Records and\n other communications provided to, from, between, or within\n the Commission, the Federal Truth and Healing Advisory\n Committee, the Native American Truth and Healing Advisory\n Committee, the Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee, and\n related agencies shall be exempt from disclosure under\n subsection (b)(3)(B) of section 552 of title 5, United States\n Code (commonly known as the ``Freedom of Information Act'').\n (3) Federal advisory committee act applicability.--Chapter\n 10 of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the\n ``Federal Advisory Committee Act''), shall not apply to the\n Native American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee.\n (j) Personnel Matters.--\n (1) Compensation of members.--A member of the Native\n American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee shall be\n compensated at a daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic\n pay prescribed for grade 13 of the General Schedule under\n section 5332 of title 5, United States Code, for each day,\n not to exceed 14 days per month, for which a member is\n engaged in the performance of their duties under this Act,\n including the convening of meetings, including public and\n private meetings to receive testimony in furtherance of the\n duties of the Native American Truth and Healing Advisory\n Committee and the purposes of this Act.\n (2) Travel expenses.--A member of the Native American Truth\n and Healing Advisory Committee shall be allowed travel\n expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates\n authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of\n chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from\n their homes or regular places of business in the performance\n of services for the Native American Truth and Healing\n Advisory Committee.\n\n Subtitle B--Federal Truth and Healing Advisory Committee\n\n SEC. 211. FEDERAL TRUTH AND HEALING ADVISORY COMMITTEE.\n\n (a) Establishment.--There is established within the\n Department of the Interior an advisory committee, to be known\n as the ``Federal Truth and Healing Advisory Committee''.\n (b) Membership and Appointment to the Federal Truth and\n Healing Advisory Committee.--\n (1) Membership.--The Federal Truth and Healing Advisory\n Committee shall include 17 members, of whom--\n (A) 1 shall be the Chairperson of the Commission, who shall\n serve as the Chairperson of the Federal Truth and Healing\n Advisory Committee;\n (B) 1 shall be the Chairperson of the Survivors Truth and\n Healing Subcommittee, who shall serve as the Vice Chairperson\n of the Federal Truth and Healing Advisory Committee;\n (C) 1 shall be the White House Domestic Policy Advisor, who\n shall serve as the Secretary of the Federal Truth and Healing\n Advisory Committee;\n (D) 1 shall be the Director of the Bureau of Trust Funds\n Administration (or a designee);\n (E) 1 shall be the Archivist of the United States (or a\n designee);\n (F) 1 shall be the Librarian of Congress (or a designee);\n (G) 1 shall be the Director of the Department of the\n Interior Library (or a designee);\n (H) 1 shall be the Director of the Indian Health Service\n (or a designee);\n (I) 1 shall be the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health\n and Substance Abuse of the Department of Health and Human\n Services (or a designee);\n (J) 1 shall be the Commissioner of the Administration for\n Native Americans of the Department of Health and Human\n Services (or a designee);\n (K) 1 shall be the Director of the National Institutes of\n Health (or a designee);\n (L) 1 shall be the Senior Program Director of the Office of\n Native Hawaiian Relations of the Department of the Interior\n (or a designee);\n (M) 1 shall be the Director of the Office of Indian\n Education of the Department of Education (or a designee);\n (N) 1 shall be the Director of the Rural, Insular, and\n Native American Achievement Programs of the Department of\n Education (or a designee);\n (O) 1 shall be the Chair of the Advisory Council on\n Historic Preservation (or a designee);\n (P) 1 shall be the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs\n (or a designee); and\n (Q) 1 shall be the Director of the Bureau of Indian\n Education (or a designee).\n (2) Period of service; vacancies; removal.--\n (A) Period of service.--A member of the Federal Truth and\n Healing Advisory Committee shall serve for an automatically\n renewable term of 2 years.\n (B) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the Federal Truth and Healing\n Advisory Committee--\n (i) shall not affect the powers of the Federal Truth and\n Healing Advisory Committee if a simple majority of the\n positions of the Federal Truth and Healing Advisory Committee\n are filled; and\n (ii) shall be filled within 90 days in the same manner as\n was the original appointment.\n (C) Removal.--A quorum of members of the Federal Truth and\n Healing Advisory Committee may remove a member of the Federal\n Truth and Healing Advisory Committee only for neglect of duty\n or malfeasance.\n (3) Termination.--The Federal Truth and Healing Advisory\n Committee shall terminate 90 days after the date on which the\n Commission submits the final report required under section\n 111(e)(3).\n (c) Business Meetings.--\n (1) Initial business meeting.--Not later than 30 days after\n the date of the initial business meeting of the Commission\n under section 101(c)(1), the Federal Truth and Healing\n Advisory Committee shall hold an initial business meeting--\n (A) to establish rules for the Federal Truth and Healing\n Advisory Committee; and\n (B) to appoint 2 members of the Federal Truth and Healing\n Advisory Committee to serve as non-voting designees on the\n Commission in accordance with section 101(c)(3).\n\n[[Page S7261]]\n\n (2) Subsequent business meetings.--After the initial\n business meeting of the Federal Truth and Healing Advisory\n Committee is held under paragraph (1), the Federal Truth and\n Healing Advisory Committee shall meet at the call of the\n Chairperson.\n (3) Format of business meetings.--A business meeting of the\n Federal Truth and Healing Advisory Committee may be conducted\n in-person, virtually, or via phone.\n (4) Quorum required.--A business meeting of the Federal\n Truth and Healing Advisory Committee may only be held once a\n quorum, established in accordance with subsection (d), is\n present.\n (d) Quorum.--A simple majority of the members of the\n Federal Truth and Healing Advisory Committee present shall\n constitute a quorum for a business meeting.\n (e) Rules.--The Federal Truth and Healing Advisory\n Committee may establish, with the advice of the Commission,\n by a majority vote, any rules for the conduct of business, in\n accordance with this section and other applicable law.\n (f) Duties.--The Federal Truth and Healing Advisory\n Committee shall--\n (1) ensure the effective and timely coordination between\n Federal agencies in furtherance of the purposes of this Act;\n (2) assist the Commission and the Native American Truth and\n Healing Advisory Committee in coordinating--\n (A) meetings and other related public and private\n convenings; and\n (B) the collection, organization, and preservation of\n information obtained from witnesses and by other Federal\n agencies; and\n (3) ensure the timely submission to the Commission of\n materials, documents, testimony, and such other information\n as the Commission determines to be necessary to carry out the\n duties of the Commission.\n (g) Consultation or Engagement With Native Americans,\n Indian Tribes, Tribal Organizations, the Office of Hawaiian\n Affairs, and Native Hawaiian Organizations.--In carrying out\n the duties of the Federal Truth and Healing Advisory\n Committee under subsection (f), the Federal Truth and Healing\n Advisory Committee shall meaningfully consult or engage, as\n appropriate, in a timely manner with Native Americans, Indian\n Tribes, Tribal organizations, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs,\n and Native Hawaiian organizations.\n (h) Nondisclosure.--\n (1) Privacy act of 1974 applicability.--Subsection (b) of\n section 552a of title 5, United States Code (commonly known\n as the ``Privacy Act of 1974''), shall not apply to the\n Federal Truth and Healing Advisory Committee.\n (2) Freedom of information act applicability.--Records and\n other communications provided to, from, between, or within\n the Commission, the Federal Truth and Healing Advisory\n Committee, the Native American Truth and Healing Advisory\n Committee, the Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee, and\n related agencies shall be exempt from disclosure under\n subsection (b)(3)(B) of section 552 of title 5, United States\n Code (commonly known as the ``Freedom of Information Act'').\n (3) Federal advisory committee act applicability.--Chapter\n 10 of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the\n ``Federal Advisory Committee Act''), shall not apply to the\n Federal Truth and Healing Advisory Committee.\n\n TITLE III--GENERAL PROVISIONS\n\n SEC. 301. CLARIFICATION.\n\n Any human remains or associated or unassociated funerary\n objects located on Federal land, on land managed by a Federal\n agency, or land otherwise curated by a Federal agency and\n relating to an Indian Boarding School shall be considered\n collections or holdings over which a Federal agency has\n possession or control and the Native American Graves\n Protection and Repatriation Act (25 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.)\n shall apply.\n\n SEC. 302. BURIAL MANAGEMENT.\n\n A Federal agency that carries out activities pursuant to\n this Act or that created or controls a cemetery with remains\n of an individual who attended an Indian Boarding School may\n rebury the remains of that individual and any associated\n funerary items that have been repatriated pursuant to section\n 7 of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation\n Act (25 U.S.C. 3005), consistent with Tribal practices, on\n any Federal land as agreed to by the relevant parties.\n\n SEC. 303. CO-STEWARDSHIP AGREEMENTS.\n\n A Federal agency that carries out activities pursuant to\n this Act or that created or controls a cemetery with remains\n of an individual who attended an Indian Boarding School or an\n Indian Boarding School may enter into a co-stewardship\n agreement for the management of the cemetery or Indian\n Boarding School.\n\n SEC. 304. NO RIGHT OF ACTION.\n\n Nothing in this Act creates a private right of action to\n seek administrative or judicial relief.\n Mr. SCHATZ. I ask unanimous consent that the committee-reported\nsubstitute amendment be withdrawn; that the Schatz-Murkowski substitute\namendment at the desk be considered and agreed to; and that the bill,\nas amended, be considered read a third time.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.\n The committee-reported amendment in the nature of a substitute was\nwithdrawn.\n The amendment (No. 3351) in the nature of a substitute was agreed to,\nas follows:\n (The amendment is printed in today's Record (legislative day of\nDecember 16, 2024) under ``Text of Amendments.'')\n The bill, as amended, was ordered to be engrossed for a third reading\nand was read the third time.\n Mr. SCHATZ. I know of no further debate on the bill, as amended.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there further debate on the bill, as\namended?\n Hearing none, the bill having been read the third time, the question\nis, Shall the bill, as amended, pass?\n The bill (S. 1723), as amended, was passed as follows:\n\n S. 1723\n\n Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of\n the United States of America in Congress assembled,\n\n SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.\n\n (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Truth and\n Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act of\n 2024''.\n (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act\n is as follows:\n\nSec. 1. Short title; table of contents.\nSec. 2. Purposes.\nSec. 3. Definitions.\n\n TITLE I--COMMISSION AND SUBCOMMITTEES\n\n Subtitle A--Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School\n Policies in the United States\n\nSec. 101. Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School\n Policies in the United States.\n\n Subtitle B--Duties of the Commission\n\nSec. 111. Duties of the Commission.\n\n Subtitle C--Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee\n\nSec. 121. Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee.\n\n TITLE II--ADVISORY COMMITTEES\n\n Subtitle A--Native American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee\n\nSec. 201. Native American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee.\n\n Subtitle B--Federal and Religious Truth and Healing Advisory Committee\n\nSec. 211. Federal and Religious Truth and Healing Advisory Committee.\n\n TITLE III--GENERAL PROVISIONS\n\nSec. 301. Clarification.\nSec. 302. Burial management.\nSec. 303. Co-stewardship agreements.\nSec. 304. No right of action.\n\n SEC. 2. PURPOSES.\n\n The purposes of this Act are--\n (1) to establish a Truth and Healing Commission on Indian\n Boarding School Policies in the United States, including\n other necessary advisory committees and subcommittees;\n (2) to formally investigate, document, and report on the\n histories of Indian Boarding Schools, Indian Boarding School\n Polices, and the systematic and long-term effects of those\n schools and policies on Native American peoples;\n (3) to develop recommendations for Federal efforts based on\n the findings of the Commission; and\n (4) to promote healing for survivors of Indian Boarding\n Schools, the descendants of those survivors, and the\n communities of those survivors.\n\n SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.\n\n In this Act:\n (1) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Truth\n and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies in\n the United States established by section 101(a).\n (2) Federal and religious truth and healing advisory\n committee.--The term ``Federal and Religious Truth and\n Healing Advisory Committee'' means the Federal and Religious\n Truth and Healing Advisory Committee established by section\n 211(a).\n (3) Indian.--The term ``Indian'' has the meaning given the\n term in section 6151 of the Elementary and Secondary\n Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7491).\n (4) Indian boarding school.--The term ``Indian Boarding\n School'' means--\n (A) a site of an institution that--\n (i) provided on-site housing or overnight lodging;\n (ii) was described in Federal records as providing formal\n academic or vocational training and instruction to Native\n Americans;\n (iii) received Federal funds or other Federal support; and\n (iv) was operational before 1969;\n (B) a site of an institution identified by the Department\n of the Interior in appendices A and B of the report entitled\n ``Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative Investigative\n Report'' and dated May 2022 (or a successor report); or\n (C) any other institution that implemented Indian Boarding\n School Policies, including an Indian day school.\n (5) Indian boarding school policies.--The term ``Indian\n Boarding School Policies'' means Federal laws, policies, and\n practices purported to ``assimilate'' and ``civilize'' Native\n Americans that included psychological, physical, sexual, and\n mental abuse, forced removal from home or community, and\n identity-altering practices intended to terminate Native\n languages, cultures, religions, social organizations, or\n connections to traditional land.\n (6) Indian tribe.--The term ``Indian Tribe'' has the\n meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-\n Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).\n (7) Native american.--The term ``Native American'' means an\n individual who is--\n\n[[Page S7262]]\n\n (A) an Indian; or\n (B) a Native Hawaiian.\n (8) Native american truth and healing advisory committee.--\n The term ``Native American Truth and Healing Advisory\n Committee'' means the Native American Truth and Healing\n Advisory Committee established by the Commission under\n section 201(a).\n (9) Native hawaiian.--The term ``Native Hawaiian'' has the\n meaning given the term in section 6207 of the Elementary and\n Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7517).\n (10) Native hawaiian organization.--The term ``Native\n Hawaiian organization'' means a private nonprofit\n organization that--\n (A) serves and represents the interests of Native\n Hawaiians;\n (B) has as its primary and stated purpose the provision of\n services to Native Hawaiians;\n (C) has Native Hawaiians serving in substantive and\n policymaking positions; and\n (D) has expertise in Native Hawaiian affairs.\n (11) Office of hawaiian affairs.--The term ``Office of\n Hawaiian Affairs'' has the meaning given the term in section\n 6207 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965\n (20 U.S.C. 7517).\n (12) Survivors truth and healing subcommittee.--The term\n ``Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee'' means the\n Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee established by\n section 121(a).\n (13) Trauma-informed care.--The term ``trauma-informed\n care'' means holistic psychological and health care practices\n that include promoting culturally responsive practices,\n patient psychological, physical, and emotional safety, and\n environments of healing, trust, peer support, and recovery.\n (14) Tribal organization.--The term ``Tribal organization''\n has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian\n Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C.\n 5304).\n\n TITLE I--COMMISSION AND SUBCOMMITTEES\n\n Subtitle A--Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School\n Policies in the United States\n\n SEC. 101. TRUTH AND HEALING COMMISSION ON INDIAN BOARDING\n SCHOOL POLICIES IN THE UNITED STATES.\n\n (a) Establishment.--There is established in the legislative\n branch a commission, to be known as the ``Truth and Healing\n Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies in the United\n States''.\n (b) Membership.--\n (1) Appointment.--Nominees submitted under paragraph (2)(A)\n shall be appointed as members to the Commission as follows:\n (A) 1 member shall be appointed by the majority leader of\n the Senate, in consultation with the Chairperson of the\n Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate.\n (B) 1 member shall be appointed by the minority leader of\n the Senate, in consultation with the Vice Chairperson of the\n Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate.\n (C) 1 member shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House\n of Representatives, in consultation with the Chair of the\n Committee on Natural Resources of the House of\n Representatives.\n (D) 1 member shall be appointed by the minority leader of\n the House of Representatives, in consultation with the\n Ranking Member of the Committee on Natural Resources of the\n House of Representatives.\n (E) 1 member shall be jointly appointed by the Chairperson\n and Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Indian Affairs of\n the Senate.\n (2) Nominations.--\n (A) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of\n the enactment of this Act, Indian Tribes, Tribal\n organizations, Native Americans, the Office of Hawaiian\n Affairs, and Native Hawaiian organizations may submit to the\n Secretary of the Interior nominations for individuals to be\n appointed as members of the Commission.\n (B) Submission to congress.--Not later than 7 days after\n the submission deadline for nominations described in\n subparagraph (A), the Secretary of the Interior shall submit\n to Congress a list of the individuals nominated under that\n subparagraph.\n (C) Qualifications.--\n (i) In general.--Nominees to serve on the Commission shall\n have significant experience in matters relating to--\n\n (I) overseeing or leading complex research initiatives with\n and for Indian Tribes and Native Americans;\n (II) indigenous human rights law and policy;\n (III) Tribal court judicial and restorative justice systems\n and Federal agencies, such as participation as a Tribal\n judge, researcher, or former presidentially appointed\n commissioner;\n (IV) providing and coordinating trauma-informed care and\n other health-related services to Indian Tribes and Native\n Americans; or\n (V) traditional and cultural resources and practices in\n Native communities.\n\n (ii) Additional qualifications.--In addition to the\n qualifications described in clause (i), each member of the\n Commission shall be an individual of recognized integrity and\n empathy, with a demonstrated commitment to the values of\n truth, reconciliation, healing, and expertise in truth and\n healing endeavors that are traditionally and culturally\n appropriate so as to provide balanced points of view and\n expertise with respect to the duties of the Commission.\n (3) Date.--Members of the Commission under paragraph (1)\n shall be appointed not later than 180 days after the date of\n the enactment of this Act.\n (4) Period of appointment; vacancies; removal.--\n (A) Period of appointment.--A member of the Commission\n shall be appointed for a term that is the shorter of--\n (i) 6 years; and\n (ii) the life of the Commission.\n (B) Vacancies.--After all initial members of the Commission\n are appointed and the initial business meeting of the\n Commission has been convened under subsection (c)(1), a\n single vacancy in the Commission--\n (i) shall not affect the powers of the Commission; and\n (ii) shall be filled within 90 days in the same manner as\n was the original appointment.\n (C) Removal.--A quorum of members of the Commission may\n remove a member of the Commission only for neglect of duty or\n malfeasance.\n (5) Termination.--The Commission shall terminate 6 years\n after the date of the enactment of this Act.\n (6) Limitation.--No member of the Commission may otherwise\n be an officer or employee of the Federal Government.\n (c) Business Meetings.--\n (1) Initial business meeting.--90 days after the date on\n which all of the members of the Commission are appointed\n under subsection (b)(1)(A), the Commission shall hold the\n initial business meeting of the Commission--\n (A) to appoint a Chairperson, a Vice Chairperson, and such\n other positions as determined necessary by the Commission;\n (B) to establish rules for meetings of the Commission; and\n (C) to appoint members of--\n (i) the Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee under\n section 121(b)(1); and\n (ii) the Native American Truth and Healing Advisory\n Committee under section 201(b)(1).\n (2) Subsequent business meetings.--After the initial\n business meeting of the Commission is held under paragraph\n (1), the Commission shall meet at the call of the\n Chairperson.\n (3) Advisory and subcommittee committees designees.--Each\n Commission business meeting shall include participation by 2\n non-voting designees from each of the Survivors Truth and\n Healing Subcommittee, the Native American Truth and Healing\n Advisory Committee, and the Federal and Religious Truth and\n Healing Advisory Committee, as appointed in accordance with\n section 121(c)(1)(D), section 201(e)(1)(C), and section\n 211(c)(1)(B), as applicable.\n (4) Format of meetings.--A business meeting of the\n Commission may be conducted in-person or virtually.\n (5) Quorum required.--A business meeting of the Commission\n may be held only after a quorum, established in accordance\n with subsection (d), is present.\n (d) Quorum.--A simple majority of the members of the\n Commission shall constitute a quorum for a business meeting.\n (e) Rules.--The Commission may establish, by a majority\n vote, any rules for the conduct of Commission business, in\n accordance with this section and other applicable law.\n (f) Commission Personnel Matters.--\n (1) Compensation of commissioners.--A member of the\n Commission shall be compensated at a daily equivalent of the\n annual rate of basic pay prescribed for grade 5 of the\n General Schedule under section 5332 of title 5, United States\n Code, for each day, not to exceed 10 days per month, for\n which a member is engaged in the performance of their duties\n under this Act, limited to convening meetings, including\n public or private meetings to receive testimony in\n furtherance of the duties of the Commission and the purposes\n of this Act.\n (2) Travel expenses.--A member of the Commission shall be\n allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of\n subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies\n under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States\n Code, while away from their homes or regular places of\n business in the performance of services for the Commission.\n (3) Detail of government employees.--Any Federal Government\n employee, with the approval of the head of the appropriate\n Federal agency and at the request of the Commission, may be\n detailed to the Commission without--\n (A) reimbursement to the agency of that employee; and\n (B) interruption or loss of civil service status, benefits,\n or privileges.\n (g) Powers of Commission.--\n (1) Convenings and information.--The Commission may, for\n the purpose of carrying out this Act--\n (A) hold such convenings and sit and act at such times and\n places, take such testimony, and receive such information,\n virtually or in-person, as the Commission may determine\n necessary to accomplish the purposes of this Act;\n (B) conduct or request such interdisciplinary research,\n investigation, or analysis of such information and documents,\n records, or other data as the Commission may determine\n necessary to accomplish the purposes of this Act, including--\n (i) securing, directly from a Federal agency, such\n information as the Commission considers necessary to\n accomplish the purposes of this Act; and\n\n[[Page S7263]]\n\n (ii) requesting the head of any relevant Tribal or State\n agency to provide to the Commission such information as the\n Commission considers necessary to accomplish the purposes of\n this Act;\n (C) request such records, papers, correspondence,\n memoranda, documents, books, videos, oral histories,\n recordings, or any other paper or electronic material, as the\n Commission may determine necessary to accomplish the purposes\n of this Act;\n (D) oversee, direct, and collaborate with the Federal and\n Religious Truth and Healing Advisory Committee, the Native\n American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee, and the\n Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee to accomplish the\n purposes of this Act; and\n (E) coordinate with Federal and non-Federal entities to\n preserve and archive, as appropriate, any gifts, documents,\n or other property received while carrying out the purposes of\n this Act.\n (2) Contracting; volunteer services.--\n (A) Contracting.--The Commission may, to such extent and in\n such amounts as are provided in appropriations Acts, and in\n accordance with applicable law, enter into contracts and\n other agreements with public agencies, private organizations,\n and individuals to enable the Commission to carry out the\n duties of the Commission under this Act.\n (B) Volunteer and uncompensated services.--Notwithstanding\n section 1342 of title 31, United States Code, the Commission\n may accept and use such voluntary and uncompensated services\n as the Commission determines to be necessary.\n (C) General services administration.--The Administrator of\n General Services shall provide, on request of the Commission,\n on a reimbursable basis, administrative support and other\n services for the performance of the functions of the\n Commission under this Act.\n (3) Postal services.--The Commission may use the United\n States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions\n as other agencies of the Federal Government.\n (4) Gifts, fundraising, and disbursement.--\n (A) Gifts and donations.--\n (i) In general.--The Commission may accept, use, and\n dispose of any gift, donation, service, property, or other\n record or recording to accomplish the purposes of this Act.\n (ii) Return of gifts and donations.--On termination of the\n Commission under subsection (b)(5), any gifts, unspent\n donations, property, or other record or recording accepted by\n the Commission under clause (i) shall be--\n\n (I) returned to the donor that made the donation under that\n clause; or\n (II) archived under subparagraph (E).\n\n (B) Fundraising.--The Commission may, on the affirmative\n vote of \\3/5\\ of the members of the Commission, solicit funds\n to accomplish the purposes of this Act.\n (C) Disbursement.--The Commission may, on the affirmative\n vote of \\3/5\\ of the members of the Commission, approve a\n spending plan of funds to accomplish the purposes of this\n Act.\n (D) Tax documents.--The Commission (or a designee) shall,\n on request of a donor under subparagraph (A) or (B), provide\n tax documentation to that donor for any tax-deductible gift\n made by that donor under those subparagraphs.\n (E) Archiving.--The Commission shall coordinate with the\n Library of Congress and the Smithsonian Institution to\n archive and preserve relevant gifts or donations received\n under subparagraph (A) or (B).\n (h) Convening.--\n (1) Convening protocol.--\n (A) In general.--Not later than 45 days after the initial\n business meeting of the Native American Truth and Healing\n Advisory Committee, the Commission, 3 designees from the\n Native American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee, and 3\n designees from the Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee\n shall hold a meeting to recommend rules, protocols, and\n formats for convenings carried out under this subsection.\n (B) Rules and protocols.--Not later than 45 days after the\n initial meeting described in subparagraph (A), the Commission\n shall finalize rules, protocols, and formats for convenings\n carried out under this subsection by a \\3/5\\ majority in\n attendance at a meeting of the Commission.\n (C) Additional meetings.--The Commission and designees\n described in subparagraph (A) may hold additional meetings,\n as necessary, to amend, by a \\3/5\\ majority in attendance at\n a meeting of the Commission, the rules, protocols, and\n formats for convenings established under that subparagraph.\n (2) Announcement of convenings.--Not later than 30 days\n before the date of a convening under this subsection, the\n Commission shall announce the location and details of the\n convening.\n (3) Minimum number of convenings.--The Commission shall\n hold--\n (A) not fewer than 1 convening in each of the 12 regions of\n the Bureau of Indian Affairs and in Hawai`i during the life\n of the Commission; and\n (B) beginning 1 year after the date of the enactment of\n this Act, not fewer than 1 convening in each quarter to\n receive testimony each calendar year until the date on which\n the Commission submits the final report of the Commission\n under section 111(e)(3).\n (4) Opportunity to provide testimony.--No person or entity\n shall be denied the opportunity to provide relevant testimony\n or information at a convening held under this subsection,\n except at the discretion of the Chairperson of the Commission\n (or a designee).\n (i) Federal Advisory Committee Act Applicability.--Chapter\n 10 of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the\n ``Federal Advisory Committee Act''), shall not apply to the\n Commission.\n (j) Congressional Accountability Act Applicability.--For\n purposes of the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (2\n U.S.C. 1301 et seq.)--\n (1) any individual who is an employee of the Commission\n shall be considered a covered employee under the Act; and\n (2) the Commission shall be considered an employing office\n under the Act; and\n (3) a member of the Commission shall be considered a\n covered employee under the Act.\n (k) Consultation or Engagement With Native Americans,\n Indian Tribes, Tribal Organizations, the Office of Hawaiian\n Affairs, and Native Hawaiian Organizations.--In carrying out\n the duties of the Commission under section 111, the\n Commission shall meaningfully consult or engage, as\n appropriate, in a timely manner with Native Americans, Indian\n Tribes, Tribal organizations, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs,\n and Native Hawaiian organizations.\n (l) Funding.--Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated\n pursuant to section 105 of the Indian Land Consolidation Act\n Amendments of 2000 (25 U.S.C. 2201 note; Public Law 106-462)\n and section 403 of the Indian Financing Act of 1974 (25\n U.S.C. 1523), $90,000,000 shall be used to carry out this\n Act.\n\n Subtitle B--Duties of the Commission\n\n SEC. 111. DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION.\n\n (a) Investigation.--\n (1) In general.--The Commission shall conduct a\n comprehensive interdisciplinary investigation of Indian\n Boarding School Policies, including the social, cultural,\n economic, emotional, and physical effects of Indian Boarding\n School Policies in the United States on Native American\n communities, Indian Tribes, survivors of Indian Boarding\n Schools, families of those survivors, and their descendants.\n (2) Matters to be investigated.--The matters to be\n investigated by the Commission under paragraph (1) shall\n include, at a minimum--\n (A) conducting a comprehensive review of existing research\n and historical records of Indian Boarding School Policies and\n any documentation, scholarship, or other resources relevant\n to the purposes of this Act from--\n (i) any archive or any other document storage location,\n notwithstanding the location of that archive or document\n storage location; and\n (ii) any research conducted by private individuals, private\n entities, and non-Federal Government entities, whether\n domestic or foreign, including religious institutions;\n (B) collaborating with the Federal and Religious Truth and\n Healing Advisory Committee to obtain all relevant information\n from--\n (i) the Department of the Interior, the Department of\n Health and Human Services, other relevant Federal agencies,\n and institutions or organizations, including religious\n institutions or organizations, that operated an Indian\n Boarding School, carried out Indian Boarding School Policies,\n or have information that the Commission determines to be\n relevant to the investigation of the Commission; and\n (ii) Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, Native Americans,\n the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and Native Hawaiian\n organizations; and\n (C) conducting a comprehensive assessment of the impacts of\n Indian Boarding School Policies on Native American students\n and alumni, including the impact on cultures, traditions, and\n languages.\n (3) Research related to objects, artifacts, and real\n property.--If the Commission conducts a comprehensive review\n of research described in paragraph (2)(A)(ii) that focuses on\n objects, artifacts, or real or personal property that are in\n the possession or control of private individuals, private\n entities, or non-Federal Government entities within the\n United States, the Commission may enter into a contract or\n agreement to acquire, hold, curate, or maintain those\n objects, artifacts, or real or personal property until the\n objects, artifacts, or real or personal property can be\n properly repatriated or returned, consistent with applicable\n Federal law, subject to the condition that no Federal funds\n may be used to purchase those objects, artifacts, or real or\n personal property.\n (b) Meetings and Convenings.--\n (1) In general.--The Commission shall hold, with the advice\n of the Native American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee\n and the Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee, and in\n coordination with, as relevant, Indian Tribes, Tribal\n organizations, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and Native\n Hawaiian organizations, as part of its investigation under\n subsection (a), safe, trauma-informed, and culturally\n appropriate public or private meetings or convenings to\n receive testimony relating to that investigation.\n (2) Requirements.--The Commission shall ensure that\n meetings and convenings held under paragraph (1) provide\n access to adequate trauma-informed care services for\n participants, attendees, and communities during and following\n the meetings and convenings where the Commission receives\n testimony, including ensuring that private\n\n[[Page S7264]]\n\n space is available for survivors and descendants of\n survivors, family members, and other community members to\n receive trauma-informed care services.\n (c) Recommendations.--\n (1) In general.--The Commission shall make recommendations\n to Congress relating to the investigation carried out under\n subsection (a), which shall be included in the final report\n required under subsection (e)(3).\n (2) Inclusions.--Recommendations made under paragraph (1)\n shall include, at a minimum, recommendations relating to--\n (A) in light of Tribal and Native Hawaiian law, Tribal\n customary law, tradition, custom, and practice, how the\n Federal Government can meaningfully acknowledge the role of\n the Federal Government in supporting Indian Boarding School\n Policies in all issue areas that the Commission determines\n relevant, including appropriate forms of memorialization,\n preservation of records, objects, artifacts, and burials;\n (B) how modification of existing statutes, procedures,\n regulations, policies, budgets, and practices will, in the\n determination of the Commission, address the findings of the\n Commission and ongoing effects of Indian Boarding School\n Policies;\n (C) how the Federal Government can promote public awareness\n of, and education about, Indian Boarding School Policies and\n the impacts of those policies, including through coordinating\n with the Native American Truth and Healing Advisory\n Committee, the Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee, the\n Smithsonian Institution, and other relevant institutions and\n organizations; and\n (D) the views of religious institutions.\n (d) Duties Related to Burials.--The Commission shall, with\n respect to burial sites associated with Indian Boarding\n Schools--\n (1) coordinate, as appropriate, with the Native American\n Truth and Healing Advisory Committee, the Federal and\n Religious Truth and Healing Advisory Committee, the Survivors\n Truth and Healing Subcommittee, lineal descendants, Indian\n Tribes, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Federal agencies,\n institutions, and organizations to locate and identify, in a\n culturally appropriate manner, marked and unmarked burial\n sites, including cemeteries, unmarked graves, and mass burial\n sites, where students of Indian Boarding Schools were\n originally or later interred;\n (2) locate, document, analyze, and coordinate the\n preservation or continued preservation of records and\n information relating to the interment of students, including\n any records held by Federal, State, international, or local\n entities or religious institutions or organizations; and\n (3) share, to the extent practicable, with affected lineal\n descendants, Indian Tribes, and the Office of Hawaiian\n Affairs burial locations and the identities of children who\n attended Indian Boarding Schools.\n (e) Reports.--\n (1) Annual reports to congress.--Not less frequently than\n annually until the year before the year in which the\n Commission terminates, the Commission shall submit to the\n Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate and the Committee\n on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report\n that describes the activities of the Commission during the\n previous year, including an accounting of funds and gifts\n received and expenditures made, the progress made, and any\n barriers encountered in carrying out this Act.\n (2) Commission initial report.--Not later than 4 years\n after the date on which a majority of the members of the\n Commission are appointed under section 101(b)(1), the\n Commission shall submit to the individuals described in\n paragraph (4), and make publicly available, an initial report\n containing--\n (A) a detailed review of existing research, including\n documentation, scholarship, or other resources shared with\n the Commission that further the purposes of this Act;\n (B) a detailed statement of the initial findings and\n conclusions of the Commission; and\n (C) a detailed statement of the initial recommendations of\n the Commission.\n (3) Commission final report.--Before the termination of the\n Commission, the Commission shall submit to the individuals\n described in paragraph (4), and make publicly available, a\n final report containing the findings, conclusions, and\n recommendations of the Commission that have been agreed on by\n the vote of a majority of the members of the Commission and\n \\3/5\\ of the members of each of the Native American Truth and\n Healing Advisory Committee and the Survivors Truth and\n Healing Subcommittee.\n (4) Report recipients.--The individuals referred to in\n paragraphs (2) and (3) are--\n (A) the President;\n (B) the Secretary of the Interior;\n (C) the Attorney General;\n (D) the Comptroller General of the United States;\n (E) the Secretary of Education;\n (F) the Secretary of Health and Human Services;\n (G) the Secretary of Defense;\n (H) the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the Committee\n on Indian Affairs of the Senate;\n (I) the Chairperson and ranking minority member of the\n Committee on Natural Resources of the House of\n Representatives;\n (J) the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Native American\n Caucus;\n (K) the Executive Director of the White House Council on\n Native American Affairs;\n (L) the Director of the Office of Management and Budget;\n (M) the Archivist of the United States;\n (N) the Librarian of Congress; and\n (O) the Director of the National Museum of the American\n Indian.\n (5) Additional commission responsibilities relating to the\n publication of the initial and final reports.--\n (A) Events relating to initial report.--\n (i) In general.--The Commission shall hold not fewer than 2\n events in each region of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and in\n Hawai`i following publication of the initial report under\n paragraph (2) to receive comments on the initial report.\n (ii) Timing.--The schedule of events referred to in clause\n (i) shall be announced not later than 90 days after the date\n on which the initial report under paragraph (2) is published.\n (B) Publication of final report.--Not later than 180 days\n after the date on which the Commission submits the final\n report under paragraph (3), the Commission, the Secretary of\n the Interior, the Secretary of Education, the Secretary of\n Defense, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall\n each make the final report publicly available on the website\n of the applicable agency.\n (6) Secretarial response to final report.--Not later than\n 120 days after the date on which the Secretary of the\n Interior, the Secretary of Education, the Secretary of\n Defense, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services\n receive the final report under paragraph (3), the Secretaries\n shall each make publicly available a written response to\n recommendations for future action by those agencies, if any,\n contained in the final report, and submit the written\n response to--\n (A) the President;\n (B) the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate;\n (C) the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of\n Representatives; and\n (D) the Comptroller General of the United States.\n\n Subtitle C--Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee\n\n SEC. 121. SURVIVORS TRUTH AND HEALING SUBCOMMITTEE.\n\n (a) Establishment.--There is established a subcommittee of\n the Commission, to be known as the ``Survivors Truth and\n Healing Subcommittee''.\n (b) Membership, Nomination, and Appointment to the\n Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee.--\n (1) Membership.--The Survivors Truth and Healing\n Subcommittee shall include 15 members, to be appointed by the\n Commission, in consultation with the National Native American\n Boarding School Healing Coalition, from among the nominees\n submitted under paragraph (2)(A), of whom--\n (A) 12 shall be representatives from each of the 12 regions\n of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and 1 shall be a\n representative from Hawai`i;\n (B) 9 shall be individuals who attended an Indian Boarding\n School of whom--\n (i) not fewer than 2 shall be individuals who graduated\n during the 5-year period preceding the date of the enactment\n of this Act from--\n\n (I) an Indian Boarding School in operation as of that date\n of the enactment; or\n (II) a Bureau of Indian Education-funded school; and\n\n (ii) all shall represent diverse regions of the United\n States;\n (C) 5 shall be descendants of individuals who attended\n Indian Boarding Schools, who shall represent diverse regions\n of the United States; and\n (D) 1 shall be an educator who, as of the date of the\n appointment--\n (i) is employed at an Indian Boarding School; or\n (ii) was employed at an Indian Boarding School during the\n 5-year period preceding the date of the enactment of this\n Act.\n (2) Nominations.--\n (A) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of\n the enactment of this Act, Indian Tribes, Tribal\n organizations, Native Americans, the Office of Hawaiian\n Affairs, and Native Hawaiian organizations may submit to the\n Secretary of the Interior nominations for individuals to be\n appointed as members of the Survivors Truth and Healing\n Subcommittee.\n (B) Submission.--The Secretary of the Interior shall\n provide the Commission with nominations submitted under\n subparagraph (A) at the initial business meeting of the\n Commission under section 101(c)(1) and the Commission shall\n select the members of the Survivors Truth and Healing\n Subcommittee from among those nominees.\n (3) Date.--\n (A) In general.--The Commission shall appoint all members\n of the Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee during the\n initial business meeting of the Commission under section\n 101(c)(1).\n (B) Failure to appoint.--If the Commission fails to appoint\n all members of the Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee\n in accordance with subparagraph (A), the Chair of the\n Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate, with the\n concurrence of the Vice Chair of the Committee on Indian\n Affairs of the Senate, shall appoint individuals, in\n accordance with the requirements of paragraph (1), to all\n vacant positions of the Survivors Truth and Healing\n Subcommittee not later than 30 days after the date of the\n initial business meeting of the Commission under section\n 101(c)(1).\n\n[[Page S7265]]\n\n (4) Period of appointment; vacancies; removal.--\n (A) Period of appointment.--A member of the Survivors Truth\n and Healing Subcommittee shall be appointed for an\n automatically renewable term of 2 years.\n (B) Vacancies.--\n (i) In general.--A member of the Survivors Truth and\n Healing Subcommittee may vacate the position at any time and\n for any reason.\n (ii) Effect; filling of vacancy.--A vacancy in the\n Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee--\n\n (I) shall not affect the powers of the Survivors Truth and\n Healing Subcommittee if a simple majority of the positions of\n the Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee are filled; and\n (II) shall be filled within 90 days in the same manner as\n was the original appointment.\n\n (C) Removal.--A quorum of members of the Commission may\n remove a member of the Survivors Truth and Healing\n Subcommittee only for neglect of duty or malfeasance.\n (5) Termination.--The Survivors Truth and Healing\n Subcommittee shall terminate 90 days after the date on which\n the Commission submits the final report required under\n section 111(e)(3).\n (6) Limitation.--No member of the Survivors Truth and\n Healing Subcommittee may otherwise be an officer or employee\n of the Federal Government.\n (c) Business Meetings.--\n (1) Initial meeting.--Not later than 30 days after the date\n on which all members of the Survivors Truth and Healing\n Subcommittee are appointed under subsection (b)(1), the\n Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee shall hold an\n initial business meeting--\n (A) to appoint--\n (i) a Chairperson, who shall also serve as the Vice\n Chairperson of the Federal and Religious Truth and Healing\n Advisory Committee;\n (ii) a Vice Chairperson, who shall also serve as the Vice\n Chairperson of the Native American Truth and Healing Advisory\n Committee; and\n (iii) other positions, as determined necessary by the\n Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee;\n (B) to establish, with the advice of the Commission, rules\n for the Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee;\n (C) to appoint 3 designees to fulfill the responsibilities\n described in section 101(h)(1)(A); and\n (D) to appoint, with the advice of the Commission, 2\n members of the Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee to\n serve as non-voting designees on the Commission in accordance\n with section 101(c)(3).\n (2) Subsequent business meetings.--After the initial\n business meeting of the Survivors Truth and Healing\n subcommittee is held under paragraph (1), the Survivors Truth\n and Healing Subcommittee shall meet at the call of the\n Chairperson.\n (3) Format of business meetings.--A business meeting of the\n Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee may be conducted in-\n person or virtually.\n (4) Quorum required.--A business meeting of the Survivors\n Truth and Healing Subcommittee may be held only after a\n quorum, established in accordance with subsection (d), is\n present.\n (d) Quorum.--A simple majority of the members of the\n Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee shall constitute a\n quorum for a business meeting.\n (e) Rules.--The Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee,\n with the advice of the Commission, may establish, by a\n majority vote, any rules for the conduct of business, in\n accordance with this section and other applicable law.\n (f) Duties.--The Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee\n shall--\n (1) assist the Commission, the Native American Truth and\n Healing Advisory Committee, and the Federal and Religious\n Truth and Healing Advisory Committee in coordinating public\n and private convenings, including providing advice to the\n Commission on developing criteria and protocols for\n convenings;\n (2) provide advice and evaluate Committee recommendations\n relating to the commemoration and public education relating\n to Indian Boarding Schools and Indian Boarding School\n Policies;\n (3) assist the Commission--\n (A) in the production of the initial and final reports\n required under paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively, of\n section 111(e); and\n (B) by providing such other advice, or fulfilling such\n other requests, as may be required by the Commission; and\n (4) coordinate with the Commission, the Native American\n Truth and Healing Advisory Committee, and the Federal and\n Religious Truth and Healing Advisory Committee.\n (g) Consultation or Engagement With Native Americans,\n Indian Tribes, Tribal Organizations, the Office of Hawaiian\n Affairs, and Native Hawaiian Organizations.--In carrying out\n the duties of the Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee\n under subsection (f), the Survivors Truth and Healing\n Subcommittee shall meaningfully consult or engage, as\n appropriate, in a timely manner with Native Americans, Indian\n Tribes, Tribal organizations, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs,\n and Native Hawaiian organizations.\n (h) Federal Advisory Committee Act Applicability.--Chapter\n 10 of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the\n ``Federal Advisory Committee Act''), shall not apply to the\n Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee.\n (i) Congressional Accountability Act Applicability.--For\n purposes of the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (2\n U.S.C. 1301 et seq.), any individual who is a member of the\n Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee shall be considered\n a covered employee under the Act.\n (j) Personnel Matters.--\n (1) Compensation of members.--A member of the Survivors\n Truth and Healing Subcommittee shall be compensated at a\n daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed\n for grade 7, step 1, of the General Schedule under section\n 5332 of title 5, United States Code, for each day, not to\n exceed 10 days per month, for which a member of the Survivors\n Truth and Healing Subcommittee is engaged in the performance\n of their duties under this Act limited to convening meetings,\n including public and private meetings to receive testimony in\n furtherance of the duties of the Survivors Truth and Healing\n Subcommittee and the purposes of this Act.\n (2) Travel expenses.--A member of the Survivors Truth and\n Healing Subcommittee shall be allowed travel expenses,\n including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates\n authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of\n chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from\n their homes or regular places of business in the performance\n of services for the Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee.\n\n TITLE II--ADVISORY COMMITTEES\n\n Subtitle A--Native American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee\n\n SEC. 201. NATIVE AMERICAN TRUTH AND HEALING ADVISORY\n COMMITTEE.\n\n (a) Establishment.--The Commission shall establish an\n advisory committee, to be known as the ``Native American\n Truth and Healing Advisory Committee''.\n (b) Membership, Nomination, and Appointment to the Native\n American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee.--\n (1) Membership.--\n (A) In general.--The Native American Truth and Healing\n Advisory Committee shall include 19 members, to be appointed\n by the Commission from among the nominees submitted under\n paragraph (2)(A), of whom--\n (i) 1 shall be the Vice Chairperson of the Commission, who\n shall serve as the Chairperson of the Native American Truth\n and Healing Advisory Committee;\n (ii) 1 shall be the Vice Chairperson of the Survivors Truth\n and Healing Subcommittee, who shall serve as the Vice\n Chairperson of the Native American Truth and Healing Advisory\n Committee;\n (iii) 1 shall be the Secretary of the Interior, or a\n designee, who shall serve as the Secretary of the Native\n American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee;\n (iv) 12 shall be representatives from each of the 12\n regions of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and 1 shall be a\n representative from Hawai`i;\n (v) 1 shall represent the National Native American Boarding\n School Healing Coalition;\n (vi) 1 shall represent the National Association of Tribal\n Historic Preservation Officers; and\n (vii) 1 shall represent the National Indian Education\n Association.\n (B) Additional requirements.--Not fewer than 2 members of\n the Native American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee\n shall have experience with health care or mental health,\n traditional healing or cultural practices, counseling, or\n working with survivors, or descendants of survivors, of\n Indian Boarding Schools to ensure that the Commission\n considers culturally responsive support for survivors,\n families, and communities.\n (2) Nominations.--\n (A) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of\n the enactment of this Act, Indian Tribes, Tribal\n organizations, Native Americans, the Office of Hawaiian\n Affairs, and Native Hawaiian organizations may submit to the\n Secretary of the Interior nominations for individuals to be\n appointed as members of the Native American Truth and Healing\n Advisory Committee.\n (B) Submission.--The Secretary of the Interior shall\n provide the Commission with nominations submitted under\n subparagraph (A) at the initial business meeting of the\n Commission under section 101(c)(1) and the Commission shall\n select the members of the Native American Truth and Healing\n Advisory Committee from among those nominees.\n (3) Date.--\n (A) In general.--The Commission shall appoint all members\n of the Native American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee\n during the initial business meeting of the Commission under\n section 101(c)(1).\n (B) Failure to appoint.--If the Commission fails to appoint\n all members of the Native American Truth and Healing Advisory\n Committee in accordance with subparagraph (A), the Chair of\n the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate, with the\n concurrence of the Vice Chair of the Committee on Indian\n Affairs of the Senate, shall appoint, in accordance with the\n requirements of paragraph (1), individuals to all vacant\n positions of the\n\n[[Page S7266]]\n\n Native American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee not\n later than 30 days after the date of the initial business\n meeting of the Commission under section 101(c)(1).\n (4) Period of appointment; vacancies.--\n (A) Period of appointment.--A member of the Native American\n Truth and Healing Advisory Committee shall be appointed for\n an automatically renewable term of 2 years.\n (B) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the Native American Truth and\n Healing Advisory Committee--\n (i) shall not affect the powers of the Native American\n Truth and Healing Advisory Committee if a simple majority of\n the positions of the Native American Truth and Healing\n Advisory Committee are filled; and\n (ii) shall be filled within 90 days in the same manner as\n was the original appointment.\n (5) Termination.--The Native American Truth and Healing\n Advisory Committee shall terminate 90 days after the date on\n which the Commission submits the final report required under\n section 111(e)(3).\n (6) Limitation.--No member of the Native American Truth and\n Healing Advisory Committee (other than the member described\n in paragraph (1)(A)(iii)) may otherwise be an officer or\n employee of the Federal Government.\n (c) Quorum.--A simple majority of the members of the Native\n American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee shall\n constitute a quorum.\n (d) Removal.--A quorum of members of the Native American\n Truth and Healing Advisory Committee may remove another\n member only for neglect of duty or malfeasance.\n (e) Business Meetings.--\n (1) Initial business meeting.--Not later than 30 days after\n the date on which all members of the Native American Truth\n and Healing Advisory Committee are appointed under subsection\n (b)(1)(A), the Native American Truth and Healing Advisory\n Committee shall hold an initial business meeting--\n (A) to establish rules for the Native American Truth and\n Healing Advisory Committee;\n (B) to appoint 3 designees to fulfill the responsibilities\n described in section 101(h)(1)(A); and\n (C) to appoint 2 members of the Native American Truth and\n Healing Advisory Committee to serve as non-voting designees\n on the Commission in accordance with section 101(c)(3).\n (2) Subsequent business meetings.--After the initial\n business meeting of the Native American Truth and Healing\n Advisory Committee is held under paragraph (1), the Native\n American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee shall meet at\n the call of the Chairperson.\n (3) Format of business meetings.--A meeting of the Native\n American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee may be\n conducted in-person or virtually.\n (4) Quorum required.--A business meeting of the Native\n American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee may be held\n only after a quorum, established in accordance with\n subsection (c), is present.\n (f) Rules.--The Native American Truth and Healing Advisory\n Committee may establish, with the advice of the Commission,\n by a majority vote, any rules for the conduct of business, in\n accordance with this section and other applicable law.\n (g) Duties.--The Native American Truth and Healing Advisory\n Committee shall--\n (1) serve as an advisory body to the Commission;\n (2) assist the Commission in organizing and carrying out\n culturally appropriate public and private convenings relating\n to the duties of the Commission;\n (3) assist the Commission in determining what documentation\n from Federal and religious organizations and institutions may\n be necessary to fulfill the duties of the Commission;\n (4) assist the Commission in the production of the initial\n report and final report required under paragraphs (2) and\n (3), respectively, of section 111(e);\n (5) coordinate with the Commission, the Federal and\n Religious Truth and Healing Advisory Committee, and the\n Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee; and\n (6) provide advice to, or fulfill such other requests by,\n the Commission as the Commission may require to carry out the\n purposes described in section 2.\n (h) Consultation or Engagement With Native Americans,\n Indian Tribes, Tribal Organizations, the Office of Hawaiian\n Affairs, and Native Hawaiian Organizations.--In carrying out\n the duties of the Native American Truth and Healing Advisory\n Committee under subsection (g), the Native American Truth and\n Healing Advisory Committee shall meaningfully consult or\n engage, as appropriate, in a timely manner with Native\n Americans, Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, the Office of\n Hawaiian Affairs, and Native Hawaiian organizations.\n (i) Federal Advisory Committee Act Applicability.--Chapter\n 10 of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the\n ``Federal Advisory Committee Act''), shall not apply to the\n Native American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee.\n (j) Congressional Accountability Act Applicability.--For\n purposes of the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (2\n U.S.C. 1301 et seq.), any individual who is a member of the\n Native American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee shall be\n considered a covered employee under the Act.\n (k) Personnel Matters.--\n (1) Compensation of members.--A member of the Native\n American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee shall be\n compensated at a daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic\n pay prescribed for grade 7, step 1, of the General Schedule\n under section 5332 of title 5, United States Code, for each\n day, not to exceed 14 days per month, for which a member is\n engaged in the performance of their duties under this Act,\n limited to convening meetings, including public and private\n meetings to receive testimony in furtherance of the duties of\n the Native American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee and\n the purposes of this Act.\n (2) Travel expenses.--A member of the Native American Truth\n and Healing Advisory Committee shall be allowed travel\n expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates\n authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of\n chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from\n their homes or regular places of business in the performance\n of services for the Native American Truth and Healing\n Advisory Committee.\n\n Subtitle B--Federal and Religious Truth and Healing Advisory Committee\n\n SEC. 211. FEDERAL AND RELIGIOUS TRUTH AND HEALING ADVISORY\n COMMITTEE.\n\n (a) Establishment.--There is established within the\n Department of the Interior an advisory committee, to be known\n as the ``Federal and Religious Truth and Healing Advisory\n Committee''.\n (b) Membership and Appointment to the Federal and Religious\n Truth and Healing Advisory Committee.--\n (1) Membership.--The Federal and Religious Truth and\n Healing Advisory Committee shall include 20 members, of\n whom--\n (A) 1 shall be the Chairperson of the Commission, who shall\n serve as the Chairperson of the Federal and Religious Truth\n and Healing Advisory Committee;\n (B) 1 shall be the Chairperson of the Survivors Truth and\n Healing Subcommittee, who shall serve as the Vice Chairperson\n of the Federal and Religious Truth and Healing Advisory\n Committee;\n (C) 1 shall be the White House Domestic Policy Advisor, who\n shall serve as the Secretary of the Federal and Religious\n Truth and Healing Advisory Committee;\n (D) 1 shall be the Director of the Bureau of Trust Funds\n Administration (or a designee);\n (E) 1 shall be the Archivist of the United States (or a\n designee);\n (F) 1 shall be the Librarian of Congress (or a designee);\n (G) 1 shall be the Director of the Department of the\n Interior Library (or a designee);\n (H) 1 shall be the Director of the Indian Health Service\n (or a designee);\n (I) 1 shall be the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health\n and Substance Abuse of the Department of Health and Human\n Services (or a designee);\n (J) 1 shall be the Commissioner of the Administration for\n Native Americans of the Department of Health and Human\n Services (or a designee);\n (K) 1 shall be the Director of the National Institutes of\n Health (or a designee);\n (L) 1 shall be the Senior Program Director of the Office of\n Native Hawaiian Relations of the Department of the Interior\n (or a designee);\n (M) 1 shall be the Director of the Office of Indian\n Education of the Department of Education (or a designee);\n (N) 1 shall be the Director of the Rural, Insular, and\n Native American Achievement Programs of the Department of\n Education (or a designee);\n (O) 1 shall be the Chair of the Advisory Council on\n Historic Preservation (or a designee);\n (P) 1 shall be the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs\n (or a designee);\n (Q) 1 shall be the Director of the Bureau of Indian\n Education (or a designee); and\n (R) 3 shall be representatives employed by, or\n representatives of, religious institutions, to be appointed\n by the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood\n Partnerships in consultation with relevant religious\n institutions.\n (2) Period of service; vacancies; removal.--\n (A) Period of service.--A member of the Federal and\n Religious Truth and Healing Advisory Committee shall serve\n for an automatically renewable term of 2 years.\n (B) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the Federal and Religious\n Truth and Healing Advisory Committee--\n (i) shall not affect the powers of the Federal and\n Religious Truth and Healing Advisory Committee if a simple\n majority of the positions of the Federal and Religious Truth\n and Healing Advisory Committee are filled; and\n (ii) shall be filled within 90 days in the same manner as\n was the original appointment.\n (C) Removal.--A quorum of members of the Federal and\n Religious Truth and Healing Advisory Committee may remove a\n member of the Federal and Religious Truth and Healing\n Advisory Committee only for neglect of duty or malfeasance.\n (3) Termination.--The Federal and Religious Truth and\n Healing Advisory Committee shall terminate 90 days after the\n date on which the Commission submits the final report\n required under section 111(e)(3).\n (c) Business Meetings.--\n (1) Initial business meeting.--Not later than 30 days after\n the date of the initial business meeting of the Commission\n under\n\n[[Page S7267]]\n\n section 101(c)(1), the Federal and Religious Truth and\n Healing Advisory Committee shall hold an initial business\n meeting--\n (A) to establish rules for the Federal and Religious Truth\n and Healing Advisory Committee; and\n (B) to appoint 2 members of the Federal and Religious Truth\n and Healing Advisory Committee to serve as non-voting\n designees on the Commission in accordance with section\n 101(c)(3).\n (2) Subsequent business meetings.--After the initial\n business meeting of the Federal and Religious Truth and\n Healing Advisory Committee is held under paragraph (1), the\n Federal and Religious Truth and Healing Advisory Committee\n shall meet at the call of the Chairperson.\n (3) Format of business meetings.--A business meeting of the\n Federal and Religious Truth and Healing Advisory Committee\n may be conducted in-person or virtually.\n (4) Quorum required.--A business meeting of the Federal and\n Religious Truth and Healing Advisory Committee may be held\n only after a quorum, established in accordance with\n subsection (d), is present.\n (d) Quorum.--A simple majority of the members of the\n Federal and Religious Truth and Healing Advisory Committee\n shall constitute a quorum for a business meeting.\n (e) Rules.--The Federal and Religious Truth and Healing\n Advisory Committee may establish, with the advice of the\n Commission, by a majority vote, any rules for the conduct of\n business, in accordance with this section and other\n applicable law.\n (f) Duties.--The Federal and Religious Truth and Healing\n Advisory Committee shall--\n (1) ensure the effective and timely coordination among\n Federal agencies and religious institutions in furtherance of\n the purposes of this Act;\n (2) assist the Commission and the Native American Truth and\n Healing Advisory Committee in coordinating--\n (A) meetings and other related public and private\n convenings; and\n (B) the collection, organization, and preservation of\n information obtained from witnesses and by other Federal\n agencies and religious institutions;\n (3) ensure the timely submission to the Commission of\n materials, documents, testimony, and such other information\n as the Commission determines to be necessary to carry out the\n duties of the Commission; and\n (4) coordinate with the Commission, the Native American\n Truth and Healing Advisory Committee, and the Survivors Truth\n and Healing Subcommittee to carry out the purposes of this\n Act.\n (g) Consultation or Engagement With Native Americans,\n Indian Tribes, Tribal Organizations, the Office of Hawaiian\n Affairs, and Native Hawaiian Organizations.--In carrying out\n the duties of the Federal and Religious Truth and Healing\n Advisory Committee under subsection (f), the Federal and\n Religious Truth and Healing Advisory Committee shall\n meaningfully consult or engage, as appropriate, in a timely\n manner with Native Americans, Indian Tribes, Tribal\n organizations, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and Native\n Hawaiian organizations.\n (h) Nondisclosure.--\n (1) Privacy act of 1974 applicability.--Subsection (b) of\n section 552a of title 5, United States Code (commonly known\n as the ``Privacy Act of 1974''), shall not apply to the\n Federal and Religious Truth and Healing Advisory Committee.\n (2) Freedom of information act applicability.--Records and\n other communications in the possession of the Federal and\n Religious Truth and Healing Advisory Committee shall be\n exempt from disclosure under subsection (b)(3)(B) of section\n 552 of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the\n ``Freedom of Information Act'').\n (3) Federal advisory committee act applicability.--Chapter\n 10 of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the\n ``Federal Advisory Committee Act''), shall not apply to the\n Federal and Religious Truth and Healing Advisory Committee.\n\n TITLE III--GENERAL PROVISIONS\n\n SEC. 301. CLARIFICATION.\n\n The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act\n (25 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.) shall apply to cultural items (as\n defined in section 2 of that Act (25 U.S.C. 3001)) relating\n to an Indian Boarding School or Indian Boarding School\n Policies regardless of interpretation of applicability by a\n Federal agency.\n\n SEC. 302. BURIAL MANAGEMENT.\n\n Federal agencies shall permit reburial of cultural items\n relating to an Indian Boarding School or Indian Boarding\n School Policies that have been repatriated pursuant to the\n Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (25\n U.S.C. 3001 et seq.), or returned to a lineal descendant,\n Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization by any other\n disinterment process, on any Federal land as agreed to by the\n relevant parties.\n\n SEC. 303. CO-STEWARDSHIP AGREEMENTS.\n\n A Federal agency that carries out activities pursuant to\n this Act or that created or controls a cemetery with remains\n of an individual who attended an Indian Boarding School or an\n Indian Boarding School may enter into a co-stewardship\n agreement for the management of the cemetery or Indian\n Boarding School.\n\n SEC. 304. NO RIGHT OF ACTION.\n\n Nothing in this Act creates a private right of action to\n seek administrative or judicial relief.\n\n Mr. SCHATZ. I ask that the motion to reconsider be considered made\nand laid upon the table.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.\n\n S. 1723\n\n Mr. SCHATZ. Mr. President, it is no small task for us to confront the\nunbearable burden of our history. Yet to stand before that history in\nsilence and to remain idle while these wounds persist is to turn away\nfrom one of the most fundamental acts of justice and healing that we\nare in a position to do something about. We have to turn the light on\nand let the truth out.\n This is the work that we have done in the Senate now, and we do hope\nthe House takes action and passes this incredibly important measure\ninto law.\n I yield the floor.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7267-2", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "Unanimous Consent Request--S. 993 (Executive Calendar)", "SENATE", "SENATE", "SCONSENTREQUEST", "S7267", "S7268", "[{\"name\": \"Ms. MASTO\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Edward J. Markey\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Catherine Cortez Masto\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", "[{\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"S\", \"number\": \"993\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"S\", \"number\": \"993\"}]", "170 Cong. Rec. S7267", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Pages S7267-S7268]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n Unanimous Consent Request--S. 993\n\n Ms. MASTO. Mr. President, throughout my career, I have been committed\nto tackling the drug problem in this country and protecting our\ncommunities. I have passed bills to hold criminals accountable and\ncrack down on fentanyl manufacturing and trafficking.\n But I am here today because our work to protect Americans from these\nharmful drugs is far from over. As we continue our work to keep our\nfamilies safe from fentanyl, we must also focus on new drugs that are\nemerging, like xylazine. Drug traffickers have been adding xylazine to\nfentanyl to increase the potency of the drug and to boost their\nprofits.\n Its nickname is ``tranq'' because it is an animal tranquilizer, and\nit is surging, unfortunately, across the United States. I have been\nhearing from law enforcement in Nevada about how xylazine is spreading\nto the West. Between the years 2019 and 2022, the number of overdose\ndeaths in this country related to xylazine skyrocketed by 276 percent.\n Xylazine can do catastrophic damage to our communities, and, right\nnow, it is almost entirely unregulated. We have to get ahead of that.\nThat is why I have introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Combating\nIllicit Xylazine Act with Senators Chuck Grassley and Maggie Hassan.\nThis bill has the support of over 115 bipartisan Members of Congress in\nboth Chambers because it is essential.\n This legislation would make xylazine a schedule III drug and give the\nDEA, or the Drug Enforcement Administration, and local law enforcement\nthe resources they need to get it off our streets, while also\nprotecting its use as a veterinary tranquilizer for our farmers and\nranchers.\n Let me stress this again. This legislation also gives our\nveterinarians the ability to still have access to this drug, which they\nneed, as a tranquilizer for their animals.\n This is not a partisan issue. We all want to keep our families safe\nfrom horrific drugs like xylazine. We must act now to pass the\nCombating Illicit Xylazine Act and get this harmful drug out of our\nneighborhoods and out of the hands of our kids so that we can save\nlives.\n So, Mr. President, as if in legislative session and notwithstanding\nrule XXII, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary\nbe discharged from further consideration of S. 993 and the Senate\nproceed to its immediate consideration; further, that the Cortez Masto-\nGrassley substitute amendment at the desk be agreed to; that the bill,\nas amended, be considered read a third time and passed; and that the\nmotion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?\n The Senator from Massachusetts.\n Mr. MARKEY. Mr. President, reserving the right to object, I thank\nSenator Cortez Masto for being such a leader on fighting the opioid\nepidemic. She is on the frontline of conducting that battle against\nthis scourge. We are both here on the floor today in an effort to find\nthe best solutions for addressing this crisis.\n We lost over 105,000 Americans to overdose last year. That is over 1\nmillion people in a decade who have died,\n\n[[Page S7268]]\n\nat that pace. And to put this in more concrete terms, we lost more\nAmericans in a single year to overdose than in the entirety of the\nVietnam war or the Korean war--in just 1 year, 105,000 people.\n For every death, we unleash waves of grief and hurt on families and\ncommunities that lose one of their own. Now, 105,000 deaths is more\nthan unacceptable; it is a tragedy. And this epidemic is made worse by\nthe scourge of xylazine. The tragedy does call for immediate, full-\nscale solutions. Americans need solutions that work.\n In developing those solutions, we must be conscious about any\nunintended consequences, and I am concerned about the unintended\nconsequences of passing the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act.\n The bill would require scheduling xylazine under the Controlled\nSubstances Act as a schedule III drug. And these schedules are meant to\ncreate restrictions based on a balance of the substance's legitimate\nmedical use and their potential for abuse. It is a balance. And in the\nUnited States we actually have a process to schedule xylazine and other\ndrugs. We have a process that is time tested, that requires the\nDepartment of Health and Human Services to provide a scientific and\nmedical evaluation.\n And as the Drug Enforcement Administration, the DEA, has indicated,\nthey have already started that process. So instead of waiting for the\nscientific and medical evaluation to be completed, this bill would\nactually require we skip the process and let Congress decide what\nscheduling is the most appropriate.\n But, ultimately, this process is something which I believe has to be\ngiven due respect. If we schedule this without waiting for the experts,\nthis could lead to more people struggling with addiction, having a hard\ntime asking for help, and less research into xylazine testing, overdose\nreversal, and treatment.\n So, from my perspective, I just don't think we should be skipping\nover expert recommendations that would help us avoid those unintended\nconsequences. And efforts to skip medical and scientific evaluation\nshould certainly not be supported by the DEA, working to undercut the\nadministration's own health experts in their role in developing a\nscheduling recommendation.\n So there is a tension here that exists between the DEA and between\nour health officials in terms of the processes that we should be using.\nAnd I understand that part of the justification for a legislative\nsolution is to create exemptions for veterinary medicine to avoid\nunnecessary interference in legitimate uses of xylazine. We can do that\nonce we have a complete medical and scientific recommendation, and I\nlook forward, obviously, to working with my great friend Senator Cortez\nMasto--she is, again, a great leader in this battle against the opioid\nepidemic--to identify the appropriate legislative solution once we have\nobtained that medical recommendation from the medical experts.\n I also look forward to working with the Drug Enforcement\nAdministration in making a serious effort to support Americans who are\nstruggling with addiction, and that includes increasing access to\nmedication treatment, including methadone, for opioid use disorder.\n Senator Cortez Masto and I agree xylazine is dangerous. Our overdose\nepidemic is unacceptable, and we need solutions. I am honored to work\nwith Senator Cortez Masto in this fight. We have solutions that we can\npursue. We need to pass the Support Act Reauthorization. We need to\ngive communities the tools to test and respond to substances coming\ninto their communities. We need to train and support law enforcement\nand health providers responding to overdose after overdose. We need to\nbreak down old War on Drug structures that make it nearly impossible\nfor Americans to get treatment they need without being criminalized,\npenalized, and stigmatized. But in pursuing these goals, we cannot\nprovide solutions that offer the potential of undermining the process\nthat has been in place to rely upon medical and scientific evaluation\nand then work in coordination with the Drug Enforcement Agency.\n For that set of reasons, at this time, I object.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.\n The Senator from Nevada.\n Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. Mr. President, I absolutely respect my colleague\nfrom Massachusetts and look forward to working with him.\n Let me just put on the record here the concern in why this\nlegislation is so necessary. Time is of the essence here. We are\ntalking about saving lives.\n Never, ever would we want to undermine the process to move forward,\nbut unfortunately, in this case, the process of moving forward is going\nto take, one, time that we know is very bureaucratic; two, the process\nmoving forward, if we are to wait for it, does not take into\nconsideration our veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers. If we wait for\nthe proposal to come forward from the DEA, that proposal will not carve\nout and still allow this particular drug, xylazine, to be utilized by\nour veterinarians and farmers. It will absolutely make it a schedule\nIII and take it off completely.\n That is why this legislation was essential. That is why, working with\nour veterinarians and working with the DEA and the entire executive\nbranch, we wanted to bring them into this process, without undermining\nthat process, to make sure we were doing everything possible to address\nthis in a timely manner.\n It is also why, earlier this year, the executive branch issued\nseveral legislative proposals in its ``Detect and Defeat'' Counter-\nFentanyl Proposal, which was shared with Congress. Those proposals made\na provision to make xylazine a schedule III drug. That legislation\nproposed to place xylazine in schedule III by the executive branch is\nsupported by the entire executive branch, including specifically the\nDepartment of Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug\nAdministration. They have been brought into the process. Those are the\nhealth experts.\n That is what this is about. The goal was to bring everybody together\nnow, to bring all the key stakeholders so we can make this timely\nlegislation and move it because time is of the essence if we are to\nsave lives. That is why, honestly, many of the veterinarian\nassociations across the country, including in Massachusetts, support\nthis process. They do not want to be left out.\n If we are to wait for the DEA process to go forward, there is not\ngoing to be a carve-out for veterinarians to access this drug.\n This was my attempt and Senator Grassley's and so many of us working\nwith all the key stakeholders on good legislation that makes sense,\nthat is common sense to move forward here. Nobody was left out of the\nprocess, including the health experts.\n I am disappointed we can't move this today, but I am hopeful, working\nwith my colleague from Massachusetts, that we can provide him with the\nnecessary information that he is seeking to move this legislation in a\ntimely manner. I know he cares about this issue, about saving lives, as\nwell.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Oregon."], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7267", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "EXECUTIVE CALENDAR", "SENATE", "SENATE", "SEXECCAL", "S7267", "S7267", null, null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7267", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7267]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n EXECUTIVE CALENDAR\n\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Nevada."], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7268", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "Pharmacy Benefit Managers (Executive Calendar)", "SENATE", "SENATE", "SEXECCAL", "S7268", "S7269", "[{\"name\": \"Ron Wyden\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Catherine Cortez Masto\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7268", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Pages S7268-S7269]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n Pharmacy Benefit Managers\n\n Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, earlier this week, Democrats and\nRepublicans from both the House and the Senate made a deal that struck\na blow against the healthcare middlemen that manipulate our healthcare\nsystem to enrich themselves.\n Unfortunately, the very first act of the second Trump\nadministration--or should I say, the first Musk administration--was to\nstep in and strip out the bipartisan agreement that stops the drug\nmiddlemen known as pharmacy benefit managers from ripping off taxpayers\nand seniors.\n We all understand that healthcare is an unavoidable expense for most\nAmerican families. That is why I went into public service. Healthcare\nis not a Democratic or a Republican issue; it is a family issue. And we\nknow if you or your loved ones don't have their health, everything else\nin the house goes by the board.\n Unfortunately, the chaos sown by the President-elect and his\nbillionaire ``mini-me''--though, again, it is hard to tell which is\nwhich--they serve to protect the middlemen, the pharmacy\n\n[[Page S7269]]\n\nbenefit managers, and insurance companies that take money out of the\nsystem while our families are stuck with big medical bills and\nsubstandard care.\n Donald Trump has spent the last 2 weeks telling everybody who will\nlisten that he wants to take on the drug middlemen. Let me quote Donald\nTrump here. He said:\n\n They're rich as hell.\n We're going to knock them out.\n\n Well, at the very first opportunity to do that, he abandoned that\npledge in order to follow Elon Musk's lead.\n You don't choose to do business with pharmacy benefit managers, but I\nwill tell you, they are dining out on your paycheck, nevertheless.\nThese PBMs squat between Big Pharma and the insurance companies. While\nthey are supposed to negotiate coverage and the price of prescription\nmedicine for your insurance plan, they have ended up favoring higher\npriced drugs by taking a fee that is linked to the price of the drug.\n The effort to reform these PBM practices has been bipartisan from the\nget-go. It ought to be a no-brainer. I think I told the President of\nthe Senate, the Senator from Idaho, Senator Crapo, and I kicked this\neffort off 2 years ago when the Senate Finance Committee passed a bill\n26 to 0 and the House of Representatives has worked in a similarly\nbipartisan way.\n Our legislation would end the practice of profiting off higher prices\nin Medicare by ensuring that a PBM can only receive a flat fee from\ndrugmakers. That is going to save taxpayers' and seniors' hard-earned\ndollars because, finally, these pharmacy benefit managers are going to\nhave an incentive to pick lower priced drugs.\n Let me just pause on that point for a second. These middlemen are not\nthe good guys. Earlier this week--and I heard my colleagues talking\nabout matters involving opioids--the New York Times reported that in\nnegotiations with opioid manufacturers like Purdue Pharma, the pharmacy\nbenefit managers traded away protections designed to reduce the rate of\nopioid overdoses and addiction in order to make yet another fast buck.\nThese are the people Donald Trump is letting off the hook at Elon\nMusk's direction.\n The bipartisan agreement, I might also add, is particularly important\nfor us Westerners because we have seen our small, independent community\npharmacies hit so hard. These small businesses have been closing their\ndoors at an alarming rate over the past decade, again, in large part,\ndue to the practices by these PBM giants. The pharmacy benefit managers\nare able to pay independent pharmacies whatever they feel like and then\nthe little pharmacy in Arizona or Oregon or Idaho or anywhere else--the\nsmall pharmacy has to accept what the PBMs will pay.\n What we do in our bipartisan legislation, what a number of committees\nin the Senate have worked on--what has been the effort in the House and\nwhat our program is all about is giving the small pharmacies a chance\nto fight back by reporting unreasonable contract terms to a Federal\nwatchdog who is in a position to enforce a fair contract.\n That is going to mean that independent community pharmacies are paid\nwhat they are owed and keep their doors open in rural America without\nhaving to pay off the PBMs by gouging customers.\n Beyond the drug middlemen--I am just going to mention several other\nareas that the bipartisan legislation cracks down on in terms of\nhelping the American people. The bipartisan legislation goes after\nghost networks that are blocking Americans from getting the care they\nneed. What these ghost networks are all about is, essentially, the\ninsurance companies take your money, and then there aren't any\nproviders, there aren't any navigators, there isn't anybody to help you\nget your coverage.\n So under what we are calling for in a bipartisan way, the insurance\ncompanies would have to have a list of doctors that actually are going\nto make care available so Americans who need care can contact them,\nmake an appointment, and not have to pay extra costs by going out of\nthe healthcare network they paid for.\n Too often, based on investigations conducted by the Government\nAccountability Office, as well as the investigative staff in the\nFinance Committee, we have found that, essentially, these ghost\nnetworks mean there is no: There, there. You paid your money, and you\ncan't get access to real care. Either the doctors don't take new\npatients, nobody picks up the phone, you aren't able to get what you\npaid for.\n Finally, the bipartisan agreement--that Donald Trump has directed be\nrejected. The bipartisan agreement strengthens requirements for\ninsurance companies that sell Medicare Advantage plans to make sure\nthat their directories are actually up to date.\n Once again, we are seeing an area that cries out for reform because\nAmericans across the political spectrum are sick and tired of paying\npremiums for health insurance, only to find they can't actually get\ncare when they need it. So Medicare Advantage, ghost networks, these\nare the areas that we are strengthening in our bipartisan effort.\n I will close by saying there is a lot more to like in the legislation\nwhen it comes to healthcare, like continuing access to telehealth and\nMedicare.\n Again, Mr. President, bipartisan.\n The late Senator Orrin Hatch negotiated with me the Chronic Care\nbill, which had telemedicine provisions which became the foundation for\nwhat we did to fight COVID--again, during the Trump administration.\n But we are not getting the benefits of telehealth if we reject this\nbipartisan agreement, as Donald Trump is urging. Telemedicine is in our\npackage and higher funding for community health centers.\n I want to commend Senator Sanders and Senator Cassidy for working in\na bipartisan way on that. And we also have improvements to help moms\nand kids and Americans with disabilities and seniors with Medicaid\ncoverage. Those, of course, are the dual eligibles, the folks who are\neligible for Medicaid and Medicare.\n I come to the floor simply to say, we have the holidays coming up.\nEverybody understands that. But there is another gift we can give to\nthe American people, and that is a more fair shake in American\nhealthcare.\n We are spending enough money, Mr. President. We are spending over $4\ntrillion. There are 330 million of us. Divide the 330 million into $4\ntrillion, you could send every family of four in America a check for\nmore than $50,000 and say: ``Get your healthcare.'' We are not spending\nit in the right places. I will tell you, in many instances, the reason\nthat is the case is because of these middle men. They made sense 30\nyears ago when you didn't have all the technology and all the data and\npeople who knew how to use it. But today, these pharmacy benefit\nmanagers are, in too many instances, ripping off seniors and taxpayers.\nAnd I hope Donald Trump will see that our bipartisan bill is important\nto do now; important to do before we go home and get some relief to\nseniors and taxpayers.\n I yield the floor.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Tennessee."], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7269", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "Defending American Property Abroad Act (Executive Calendar)", "SENATE", "SENATE", "SEXECCAL", "S7269", "S7273", "[{\"name\": \"Bill Hagerty\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Tim Kaine\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Katie Boyd Britt\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Tommy Tuberville\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Ron Wyden\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", "[{\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"S\", \"number\": \"5137\"}]", "170 Cong. Rec. S7269", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Pages S7269-S7273]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n Defending American Property Abroad Act\n\n Mr. HAGERTY. Mr. President, I am here today to discuss worrying\ndevelopments in Mexico, our neighbors to the south, and to promote a\nsolution in which we can all work together in the next Congress.\n Sadly, I also need to call out actions by our own U.S. trade\nrepresentative that would directly undermine American companies facing\nthreats from Mexico by allowing the Mexican government to expropriate\ntheir properties.\n Under the leadership of Mexico's previous President, Andres Manuel\nLopez Obrador--colloquially known as ``AMLO''--and current President\nClaudia Sheinbaum, the Mexican government is committing a blatant theft\nagainst a major America company and, by extension, the United States\nitself.\n Earlier this year, AMLO launched an aggressive campaign of\nintimidation and ``lawfare'' to support the outright theft of assets in\nMexico belonging to Vulcan Materials, an Alabama-based company that has\nbeen a trusted partner in our Nation's infrastructure development for\ndecades. Vulcan built and operated the only deepwater port on the\nYucatan Peninsula and has used it to supply the crushed limestone\nessential to infrastructure projects from Florida to California.\n Vulcan's operations in Mexico are not just a business venture; they\nform\n\n[[Page S7270]]\n\na critical link in our supply chain and a testament to the importance\nof American investment in Mexico.\n But AMLO decided that he wanted Vulcan's assets for himself. Cloaking\nhis true intentions under the facade of environmental claims, AMLO shut\ndown Vulcan's operations and sent armed law enforcement and the\nmilitary to intimidate Vulcan's employees. And now, under his\nhandpicked successor, President Sheinbaum, Mexico is now seizing\nVulcan's deepwater port.\n President Sheinbaum now seeks to finalize this theft by declaring the\nproperty a naturally protected area.\n Let's call this what it is: Corruption dressed up as\nenvironmentalism. This is not protection. It is plunder. Lending any\ncredence to this authorization is absurd.\n These actions violate international norms. They ignore contractual\nobligations. They trample over U.S.-Canada-Mexico Free Trade Agreement,\nagain, an agreement where America actually gives preferential trade\ntreatment to Mexico.\n Surely America's government is standing up for her own Nation's\ninterest in the face of this brazen misconduct by the government of\nMexico, right? Sadly, no. A key reason for the current circumstances is\nan absence of American leadership, especially at the Office of the U.S.\nTrade Representative. America's top trade representatives--or America's\ntop trade negotiator, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, along\nwith our State Department, have stood idly by while AMLO and Sheinbaum\nhave escalated their anti-trade and anti-American agenda.\n Their inaction has sent a dangerous signal that the United States\nwill allow its businesses around the world to be bullied, its laws to\nbe ignored, and its negotiated agreements to be undermined.\n And it gets worse. Now, as reported in the Wall Street Journal, we\nare learning that the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative is siding\nwith Mexico against the interests of U.S. firms by reinterpreting trade\nrules in a way that will erode the rights of American investors whose\nproperty was either confiscated or expropriated.\n According to news reports, USTR wants to limit the ability to seek\nredress by American companies whose property is expropriated.\n I stand here before my colleagues in the Senate asking why neither\nCongress nor the U.S. companies that would be impacted by these actions\nwere ever consulted before the USTR stealthily moved to alter the USMCA\nagreement in a manner that undermines American interest.\n Ambassador Tai and USTR leadership need to clearly understand how\nnegatively their actions will be viewed by this Congress. I can assure\nyou, they will not be forgotten.\n Making last minute, 11th-hour changes to U.S. trade agreements\nwithout review from Congress or the U.S. companies that would be\nnegatively impacted is outright malpractice. It is a slap in the face\nof American investors and employers who have risked their capital\noverseas, and it will drive scarcity and inflation of critical\ninfrastructure materials in the United States if Mexico is allowed to\nconfiscate these assets, including a very strategic deepwater port.\n The implications of Mexico's theft and the failure of U.S. trade\nofficials to defend America's interest go far beyond Vulcan materials.\nThey directly attack the foundational principles of reciprocal trade,\ninvestor protection, and the rule of law.\n If Mexico is allowed to target, without repercussion, a company like\nVulcan, one that employs thousands of Americans and has operated\nresponsibly in Mexico for decades, that means no American business is\nsafe in Mexico. This kind of lawlessness will shatter investor\nconfidence in Mexico. Why would any U.S. company risk capital in a\ncountry where contracts are meaningless, regulations are weaponized,\nand property can be seized at the government's whim?\n This erosion of trust threatens not only American jobs, but also the\neconomic integration of North America, which many think is vital to our\nnational security and our global competitiveness.\n Let's remember what the USMCA was supposed to be: a safeguard for\ntrade and investment, a framework to protect the rule of law, and a\ncornerstone of North American prosperity.\n AMLO and Sheinbaum have shredded the spirit of this agreement by\nexpropriating Vulcan's port and its property and by pursuing an anti-\ninvestor agenda. AMLO and Sheinbaum are acting like saboteurs of the\npartnership that binds our two nations.\n Congress must respond with strength and resolve, rather than roll\nover under the ruse of environmentalism. The U.S. Trade Representative\nshould follow its duty as stated on its own website to protect American\nrights under our trade agreements and ``ensure that American workers,\nfarmers, ranchers, and businesses receive the maximum benefit under our\ninternational trade agreement.'' What USTR is contemplating now is\nanything but that.\n That is why my colleagues and I are fully committed to passing S.\n5137, the Defending American Property Abroad Act. This legislation will\nensure that those who benefit from stolen American assets, whether they\nbe individuals or governments, face substantial consequences.\n The Defending American Property Abroad Act will prohibit vessels that\nutilize expropriated American infrastructure from ever entering U.S.\nports. It will bar such facilities from U.S. trade and mandate a full\naccounting of these violations in the upcoming 2026 USMCA review. The\nDefending American Property Abroad Act will make clear to President\nSheinbaum that the United States will not tolerate the theft of\nAmerican property.\n AMLO and Sheinbaum must understand that their actions will have\nserious consequences. I will not stand by as Mexico betrays its\ncommitments and undermines decades of cooperation.\n The United States must defend its companies, its workers, and its\nprinciples with unwavering strength. That is why I am calling on my\ncolleagues to join me in urgently finalizing and passing the Defending\nAmerican Property Abroad Act in the next Congress. This cannot wait.\n Mexico's actions are a test of our resolve. If we fail to respond\ndecisively, we will invite further aggression, not just from Mexico but\nfrom every foreign leader watching to see if America will defend its\ninterests. The United States should never be bullied, stolen from, or\ntoo feckless to respond to efforts to undermine its strength and\nsovereignty.\n And here at home, USTR leadership must immediately reverse course\nfrom its plan to renegotiate trade rules and pull the rug from under\nU.S. firms--a particularly disgraceful capstone, I might say, for the\nreputation of this outgoing administration.\n I yield the floor.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Virginia.\n Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I am glad to be here with my colleagues\nfrom Tennessee and Alabama to speak about this Mexican government's\nunfair, discriminatory treatment of Vulcan Materials and to encourage\ncolleagues to support the Defending American Property Abroad Act.\n Before I get into the details--and I see I am engendering an amazing\nresponse from the Gallery--I do want to say, I was a strong supporter\nof the USMCA. NAFTA was 20 years old. And any deal after 20 years, you\nwould have learned what worked, what didn't, how to make it better. And\nI viewed USMCA as a significant achievement of the Trump\nadministration, which I was glad to support. It got the overwhelming\nand bipartisan support of this body as well as the House.\n I am very worried about incursions into this deal. We will have\nplenty of time to talk next year about one worry I have, which is the\nincoming administration's proposal to levy tariffs against Canada and\nMexico. My thought is: Once you have a trade agreement that is a state-\nof-the-art trade agreement that has been voted for by an overwhelming\nbipartisan majority, that gives you an avenue of communication that you\nshould be able to use with Canada and Mexico, and you shouldn't need to\nuse tariffs against these trade partners. You should use the framework\nof the agreement to resolve disputes that you have.\n But that is a matter for another day. Today, I want to talk about, in\nsome detail, the matter that my friend and colleague Senator Hagerty\nraised,\n\n[[Page S7271]]\n\nwhich is the treatment of Vulcan Materials. And it is not just the\ntreatment of Vulcan, but what it might say either about the Mexican\ngovernment's treatment of American companies generally or, frankly, the\nAmerican government's posture of either battling to protect American\ncompanies or standing by while they are mistreated.\n Vulcan is headquartered in Alabama--I see colleagues from Alabama on\nthe floor--but employs over a thousand people in Virginia, nearly 70\nfacilities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Vulcan has been operating\nin the Yucatan Peninsula for more than 30 years.\n Senator Hagerty and I came to the floor to talk about this matter a\nnumber of months ago in the hopes that we might be able to avert what\nthe AMLO administration has done. But, nevertheless, even in a\ntransition of government, Mexico has continued to ratchet up efforts to\nseize Vulcan's property in the Yucatan.\n These actions against Vulcan were initiated, to be sure, by the Lopez\nObrador administration. But with the inauguration of the new President\nSheinbaum earlier in 2024, these efforts that would continue to degrade\nthe rule of law in Mexico continue. They are chilling investor\nconfidence. They are making Mexico a more challenging place for\nAmerican firms to do business.\n In August, I joined Senators Cardin, Risch, and Rubio in expressing\nour deep concern over proposed constitutional reforms in Mexico.\nSeparate and apart from the matter of Vulcan, there is a larger context\nof actions in Mexico that should cause us some significant concerns.\nThere is a judicial reform underway in Mexico promoted by the AMLO\nadministration that was widely viewed by civil actors within Mexico,\nhuman rights and other organizations, as an effort to undermine the\nindependence of the judiciary and make it harder for the Mexican\njudiciary to stand up against actions, illegal actions, by the Mexican\ngovernment.\n We strongly urged the AMLO administration in this bipartisan letter,\nas well as the incoming administration, to pursue only reforms that\nenhanced the professionalism and the independence of the judiciary;\nbut, unfortunately, neither administration has heeded our call and,\ninstead, moved forward on implementing reforms that weaken the\nindependence of the Mexican judiciary.\n Taken together, the direct bad-faith actions against Vulcan and the\ntwo administrations' insistence on degrading the independence of the\nMexican judiciary are jeopardizing critical economic security interests\nof both of our nations.\n Mexico is one of the top three trade partners of the United States,\nwhether you measure by outgoing or incoming top three; and, certainly,\nit is the same in Virginia. Our two countries have a long history of\nfriendship, and our cultural ties run deep.\n The NAFTA, followed by USMCA, have integrated supply chains in the\nUnited States, Canada, and Mexico in a degree that I view as generally\npositive. We do share essential traditions of democracy, and they\nrequire consistent work to ensure strong and independent institutions.\n Looking more closely at the USMCA in particular, my colleague talked\nabout worries that rules are being renegotiated around the resolution\nof disputes that would make it harder for Vulcan and companies like\nVulcan to seek assistance.\n We have been in this Free Trade Agreement for three decades now. In\nexchange for preferential access to American markets, which has\nresulted in the intertwined supply chain that I described, Mexico has\ncommitted to uphold certain standards that American workers, consumers,\ncompanies, and investors expect. The standards were reinforced and\nstrengthened in the USMCA in 2019. They include robust protection for\nworkers, for the environment, and for companies operating abroad. And\nthe standards not only protect Americans but promote economic growth in\nMexico, helping address the root causes of migration and other\nchallenges.\n The protections for American investments, for instance, give\ncertainty to other companies and investors looking to participate in\nhelping grow and expand the Mexican economy.\n Particularly as companies are looking to near-shore in the aftermath\nof COVID and looking to bring supply chains back to the United States\nand nations closer to the United States with which we have free-trade\nagreements, Mexico has been seen as a very attractive destination, but\nactions like those that are being taken against Vulcan now undermine\nthat momentum. So in response to these actions, Senators Hagerty,\nBritt, Tuberville, Barrasso, Budd, and I introduced the Defending\nAmerican Property Abroad Act earlier this year. The bill would make it\nclear that the United States does not condone discriminatory treatment\nagainst American companies, particularly with our free-trade agreement\npartners.\n We understand, even if we don't accept the notion, that some American\ncompanies are put at great disadvantage in nations where there are not\ntrade agreements, but where there are trade agreements--particularly\nlike USMCA, which is going to be scheduled for a renegotiation and\nconsideration in 2026--we should not condone mistreatment of American\ncompanies by our trade agreement partners.\n The bill that we have introduced would reiterate that it is a\nbipartisan priority in Congress for the U.S. Government to work to\nuphold the USMCA's investment standards in the upcoming 6-year review\nof the trade agreement. It would work to deter Mexico and any country\nin our hemisphere from illegally seizing additional U.S. assets. We\nmust make it clear that this behavior will not be tolerated.\n I note for my colleague with some sense of dismay that I think I have\nsome colleagues on my side of the aisle who don't like the notion that\na disappointed company can seek relief against a regulation put in\nplace by another country. They are concerned about whether that is a\nviolation of sovereignty in some sense.\n Yes, it is the case that the USMCA leaves wide latitude for the\nparticipating nations to adopt their own regulatory framework, but\nthere should be no disagreement in this body that an effort to\ncompletely seize the property of an American company can never be\njustified as an appropriate regulatory action, and that is what is\nhappening with Vulcan.\n I would hope colleagues on both sides of the aisle, in thinking about\ncompanies in their own States, would realize that if this is allowed to\nhappen with the United States turning a blind eye or shrugging their\nshoulders to it, you will see a lot more of it, and we need to stop\nthis now.\n I look forward to continuing to work to pass our bill next Congress.\nWe must ensure that the future of the U.S.-Mexico relationship\ncontinues to be grounded in the rule of law.\n I am the chairman of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee of the\nForeign Relations Committee. I care about this relationship. I want it\nto get stronger and stronger. I celebrate its successes. I celebrate\nMexico's successes. But I don't hesitate to stand and challenge actions\neither by the Mexican Government or the inaction of the U.S. Government\nthat pose risk to Americans and American companies.\n With that, I yield the floor.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms. Cortez Masto). The Senator from Alabama.\n Mrs. BRITT. Madam President, as has been discussed by my\ndistinguished colleagues, in May of 2022, the Mexican military forcibly\nshut down Vulcan Materials Company's operations. Almost a year later,\nmilitary police came in--the military of our supposed ally--and they\nbreached and seized Vulcan's port facility at gunpoint. That is right.\nInstead of using its armed forces to confiscate the fentanyl killing\nhundreds of American citizens every single day, the Mexican military,\nunder the directive of their former President, confiscated a port\nrightfully owned by an American company, an Alabama company. Instead of\ngoing after the cartels, our neighbor went after law-abiding Americans.\n Radical leftist Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador seized Vulcan's\noperations and property. Make no mistake, that action was illegal under\nboth Mexican and international law, and it is unacceptable that\nMexico's new President seems to be carrying the water for him. She said\nabsolutely nothing except that she is going to continue Lopez\n\n[[Page S7272]]\n\nObrador's unlawful seizure of an American company and she stands with\nhim.\n Time and time again over the past 4 years, bad actors across the\nglobe have poked and prodded at the United States because they saw\nweakness in the White House. They saw they could do it and get away\nwith it. When they did it without even the slightest bit of response,\nlet alone consequences, they just kept doing it.\n The Wall Street Journal recently published an editorial citing\nsources stating that this administration, the Biden administration, has\nundergone last-minute, backroom negotiations on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada\ntrade agreement. The changes, the Journal reported, would rob American\ncompanies like Vulcan of the protections they have relied on when\ninvesting in partner countries--the protections that would have\nprevented those partner countries from seizing, for example, operation\ncenters or port facilities.\n The Biden administration and its U.S. Trade Representative are\nactively undermining American interests. They are leaving American\ncompanies out in the cold without consulting Congress, preventing us\nfrom exercising our constitutional duty to provide oversight on trade.\n The Biden administration's actions should be a front-page story in\nevery newspaper across this Nation. The idea that a sitting President\nand/or his administration would be working against the interests of the\ncountry and/or the people he was elected to serve is absolutely\nunacceptable.\n While we wait for January 20, I am proud, in the interim, to\nsupport--proudly--Senator Bill Hagerty's piece of legislation. It is\ncalled Defending American Property Abroad Act. I joined this quickly,\nalongside Senators Barrasso, Budd, Kaine, Tuberville, and Wicker. It\nwould prohibit the Mexican Government from profiting from its unlawful\nseizure of Vulcan's property and port facility. No vessel that has used\na port, land, or infrastructure illegally seized from an American\nentity would be allowed entry into a U.S. port. Should the Mexican\nGovernment attempt to violate the law, it would be met with crushing\nconsequences.\n The United States can no longer stand by as its companies are\nterrorized by foreign governments. We will not sit back and watch as\nour own government allows our interests around the world, in our own\nhemisphere, to come under attack, and we will not be afraid of\nprotecting our own citizens and their interests.\n This past November, the American people did not choose decline; we\nchose renewal. We must begin to reassert ourselves and make sure that\nno country--not Mexico, not anyone else--can get away with seizures\nlike the one the Mexican Government carried out against Vulcan.\n American interests, American families, American values, and American\nsecurities must come first.\n I yield the floor.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Alabama.\n Mr. TUBERVILLE. Madam President, I would like to thank Senator\nHagerty for coordinating this event and Senator Kaine and Senator Britt\nfor standing up and supporting Vulcan Materials.\n You know, supporting American businesses abroad should be a unifying\nposition across political parties, and I thank our Democratic\ncolleagues who have joined me in this effort for the past several\nmonths.\n Unfortunately, we have seen just how little this administration cares\nabout protecting American investments overseas. We could have corrected\nthis problem. Specifically, I am talking about the unlawful actions\ntaken by the Government of Mexico against Vulcan Materials Company,\nwhich is headquartered in Birmingham, AL.\n Vulcan is the Nation's largest producer of construction inputs,\nincluding crushed stone, sand, and gravel. Vulcan is also a major\nproducer of materials like asphalt and ready-mix concrete. The\nmaterials produced by Vulcan are used in nearly all forms of\nconstruction. This includes infrastructure repairs to a bridge or a\nroad or when a new office building is built or a church that needs to\nbe built. While headquartered in Alabama, Vulcan has 720 facilities and\nmore than 12,000 employees in the United States of America. Its reach\nis international.\n Vulcan has operated a quarry in Mexico since the eighties. This\nquarry supplies materials to Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi,\nSouth Carolina, and Texas.\n Vulcan has quarried limestone legally in Mexico, on land that it owns\nand has paid for, for over 30 years. It has full ownership of the\nproperty in Mexico and owns the limestone reserves on the property--all\npaid for by Vulcan. Vulcan also operates a deepwater port in Mexico\npaid for by Vulcan. Vulcan operates that port because Vulcan built the\nport.\n Over the course of 30 years, Vulcan Materials has paid billions in\ntaxes to the Mexican Government. It has employed thousands of people\nover the years, providing them with healthcare and pensions, which is\nwhy I was shocked when, 2 years ago, the Mexican Government swooped in\nand announced it would pursue legal action against Vulcan overnight.\nAfter all that Vulcan has done for the country of Mexico, the Mexican\nGovernment swooped in to stop all their operations in just a few days.\nThe Mexican Government's baseless claim was that the company is\noperating illegally in Mexico--after 30 years. That statement is\ncategorically false.\n Unfortunately, the Government of Mexico followed through with its\nthreat and legal action. Mexican Government officials presented local\nVulcan employees with orders to immediately cease operations on\nVulcan's own land in Mexico.\n I believe this shutdown ordered by the Mexican Government represents\na baseless attack on U.S. companies and demonstrates a disregard for\nrule of law. It is why I joined Senator Hagerty in introducing the\nDefending American Property Abroad Act to impose retaliatory\nprohibitions that deter and punish any Western Hemisphere nation that\nunlawfully seizes American assets.\n Clearly, Mexico's new President, Claudia Sheinbaum, didn't get the\nmessage that this is unacceptable. Under her leadership, the Mexican\nGovernment continues to pursue legal action against Vulcan.\n Vulcan has been and continues to be subject to public harassment,\nintimidation tactics, and all kinds of harassment from the Mexican\nGovernment. The Mexican Navy sent troops to the entrance of the Vulcan\nfacility for several days. The Mexican Navy flew Black Hawk helicopters\nand drones over Vulcan's property. The Mexican Navy sent patrol boats\nto Vulcan's harbor. The Mexican Government withheld the issuance of a\nroutine customs permit for several months.\n These actions by the Mexican Government are contrary to the most\nbasic principles of international law and the free-trade agreements\nthat bind our two countries together. Most notably, it goes against the\nUSMCA--United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement--that was signed into law\nby President Trump.\n However, the Mexican Government's attack on Vulcan is bigger than\njust one company. First of all, it undermines the rule of law in\nMexico. It ignores international law and free-trade agreements. It\nweakens our bilateral relationship. It will discourage future U.S.\ninvestment in Mexico.\n Over the last several years, we have all heard about the actions the\nMexican Government has attempted to take against U.S. energy companies\nin Mexico. This action against Vulcan is just an example of how far\nMexico is willing to go.\n This will have a direct impact on the supply chain for major\ninfrastructure projects in the United States and the entire world.\n We cannot allow this to stand, and I know President Trump is not\ngoing to allow this to stand. He will not tolerate countries abusing\nthe good work of American companies. As chief architect of the USMCA,\nPresident Trump won't allow any country in the Western Hemisphere to\nbully American businesses. It is a fight any country should think twice\nabout starting.\n In the meantime, I urge the Biden administration to take appropriate\naction at the Office of the United States Trade Representative and\nthrough diplomatic channels to ensure that Vulcan--a great, great,\ngreat American company--can maintain critical operations in Mexico.\n I yield the floor.\n\n[[Page S7273]]"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7273-2", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "Vote on Cheeks Nomination (Executive Calendar)", "SENATE", "SENATE", "SEXECCAL", "S7273", "S7273", "[{\"name\": \"Jon Tester\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Richard J. Durbin\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"John Thune\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7273", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7273]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n Vote on Cheeks Nomination\n\n All postcloture time has expired.\n The question is, Will the Senate advise and consent to the Cheeks\nnomination?\n Mr. TESTER. Madam President, I ask for the yeas and nays.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a sufficient second?\n There appears to be a sufficient second.\n The clerk will call the roll.\n The senior assistant legislative clerk called the roll.\n Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Senator from West Virginia (Mr.\nManchin) and the Senator from California (Mr. Schiff) are necessarily\nabsent.\n Mr. THUNE: The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator\nfrom Florida (Mr. Rubio) and the Senator from Ohio (Mr. Vance).\n The result was announced--yeas 49, nays 47, as follows:\n\n [Rollcall Vote No. 330 Ex.]\n\n YEAS--49\n\n Baldwin\n Bennet\n Blumenthal\n Booker\n Brown\n Cantwell\n Cardin\n Carper\n Casey\n Coons\n Cortez Masto\n Duckworth\n Durbin\n Fetterman\n Gillibrand\n Hassan\n Heinrich\n Hickenlooper\n Hirono\n Kaine\n Kelly\n Kim\n King\n Klobuchar\n Lujan\n Markey\n Merkley\n Murphy\n Murray\n Ossoff\n Padilla\n Peters\n Reed\n Rosen\n Sanders\n Schatz\n Schumer\n Shaheen\n Sinema\n Smith\n Stabenow\n Tester\n Van Hollen\n Warner\n Warnock\n Warren\n Welch\n Whitehouse\n Wyden\n\n NAYS--47\n\n Barrasso\n Blackburn\n Boozman\n Braun\n Britt\n Budd\n Capito\n Cassidy\n Collins\n Cornyn\n Cotton\n Cramer\n Crapo\n Cruz\n Daines\n Ernst\n Fischer\n Graham\n Grassley\n Hagerty\n Hawley\n Hoeven\n Hyde-Smith\n Johnson\n Kennedy\n Lankford\n Lee\n Lummis\n Marshall\n McConnell\n Moran\n Mullin\n Murkowski\n Paul\n Ricketts\n Risch\n Romney\n Rounds\n Schmitt\n Scott (FL)\n Scott (SC)\n Sullivan\n Thune\n Tillis\n Tuberville\n Wicker\n Young\n\n NOT VOTING--4\n\n Manchin\n Rubio\n Schiff\n Vance\n The nomination was confirmed.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Durbin). Under the previous order, the\nmotion to reconsider is considered made and laid upon the table, and\nthe President will be immediately notified of the Senate's action."], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7273-3", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "Recognition of the Minority Leader (Executive Calendar)", "SENATE", "SENATE", "SEXECCAL", "S7273", "S7273", "[{\"name\": \"Mitch McConnell\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7273", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7273]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n Recognition of the Minority Leader\n\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Republican leader is recognized.\n Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to complete my\nremarks prior to the next rollcall vote.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered."], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7273-4", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "End of the 118th Congress (Executive Calendar)", "SENATE", "SENATE", "SEXECCAL", "S7273", "S7274", "[{\"name\": \"Mitch McConnell\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Charles E. Schumer\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7273", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Pages S7273-S7274]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n End of the 118th Congress\n\n Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, it is not entirely clear yet how or\nwhen Congress will conclude its end-of-the-year business. But when the\nSenate does adjourn, I will just about mark the end of my tenure as the\nRepublican leader.\n I have made it clear this year that our colleagues haven't seen the\nlast of me. I still fully intend to keep frustrating my critics in the\nyears ahead. But while I still command this particular podium, I\nthought I might make a few observations I have picked up along the way.\n Folks come to Washington to do one of two things: either to make a\npoint or to make a difference--to make a point or to make a difference.\nIt is usually not that hard to tell who is doing which, especially in\nsituations like the one we are in right now.\n The people who are here to make a difference recognize pretty quickly\nyou never get everything you want, but, often, you can get quite a lot.\nAnd the folks who prefer to make a point have a funny habit of\nreminding us out loud how poorly they understand that fact.\n I don't care to count how many times I have reminded our colleagues--\nand our House counterparts--how harmful it is to shut the government\ndown and how foolish it is to bet your own side won't take the blame\nfor it.\n Recent history doesn't leave a whole lot of room for interpretation\non this one: When you try to use normal government function as a\nbargaining chip, you pay a political price.\n That said, if I took it personally every time my advice went\nunheeded, I probably wouldn't have spent as long as I have in this\nparticular job. Getting a legislative outcome in the Senate requires\nlarge majorities of people who don't share all of the same views to\nactually work together toward outcomes where they do see eye to eye.\n We have had divided government here most of the time I have been in\nthis job; neither side has owned the place. You have a choice: Do\nnothing or try to find things you can agree on and do them together.\n With the exception of just one short period of a few months, this\nplace hasn't seen a filibuster-proof Senate in 50 years. Getting things\ndone almost inevitably requires dealing with a lot of people who\ndisagree with you on most things.\n And in the interests of stable, enduring outcomes, that is actually a\ngood thing. Anyone who comes to the Senate hoping for a rigid, hard-\nline conformity and prompt action is barking up the wrong tree.\n I have heard folks who like making a point, they would rather serve\nwith 30 colleagues who all agree than with a majority who didn't. So if\nyou want to accomplish absolutely nothing--nothing--sign up with the\ngroup that would rather serve with 30 people who all agree than those\nwho have differences.\n Everyone I know who is interested in making a difference understands\npretty quickly that it requires that kind of interaction in order to\nachieve something.\n Leading means letting folks take a walk when they need to and\nrallying together when we need to. I have been so grateful over the\nyears to lead majorities that embrace these necessary rhythms. I am\ngratified by the trust they have placed in me, repeatedly, to determine\nwhat that moment requires. And I am so proud of the outcomes we have\nachieved for our country.\n I am looking forward to spending the next Congress as a member of\nanother majority in a set of capable hands. I am rooting hard for my\nfriend John Thune and the leadership team our conference has assembled\naround him. There will be no shortage of important work to do, and I\nwill stand ready to do my part.\n Back in 2007, my first day in this job, I told our colleagues:\n\n The Senate has no claim on greatness unless its power is\n put to great ends.\n\n And I stated my view that ``the first duty of government is the\ndefense and protection of its citizens.'' The Senate\n\n[[Page S7274]]\n\nis great, and so is the Nation that it represents. But today, our\nNation faces one great challenge from forces betting on our decline.\nAnd so that first duty of government is the task to which I will devote\nmy efforts in the coming years.\n Our prosperity and security depend on an order forged by American\nleadership and American strength--both of which require our urgent\nattention.\n The arsenal of democracy must be restored. Peace through strength\nmust, once again, actually mean something other than just a slogan, and\nI am going to do everything in my power to help continue this to be the\ngreatest country in the world.\n No one can do what we do internationally, and that is where I am\ngoing to put my focus for the next 2 years.\n Thank you all for the opportunity.\n (Applause, Senators rising.)\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The majority leader.\n Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I just listened to my friend Leader\nMcConnell deliver what may be his final remarks on the Senate floor as\nRepublican leader. Today, I want to wish him and his family my very\nbest as he prepares to serve in this Chamber in a different role next\nyear.\n Everyone knows Leader McConnell and I had plenty of disagreements\nover the years on matters of policy and politics, but when the time was\nright, we found ways to work together to get very important things done\nfor this country.\n Today, I would like to acknowledge and thank him for those moments.\nWe worked together, for example, to pass the national security\nsupplemental to stand with our friends in Ukraine, to hold the line\nagainst Vladimir Putin, and safeguard America's national security\ninterests around the world. I appreciate his commitment to these\nprinciples no matter who occupies the Oval Office.\n We also worked together in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic to\nget the CARES Act done, and in the aftermath of the Capitol attack on\nJanuary 6, Leader McConnell worked with me and the other leaders to\nbring the Senate back into session so we could finish the job of\ncertifying the 2020 election.\n These are just a few of the examples showing how two very different\nleaders found common ground to move things forward. In each instance,\nLeader McConnell's actions benefited our country.\n So I thank him for those moments. I wish him, his wife Elaine, and\nhis entire family our best wishes, and I know all of my colleagues on\nour side of the aisle join me in those best wishes and respect.\n (Applause, Senators rising.)\n I yield the floor.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7273", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "Nomination of Benjamin J. Cheeks (Executive Calendar)", "SENATE", "SENATE", "SNOMINATIONS", "S7273", "S7273", "[{\"name\": \"Richard J. Durbin\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Jon Tester\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Tommy Tuberville\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7273", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7273]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n Nomination of Benjamin J. Cheeks\n\n Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, today, the Senate will vote to confirm\nBenjamin Jerome Cheeks to the U.S. District Court for the Southern\nDistrict of California.\n Born in Albany, GA, Judge Cheeks earned his B.A. from the University\nof Miami in 2000 and his J.D. from the Washington College of Law at\nAmerican University in 2003.\n Judge Cheeks began his career in public service as an assistant\ndistrict attorney in the New York County District Attorney's Office\nfrom 2003 to 2010. Cheeks then served as an assistant U.S. attorney in\nthe United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of\nCalifornia between 2010 and 2013.\n Prior to joining the bench, he worked as a criminal defense attorney\nat his own firm from 2013 to 2024. As a member of the Criminal Justice\nAct panel, Judge Cheeks was regularly assigned to represent indigent\ndefendants, and those cases comprised 98 percent of his caseload.\n Since July of 2024, Judge Cheeks has served as a magistrate judge on\nthe U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California.\n Judge Cheeks enjoys the strong support of both of his home State\nSenators, and the American Bar Association unanimously rated him as\n``qualified'' to serve on the district court.\n Having served as a prosecutor, defense attorney, and Federal\nmagistrate judge, Judge Cheeks is well prepared to serve as a district\njudge in the Southern District of California.\n I am proud to support his nomination and urge my colleagues to do the\nsame.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Montana.\n Mr. TESTER. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the\nmandatory quorum call with respect to the Murillo cloture motion be\nwaived.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?\n Without objection, it is so ordered."], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7274-2", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "EXECUTIVE CALENDAR", "SENATE", "SENATE", "SEXECCAL", "S7274", "S7274", "[{\"name\": \"Tammy Baldwin\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7274", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7274]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n EXECUTIVE CALENDAR\n\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the nomination.\n The senior assistant legislative clerk read the nomination of Serena\nRaquel Murillo, of California, to be United States District Judge for\nthe Central District of California.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The senior Senator from Wisconsin.\n Ms. BALDWIN. Junior.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Junior. Thanks for the correction.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7274-3", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "WOMEN'S SUFFRAGE NATIONAL MONUMENT LOCATION ACT", "SENATE", "SENATE", "ALLOTHER", "S7274", "S7275", "[{\"name\": \"Tammy Baldwin\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Marsha Blackburn\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"John Barrasso\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", "[{\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"1318\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"1318\"}]", "170 Cong. Rec. S7274", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Pages S7274-S7275]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n WOMEN'S SUFFRAGE NATIONAL MONUMENT LOCATION ACT\n\n Ms. BALDWIN. Madam President, as if in legislative session and\nnotwithstanding rule XXII, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate\nproceed to the immediate consideration of H.R. 1318, the Women's\nSuffrage National Monument Location Act, which was received from the\nHouse and is at the desk.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title.\n The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:\n\n A bill (H.R. 1318) to authorize the location of a monument\n on the National Mall to commemorate and honor the women's\n suffrage movement and the passage of the 19th Amendment to\n the Constitution, and for other purposes.\n\n There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill.\n Ms. BALDWIN. I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read\na third time.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.\n The bill was ordered to a third reading and was read the third time.\n Ms. BALDWIN. I know of no further debate on the bill.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. If there is no further debate, the bill having\nbeen read the third time, the question is, Shall the bill pass?\n The bill (H.R. 1318) was passed.\n Ms. BALDWIN. I ask unanimous consent that the motion to reconsider be\nconsidered made and laid upon the table.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.\n Ms. BALDWIN. Madam President, I rise today to speak to the Women's\nSuffrage National Monument Location Act to designate the Women's\nSuffrage National Monument be built on the National Mall.\n I was proud to introduce this bill with Senator Blackburn, as she and\nI represent both the first and the final States to ratify the 19th\nAmendment and grant women the right to vote across the Nation.\n The National Mall honors some of the most important features of our\nshared American story. Conspicuously\n\n[[Page S7275]]\n\nabsent from this portrayal of our Nation's history, however, is the\nstory of women's suffrage. In fact, the National Mall receives over 24\nmillion visitors annually, and despite there being 40 commemorative\nworks on the National Mall, none of those are dedicated to women. We\nhave introduced this legislation to correct this glaring omission on\nthe National Mall.\n Women's suffrage was only made possible through the fight of multiple\ngenerations of activists of all backgrounds, who joined together with\nthe steadfast belief that our country must live up to its highest\ndemocratic ideals.\n Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott organized the first women's\nrights convention in Seneca Falls in 1848, where they declared ``that\nall men and women are created equal.''\n Sojourner Truth gave her famous ``Ain't I a woman'' speech in 1851,\nwhere she challenged the women's suffrage movement to include Black\nwomen.\n Susan B. Anthony was arrested in 1872 for violating the law and\ndaring to cast her vote at the ballot box and went on to help found the\nNational American Woman Suffrage Association in 1890.\n Carrie Chapman Catt, born in Ripon, WI, took up the helm of that\norganization after Anthony and traveled around the country, organizing\nfor the ratification of the 19th Amendment.\n Inez Milholland led on horseback more than 8,000 marchers in the 1913\nWoman Suffrage Procession down Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC.\n Ida B. Wells and Mary Church Terrell demanded that the movement\ninclude women of color by refusing to march at the back of that very\ndemonstration.\n Alice Paul and Lucy Burns led acts of peaceful civil disobedience,\nincluding ``Silent Sentinels,'' who picketed at the White House\ncontinuously from 1917 to 1919.\n There are countless other women who fought and continue to fight for\ntrue equality for women in this country. Without the story of how women\nfought to secure our rightful participation in our democracy, our\nNational Mall is incomplete.\n This monument is just as much about honoring our past as it is about\ninspiring our future. Every young girl, every child, and every adult\nwho travels to our Nation's Capital should see themselves reflected\nthere. They should know that they belong in the halls of government,\nand their stories belong in our Nation's history, and that they belong\non the National Mall.\n With that, I would yield to the senior Senator from Tennessee,\nSenator Blackburn.\n Mrs. BLACKBURN. Madam President, I thank my colleague for her\nwonderful work on this issue.\n Since 2020, we have worked to recognize that 100-year celebration of\nwomen achieving the right to vote and to tell these stories. As she\nsaid, her State was the first. Tennessee was the 36th State.\n Our colleagues who have read about the War of the Roses and that\nsummer of 1920, when suffragists descended on the capital in Nashville.\nThose who were for suffrage wore a yellow rose. Those who were antis--\nas they were called--wore a red rose.\n Carrie Chapman Catt, Anne Dallas Dudley, and Ida B. Wells led this\nfight. And what a fight it was. And, finally, they pushed forward with\nthe 36th State granting ratification.\n The histories in our States are rich on this issue, and we want all\nAmericans to appreciate the work that went into women gaining that\nright to vote.\n My colleague mentioned that there are 40 monuments, memorials,\nstatues, and historic sites on the Mall. Not a single one of these 40\nare specific to women; while 22 are dedicated to individual men, 10 to\nmilitary history and veterans, 3 to foreign relations, 2 to private\norganizations, 1 to U.S. postal history, 1 to the history of the U.S.\ncanals, and 1 to the history of horses. All of these have found their\nway onto the mall.\n What we have done is to work with the Park Service, find a place that\nwould be perfect: The Mall's Constitution Gardens. It is a 50-acre\nspace dedicated during our Nation's bicentennial as a living memorial\nto the founding of the Republic. In this garden, it is appropriate that\nwe recognize the work of women to help preserve the freedoms and the\nliberties that we have here in this Nation.\n I thank my colleagues for passing this legislation. The House passed\nit unanimously last year, so it is appropriate as we finish and\ncomplete this 118th Congress, that we set aside time and that we pass\nthis legislation to recognize the work--the powerful work--of women who\ngave so much of their life to support freedom, liberty, and voting\nrights.\n Ms. BALDWIN. I suggest the absence of a quorum.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.\n The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.\n Mr. BARRASSO. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order\nfor the quorum call be rescinded.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7274", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "CLOTURE MOTION", "SENATE", "SENATE", "SCLOTURE", "S7274", "S7274", "[{\"name\": \"Richard J. Durbin\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"John Thune\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7274", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7274]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n CLOTURE MOTION\n\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Pursuant to rule XXII, the Chair lays before\nthe Senate the pending cloture motion, which the clerk will state.\n The legislative clerk read as follows:\n\n Cloture Motion\n\n We, the undersigned Senators, in accordance with the\n provisions of rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate,\n do hereby move to bring to a close debate on the nomination\n of Executive Calendar No. 850, Serena Raquel Murillo, of\n California, to be United States District Judge for the\n Central District of California.\n Charles E. Schumer, Richard J. Durbin, Tammy Duckworth,\n Robert P. Casey, Jr., Tammy Baldwin, Catherine Cortez\n Masto, Debbie Stabenow, Patty Murray, Amy Klobuchar,\n Chris Van Hollen, Jack Reed, Jeanne Shaheen, Andy Kim,\n Margaret Wood Hassan, Elizabeth Warren, Christopher A.\n Coons, Adam B. Schiff, Jeff Merkley.\n\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unanimous consent, the mandatory quorum\ncall has been waived.\n The question is, Is it the sense of the Senate that debate on the\nnomination of Serena Raquel Murillo, of California, to be United States\nDistrict Judge for the Central District of California, shall be brought\nto a close?\n The yeas and nays are mandatory under the rule.\n The clerk will call the roll.\n The legislative clerk called the roll.\n Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Senator from West Virginia (Mr.\nManchin) and the Senator from California (Mr. Schiff) are necessarily\nabsent.-\n Mr. THUNE. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator\nfrom Florida (Mr. Rubio) and the Senator from Ohio (Mr. Vance)\n The yeas and nays resulted--yeas 49, nays 47, as follows:\n\n [Rollcall Vote No. 331 Ex.]\n\n YEAS--49\n\n Baldwin\n Bennet\n Blumenthal\n Booker\n Brown\n Cantwell\n Cardin\n Carper\n Casey\n Coons\n Cortez Masto\n Duckworth\n Durbin\n Fetterman\n Gillibrand\n Hassan\n Heinrich\n Hickenlooper\n Hirono\n Kaine\n Kelly\n Kim\n King\n Klobuchar\n Lujan\n Markey\n Merkley\n Murphy\n Murray\n Ossoff\n Padilla\n Peters\n Reed\n Rosen\n Sanders\n Schatz\n Schumer\n Shaheen\n Sinema\n Smith\n Stabenow\n Tester\n Van Hollen\n Warner\n Warnock\n Warren\n Welch\n Whitehouse\n Wyden\n\n NAYS--47\n\n Barrasso\n Blackburn\n Boozman\n Braun\n Britt\n Budd\n Capito\n Cassidy\n Collins\n Cornyn\n Cotton\n Cramer\n Crapo\n Cruz\n Daines\n Ernst\n Fischer\n Graham\n Grassley\n Hagerty\n Hawley\n Hoeven\n Hyde-Smith\n Johnson\n Kennedy\n Lankford\n Lee\n Lummis\n Marshall\n McConnell\n Moran\n Mullin\n Murkowski\n Paul\n Ricketts\n Risch\n Romney\n Rounds\n Schmitt\n Scott (FL)\n Scott (SC)\n Sullivan\n Thune\n Tillis\n Tuberville\n Wicker\n Young\n\n NOT VOTING--4\n\n Manchin\n Rubio\n Schiff\n Vance\n The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms. Smith). On this vote, the yeas are 49, the\nnays are 47.\n The motion is agreed to.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7275-2", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "DESIGNATING THE GENERAL GEORGE C. MARSHALL HOUSE, IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, AS AN AFFILIATED AREA OF THE NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM", "SENATE", "SENATE", "DESIGNATING", "S7275", "S7276", null, "[{\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"S\", \"number\": \"3195\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"S\", \"number\": \"3195\"}]", "170 Cong. Rec. S7275", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Pages S7275-S7276]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n DESIGNATING THE GENERAL GEORGE C. MARSHALL HOUSE, IN THE COMMONWEALTH\n OF VIRGINIA, AS AN AFFILIATED AREA OF THE NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM\n\n The bill (S. 3195) to designate the General George C. Marshall House,\nin the Commonwealth of Virginia, as an affiliated area of the National\nPark System, and for other purposes, which had been reported from the\nCommittee on Energy and Natural Resources, with an amendment to strike\nall after the enacting clause and insert in lieu thereof the following:\n\n SECTION 1. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE GENERAL GEORGE C. MARSHALL\n HOUSE AS AN AFFILIATED AREA.\n\n (a) In General.--The General George C. Marshall House in\n the Commonwealth of Virginia is established as an affiliated\n area of the National Park System (referred to in this section\n as the ``affiliated area'') to promote public appreciation of\n the significant historic contributions made by United States\n military leader and statesman George Catlett Marshall, Jr.\n (b) Description of Affiliated Area.--The affiliated area\n shall consist of the area generally depicted as the ``General\n George C. Marshall House Property, Leesburg, Virginia'' on\n the map entitled ``General George C. Marshall House, Proposed\n Affiliated Area'', numbered 999/189,974, and dated September\n 2023.\n (c) Administration.--The affiliated area shall be managed\n in a manner consistent with--\n (1) this section; and\n (2) any law generally applicable to units of the National\n Park System.\n (d) Management Entity.--The George C. Marshall\n International Center shall be the management entity for the\n affiliated area.\n (e) Agreements.--The Secretary of the Interior (referred to\n in this section as the ``Secretary'')--\n (1) may provide technical assistance and enter into\n cooperative agreements with the management entity designated\n by subsection (d) for the purpose of providing financial\n assistance for the marketing, marking, interpretation, and\n preservation of the affiliated area; and\n (2) shall enter into an agreement with the management\n entity designated by subsection (d) that describes the roles\n and responsibilities for the management of the affiliated\n area consistent with the policies and standards that apply to\n units of the National Park System.\n (f) Limited Role of the Secretary.--Nothing in this section\n authorizes the Secretary--\n (1) to acquire property at the affiliated area; or\n (2) to assume overall financial responsibility for the\n operation, maintenance, or management of the affiliated area.\n\n The committee-reported substitute amendment in the nature of a\nsubstitute was agreed to.\n\n[[Page S7276]]\n\n The bill (S. 3195), as amended, was ordered to be engrossed for a\nthird reading, was read the third time, and passed.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7275", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "THE CALENDAR", "SENATE", "SENATE", "SCALENDAR", "S7275", "S7275", "[{\"name\": \"John Barrasso\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", "[{\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"S\", \"number\": \"3195\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"S\", \"number\": \"3195\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"6395\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"6395\"}]", "170 Cong. Rec. S7275", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7275]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n THE CALENDAR\n\n Mr. BARRASSO. Madam President, as if in legislative session, and\nnotwithstanding rule XXII, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee\non Energy and Natural Resources be discharged from further\nconsideration of H.R. 6395, and the Senate proceed to the en bloc\nconsideration of the following bills: Calendar No. 596, which is S.\n3195, and H.R. 6395.\n There being no objection, the committee was discharged of the\nrelevant bill, and the Senate proceeded to consider the bills en bloc.\n Mr. BARRASSO. Madam President, I now ask unanimous consent that the\ncommittee-reported substitute amendment, where applicable, be agreed\nto; that the bills, as amended, if amended, be considered read a third\ntime and passed; and that the motions to reconsider be considered made\nand laid upon the table, all en bloc.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.\n The bills passed, en bloc, as follows:\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7276-2", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "THE CALENDAR", "SENATE", "SENATE", "SCALENDAR", "S7276", "S7276", "[{\"name\": \"John W. Hickenlooper\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", "[{\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"S\", \"number\": \"1553\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"S\", \"number\": \"1553\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"2997\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"2997\"}]", "170 Cong. Rec. S7276", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7276]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n THE CALENDAR\n\n Mr. HICKENLOOPER. Madam President, as if in legislative session and\nnotwithstanding rule XXII, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee\non Energy and Natural Resources be discharged from further\nconsideration of H.R. 2997 and the Senate proceed to the en bloc\nconsideration of the following bills: Calendar No. 581, S. 1553; and\nH.R. 2997.\n There being no objection, the committee was discharged of the\nrelevant bill, and the Senate proceeded to consider the bills en bloc.\n Mr. HICKENLOOPER. I ask unanimous consent that the committee-reported\nsubstitute amendment, where applicable, be agreed to; that the bills,\nas amended, if amended, be considered read a third time and passed; and\nthat the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the\ntable, all en bloc.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.\n The bills passed en bloc, as follows:\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7276-3", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "RESILIENCY FOR RANCHING AND NATURAL CONSERVATION HEALTH ACT", "SENATE", "SENATE", "ALLOTHER", "S7276", "S7276", null, "[{\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"S\", \"number\": \"1553\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"S\", \"number\": \"1553\"}]", "170 Cong. Rec. S7276", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7276]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n RESILIENCY FOR RANCHING AND NATURAL CONSERVATION HEALTH ACT\n\n A bill (S. 1553) to amend the Federal Land Policy and Management Act\nof 1976 to improve the management of grazing permits and leases, and\nfor other purposes, which had been reported from the Committee on\nEnergy and Natural Resources with an amendment to strike all after the\nenacting clause and insert in lieu thereof the following:\n\n SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.\n\n This Act may be cited as the ``Resiliency for Ranching and\n Natural Conservation Health Act''.\n\n SEC. 2. TEMPORARY USE OF VACANT GRAZING ALLOTMENTS FOR\n HOLDERS OF GRAZING PERMITS OR LEASES DURING\n EXTREME NATURAL EVENTS AND DISASTERS.\n\n Title IV of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of\n 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end\n the following:\n\n ``SEC. 405. VACANT GRAZING ALLOTMENTS MADE AVAILABLE TO\n HOLDERS OF GRAZING PERMITS OR LEASES DURING\n EXTREME NATURAL EVENTS AND DISASTERS.\n\n ``(a) Definition of Secretary Concerned.--In this section,\n the term `Secretary concerned' means--\n ``(1) the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to\n National Forest System land; and\n ``(2) the Secretary, with respect to public lands.\n ``(b) Allotments.--\n ``(1) In general.--The Secretary concerned may make\n available to the holder of a grazing permit or lease issued\n by either Secretary concerned the temporary use of a vacant\n grazing allotment if--\n ``(A) 1 or more grazing allotments covered by the grazing\n permit or lease of the holder of the grazing permit or lease\n are temporarily unusable, as determined by the Secretary\n concerned, because of unforeseen natural events or disasters\n (including an extreme weather event, drought, wildfire,\n infestation, or blight); and\n ``(B) the Secretary concerned determines that the vacant\n grazing allotment is appropriate for temporary grazing use.\n ``(2) Terms and conditions.--In establishing the terms and\n conditions in a permit or lease for the temporary use of a\n vacant grazing allotment made available pursuant to this\n subsection, the Secretary concerned--\n ``(A) shall take into consideration the terms and\n conditions of the most recent permit or lease that was\n applicable to the vacant grazing allotment;\n ``(B) if there are no terms or conditions available for\n consideration under subparagraph (A), may assign temporary\n terms or conditions, after considering ecological conditions\n of, or terms on, adjacent grazing allotments;\n ``(C) shall base the terms and conditions on local\n ecological conditions, as determined by the applicable\n official;\n ``(D) shall take into consideration other factors,\n including any prior agency agreement that resolved or sought\n to resolve a management conflict, including a conflict\n related to State management of wildlife; and\n ``(E) may authorize the placement and use of temporary\n rangeland improvements (including portable corrals, fencing,\n aboveground pipelines, and water troughs) on the vacant\n grazing allotment to accommodate the temporary use.\n ``(3) Coordination.--To the maximum extent practicable, the\n Secretaries concerned shall coordinate to make available to\n holders of grazing permits or leases the use of vacant\n grazing allotments, regardless of agency jurisdiction over\n vacant grazing allotments, pursuant to paragraphs (1) and\n (2).\n ``(4) Effect.--The temporary use of a vacant grazing\n allotment under this subsection shall not--\n ``(A) preclude or otherwise alter other ongoing or future\n actions or assessments evaluating the potential of the vacant\n grazing allotment to be used or otherwise assigned; or\n ``(B) alter--\n ``(i) the terms and conditions of the original grazing\n permit or lease of the holder of the grazing permit or lease;\n ``(ii) the preference or ability of the holder of the\n grazing permit or lease to return to the original allotment\n once access to, or the use of, the original allotment is\n restored; or\n ``(iii) the animal unit months in future authorizations, or\n conditions of a permit, of the holder of the grazing permit\n or lease.\n ``(c) Duration.--The Secretary concerned shall determine\n the duration of the temporary use of a vacant grazing\n allotment made available pursuant to subsection (b), after\n considering--\n ``(1) the condition of the vacant grazing allotment; and\n ``(2) the period of time necessary for the original\n allotment of the holder of the grazing permit or lease to\n return to use.\n ``(d) Guidelines.--\n ``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of\n enactment of this section, the Secretary concerned shall\n establish guidelines to expeditiously, efficiently, and\n effectively carry out activities authorized under this\n section.\n ``(2) Considerations.--In establishing the guidelines under\n paragraph (1), the Secretary concerned may consider--\n ``(A) criteria for determining whether the vacant grazing\n allotment is suitable for temporary grazing use;\n ``(B) eligibility criteria for the holders of grazing\n permits or leases;\n ``(C) prioritizing holders of grazing permits or leases in\n close proximity to a vacant grazing allotment;\n ``(D) any class or change in class of livestock on the\n temporary use of a vacant grazing allotment, with\n consideration given to local ecological conditions, disease,\n wildlife conflicts, and other factors based on localized\n conditions;\n ``(E) processes for coordinating with allotments adjoining\n or within the vicinity of a vacant grazing allotment; and\n ``(F) any other processes intended to expedite procedures\n for making vacant grazing allotments available during\n emergent circumstances.\n ``(e) Periodic Evaluations.--The Secretary concerned shall\n periodically evaluate land health conditions of vacant\n grazing allotments to facilitate the efficient implementation\n of this section.''.\n\n The committee-reported amendment in the nature of a substitute was\nagreed to.\n The bill (S. 1553), as amended, was ordered to be engrossed for a\nthird reading, was read the third time, and passed.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7276-4", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "CLIFTON OPPORTUNITIES NOW FOR VIBRANT ECONOMIC YIELDS ACT", "SENATE", "SENATE", "ALLOTHER", "S7276", "S7277", "[{\"name\": \"John W. Hickenlooper\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"John Barrasso\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"John Kennedy\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", "[{\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"S\", \"number\": \"1553\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"2997\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"2997\"}]", "170 Cong. Rec. S7276", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Pages S7276-S7277]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n CLIFTON OPPORTUNITIES NOW FOR VIBRANT ECONOMIC YIELDS ACT\n\n The bill (H.R. 2997) to direct the Secretary of the Interior to\nconvey to Mesa County, Colorado, certain Federal land in Colorado, and\nfor other purposes, was ordered to a third reading, was read the third\ntime, and passed.\n Mr. HICKENLOOPER. Madam President, Mesa County, CO, out in the far\nwest part of the State, is bursting with opportunities for economic\ndevelopment. The CONVEY Act, which passed the Senate today, will help\nmake sure there is sufficient space to continue that growth.\n This bill will direct the transfer of Federal land near Clifton, CO,\nto the local Mesa County government to support their domestic economic\ndevelopment. Specifically, the bill accelerates the sale of 31 acres of\nland near Interstate 70 in Clifton, CO. It is a parcel of land that was\npreviously set aside for the Bureau of Reclamation's Grand Valley\nReclamation Project, but Reclamation has indicated its intent to\nrelinquish the 31 acres considered in the\n\n[[Page S7277]]\n\nsale. The county will pay fair market value for those 31 acres of\nFederal land. The Federal Government has already determined that it no\nlonger needs this land, and Mesa County has plans for ways to put it to\nwork.\n This is a win-win for the Federal Government, for Mesa County, for\nColorado, and for our country. By passing the CONVEY Act today, we will\nfinally push this land transfer over the finish line.\n I yield the floor.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Wyoming.\n Mr. BARRASSO. Madam President, I would just like to say a few words,\nif I may, about the Senate passing S. 1553. In Wyoming, we refer to it\nas the RANCH Act, and that stands for Resiliency for Ranching and\nNatural Conservation Health.\n This is an important piece of legislation for my home State of\nWyoming and for all Western States. Livestock grazing plays a critical\nrole in my State of Wyoming and in a lot of the Rocky Mountain West. It\nis important to maintain rangeland health, and this is what this bill\ndoes. This also supports ranchers' livelihoods.\n Natural disasters and emergencies occur. They can have a huge impact\non so many of our rural communities. In fact, this past summer, we had\nsignificant wildfires, and this is just one example of how bad it can\nget and how quickly.\n So when ranchers face the loss of the use of their normal public land\nallotments for grazing, they do need access to emergency pastures in a\ntimely manner for their animals to continue to graze. So the RANCH Act\nallows for temporary use of vacant grazing allotments during extreme\nevents and disasters, which, regrettably, happen more frequently than\nwe would like.\n This bill promotes resilient and healthy rangelands. It also supports\neffective grazing management for the West. The RANCH Act is going to\nprovide land management agencies the authorities that they need to help\nranchers and rural communities facing emergency situations. I am so\npleased it has passed the Senate today by unanimous consent.\n I yield the floor.\n I suggest the absence of a quorum.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.\n The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.\n Mr. KENNEDY. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order\nfor the quorum call be rescinded.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7276", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF CRITICAL MINERALS IN HEALTHCARE ACT OF 2023", "SENATE", "SENATE", "RECOGNIZING", "S7276", "S7276", "[{\"name\": \"John Barrasso\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"John W. Hickenlooper\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", "[{\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"6395\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"6395\"}]", "170 Cong. Rec. S7276", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7276]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF CRITICAL MINERALS IN HEALTHCARE ACT OF\n 2023\n\n The bill (H.R. 6395) to amend the Energy Act of 2020 to require the\nSecretary of the Interior to include the Secretary of Health and Human\nServices in consultations regarding designations of critical minerals,\nelements, substances, and materials was ordered to a third reading, was\nread the third time, and passed.\n Mr. BARRASSO. I yield the floor.\n I suggest the absence of a quorum.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.\n The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.\n Mr. HICKENLOOPER. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the\norder for the quorum call be rescinded.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7277", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "Unanimous Consent Request--S. 4772 (Executive Calendar)", "SENATE", "SENATE", "SCONSENTREQUEST", "S7277", "S7281", "[{\"name\": \"John Kennedy\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Rand Paul\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Christopher A. Coons\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", "[{\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"S\", \"number\": \"4772\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"S\", \"number\": \"4772\"}]", "170 Cong. Rec. S7277", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Pages S7277-S7281]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n Unanimous Consent Request--S. 4772\n\n Mr. KENNEDY. Madam President, as we know, our colleagues in the House\nof Representatives are, at the moment, trying to pass a continuing\nresolution to keep government open. As we also know, our government is\nsupposed to shut down if the House and the Senate don't act tonight, I\nthink, at midnight.\n Part of the efforts of our colleagues in the House would be, of\ncourse, not only to keep government open but to extend the National\nFlood Insurance Program, which is also scheduled to expire, I think,\ntonight at midnight.\n The National Flood Insurance Program, as I think most people know, is\nhardly perfect, but it is important. It is almost impossible to buy\nflood insurance in the private sector. Many people, unfortunately, when\nthey buy homeowner's insurance, think their homeowner's insurance\ncovers them for flood. It does not.\n Many Americans, unfortunately, found that out, for example, with the\nhorrible flooding in Appalachia. Virtually all of our friends and\nneighbors in the Appalachia area and in South Carolina and Kentucky and\nin Florida who were victims of Hurricane Helene did not have flood\ninsurance. I think many of them had homeowner's, but they were not\ncovered for flood.\n The private sector--I don't want to overstate this--but for the most\npart, it is almost impossible to get flood insurance in the private\nsector. That is why we have a National Flood Insurance Program. The\nNational Flood Insurance Program is not exactly a model of efficiency.\nUnder President Biden, it has been screwed up even more. FEMA, which is\nin charge of our Flood Insurance Program, implemented something called\nRisk Rating 2.0. It has been a disaster. It is a mess. It looks like\nsomething that my beagle used to hide under my back porch. But it is\nbetter than nothing. It is better than nothing.\n We are going to have a new chair of our Banking Committee in the\nSenate, as you know, Madam President, Senator Tim Scott. Senator Scott\nhas asked Senator Mike Rounds and I to work on trying to start over\nwith our National Flood Insurance Program, maybe even extend to some\nother hazards. But Tim has asked Mike and I to try to design a brandnew\nprogram that looks like somebody designed it on purpose. And we are\ngoing to get started on that. Indeed, we have already started.\n But in the meantime, the current program, as bad as it is, expires\ntonight at midnight, and we want to continue it. What would be the\nresult of that? It would mean that as of 12:01 tonight, the Flood\nInsurance Program can no longer write new policies.\n I don't want to scare people. If you already have flood insurance\nthrough what we call the NFIP, which is just an acronym for the\nnational program, your policy won't expire. If it is not at its\ntermination date, you will continue to have coverage. But you can't buy\na new policy. That will have a huge impact on the real estate market in\nAmerica. Many institutions will not loan money to a new homeowner or a\nhomeowner who is trying to buy a home if they can't get flood insurance\nbecause the mortgage companies just don't want to take that risk.\n We have already seen, for a variety of reasons, the extraordinary\nincrease in the price of a home in America. I was reading the other day\nthat 10, 15, 20 years ago, the average age of a first-time home buyer\nin America was 28. Today, it is 38. Why are people having to wait so\nmuch longer to buy a home? It is not because they don't want to buy a\nhome. It is because they need time to save up the money for a home.\n But my point is that the price of homes, for a variety of reasons--in\npart because of inflation--the price of a home has just risen\ndramatically. I don't think any of us want to do anything to make the\nprice of a home go up even further.\n I want to say a word about Louisiana. We have about 5 million people\nwho have flood insurance in our Flood Insurance Program. About 10\npercent of those are in Louisiana. Those who have flood insurance in\nLouisiana are, for the most part--I am trying to think of a stronger\nway of saying it--the vast majority of the people in Louisiana who have\nflood insurance are working men and working women. Our coast, for\nexample, is a working coast. Some people like to paint the picture of\nthe National Flood Insurance Program serving multimillionaires with\nmultimillion-dollar homes on the coast. That is not Louisiana, I can\nassure you.\n My people are working people. We don't even have a coast like some\nStates that have those type of homes. If you travel to Grand Isle or\nPort Fourchon in my State, you would see that. These are middle-class\nAmericans that depend on the National Flood Insurance Program.\n I worked very hard--many of us have--to try to improve the National\nFlood Insurance Program through the years. I have been working on it\nsince the first day I came to the U.S. Senate. Frankly, I didn't get a\nlot of cooperation from leadership of the Banking Committee, which has\njurisdiction over the National Flood Insurance Program.\n I don't want to make a promise I can't keep, but our Banking\nCommittee is going to be under new leadership, as I just said. And\nSenator Scott, the new chairman, has directed Senator Rounds and I to\ntry to come up with a program that is a vast improvement over what we\nhave.\n I sum up by saying, what I am going to propose to do here in a moment\nis to extend the status quo until September 30. It will extend the\nNational Flood Insurance Program that we have right now, imperfect as\nit may be, ugly as it may be. And it is. It really does look like\nsomething my beagle used to hide under the back porch. The American\npeople deserve better, but it is better than nothing. Without it, it\nwill have a huge impact on the real estate market.\n So my bill would extend the program--no changes--until September 30,\n\n[[Page S7278]]\n\n2025. Hopefully, by then we will have a new bill to present to you,\nMadam President and my colleagues. And it will contain a National Flood\nInsurance Program that is much better than what we have right now.\n As if in legislative session, Madam President, notwithstanding rule\nXXII, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Banking, Housing,\nand Urban Affairs be discharged from further consideration of S. 4772--\nthat is the bill I just talked about--and the Senate proceed to its\nimmediate consideration; and I further ask that the bill be considered\nread a third time and passed and that the motion to reconsider be\nconsidered made and laid upon the table.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Kentucky.\n Mr. PAUL. Madam President, reserving the right to object, once again,\nwe are asked to extend the flood program without any reforms to protect\nthe taxpayers.\n Like many Federal programs, the flood program is well-intentioned,\nbut it may very well be the best real-life example of a moral hazard.\n The program covers about 5 million policyholders and provides over $1\ntrillion in coverage. We were told that the program is funded through\ninsurance premiums. But charging below the market price on insurance\nand capping how much these rates can rise inevitably has led to\nshortfalls. They are out of money.\n They are always out of money.\n A 2014 report by the Government Accountability Office found that the\nflood program collected as much as $17 billion fewer in premiums than\nthe market would have demanded.\n So when the program inevitably found itself in need of money, it, in\ntheory, ``borrowed'' from the taxpayers--not that the taxpayers had any\nchoice in the matter. As they often are, they were on the hook\nregardless of whether we want to be or not.\n Just a few years ago, the flood program owed over $30 billion to the\ntaxpayers. Congress later just canceled that debt.\n Poof, it is gone. It disappeared.\n But the flood program has not made any further repayments to the\ntaxpayers and today still owes over $20 billion in debt. So the\ntaxpayers are expected to cough up money whenever the program needs it,\nbut the program doesn't seem to be in a hurry to pay the taxpayers\nback.\n But perhaps the greatest insult to the taxpayers is the lack of true\nlimits on this delinquent program. There are no limits on how many\nclaims can be filed or how much money can be received by a policyholder\nfiling multiple claims. Rather than encourage people to leave flood-\nprone areas, it encourages people to stay and rebuild where it\ncontinues to flood.\n In thousands of instances, the program encourages people to rebuild\nand rebuild and rebuild again. According to the Pew Charitable Trusts,\nover 150,000 properties have been rebuilt over and over again.\n They say the definition of insanity is doing things over and over\nagain and never understanding you are doing the wrong thing.\n In fact, 25 to 30 percent of flood program claims are made by\npolicyholders whose properties flood time and time again. Over 2,000\nproperties have flooded over than 10 times. We bail them out every\ntime.\n One home in Batchelor, LA, flooded 40 times and received a total of\n$428,000 in flood insurance payments. It doesn't seem like we are\nlearning our lesson. It doesn't seem like that is encouraging good\nbuilding behavior. It is encouraging the opposite.\n If you can believe it, that isn't even the most times a house has\nbeen paid for. In Virginia, one home flooded 41 times and received more\nthan $600,000 in payments. It is argued, no matter how much a home is\nworth, that the Federal Government will only cover the first $350,000\nin flood insurance coverage--$250,000 for the structure, another\n$100,000 for the contents.\n That is true.\n But the $350,000 limit is only applied per event. That is how you\nwind up with a home that floods 40 times and gets paid over $400,000.\nWhat if the home that flooded 40 times was paid 350,000 times? What if\nit is a $10 million home, and it has $300,000 worth of damage 40 times?\nThat would mean the policyholder would receive $14 million from the\ngovernment program.\n It was also mentioned during previous debates that there really isn't\na private flood insurance market. Well, there is a private insurance\nmarket that will cover beyond $350,000. Rich people use the government\nto insure their beach house up to 350, and then they buy private\ninsurance on top of that. So there is a market and would be a market at\nwhatever number we set.\n The government flood program is a disaster for many reasons, but\nchief among them is that it crowds out the private market for the first\n$350,000 in losses. That is why the private flood insurance market is\nso small.\n Madam President, $350,000 coverage per event may be enough for most\npeople, but instead of allowing private markets to work, the government\nhas put the primary responsibility of flood losses on taxpayers.\n Can you imagine having to withstand the ordeal of your home flooding\n10, 20, or 40 times? Well, the taxpayers do not have to imagine paying\nto rebuild the same home time and time again because that is the\nreality of the current program.\n Adding insult to injury, the Congressional Budget Office found that\nthe flood program tends to benefit the wealthy and that 23 percent of\nthe subsidized coastal properties were not even the policy's primary\nresidence.\n So one out of five homes that the taxpayer--people who don't live on\nthe gulf shore, people who don't live on the Atlantic coast, people who\ndon't live on the Pacific Ocean--people who live in Middle America are\ninsuring the second homes of rich people. One in five of the homes\nbeing insured are rich people. Ordinary taxpayers in Kansas or Kentucky\nare asked to pay for the insurance for the second home of rich people.\n How in the world would that make any sense? The government forces the\ntaxpayers to pay and rebuild the elite summer homes of the rich. It is\nestimated that the national average replacement cost of homes in\ngovernment flood insurance programs--that these homes are valued at\nover $400,000. So the average home of this government program that is\nsupposed to help the poor--the average home that we are insuring, that\nthe government is insuring--is worth over $400,000, and it is people's\nsecond house.\n How in the world is that something we should keep borrowing billions\nand billions of dollars to insure rich people's homes?\n In fact, sometimes it seems the flood program caters directly to the\nwealthy. Nearly 80 percent of the flood program's policies are located\nin counties that rank within the top 20 percent of income. Enough is\nenough. It is an insult to rob the taxpayers to give to the wealthy.\n This is why I offered an amendment that would require the flood\nprogram to only cover your primary residence. So if this is your only\nhouse and for some misbegotten reason you have to keep building in a\nflood zone, you would be eligible. If it is your beach house, you are\nnot eligible. If it is your second house, you wouldn't be eligible.\n We also might put a cap on it. We might say: Well, if you have more\nthan a half-a-million-dollar house, you have to buy your own insurance;\nthe government doesn't pay for that.\n These are reasonable amendments, reasonable reforms, reasonable\nchanges that have been offered for years and never get done because\npeople come with the song and dance of people needing help and we must\nhelp people, but nobody ever says: Are some of these people, people who\nshould be helping themselves?\n And that is why it is always bankrupt.\n So what I would recommend is that my amendment be added to this bill.\nWe can reauthorize the program. We can re-fund it. But we would now\nlimit who it goes to. The money would not go to homes over $500,000,\nand it would have to be your primary home, not your second home. To me,\nthat is a modest proposal. It won't fix the whole thing, but it is\nvery, very reasonable.\n So I will offer that today. If the Senator from Louisiana wants to\npass this tonight, we can pass it tonight. All he has to do is agree to\nmy amendment.\n No one is here to object. It is a unanimous consent arrangement. He\ncan\n\n[[Page S7279]]\n\nagree right now. We will pass it. The program will, from now on,\nexclude people with homes over half a million, and it will exclude\npeople where it is their second beach house. How reasonable is that? He\ncan do it tonight.\n So, therefore, I ask the Senator to modify his request so that the\nPaul amendment at the desk be considered and agreed to; the bill as\namended be considered read a third time and passed; and the motion to\nreconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms. Baldwin). Does the Senator so modify his\nrequest?\n Mr. KENNEDY. Reserving the right to object, Madam President, to the\nrequest by my colleague from Kentucky to modify--reserving the right to\ndo that--I wanted to make a couple of points.\n First, the majority of the homes covered under the Flood Insurance\nProgram are not second homes, and it is not a giveaway for\nmillionaires. If you just come and spend some time in Louisiana and in\nother States that aren't even on the coast, you will see that these are\nworking people--working men and working women.\n Point two, the most that you can receive--the most coverage that you\ncan buy--under the National Flood Insurance Program is $250,000. That\nis it, and that is for structural damage. You can buy an extra hundred\nthousand dollars for contents.\n Point three, everybody in America is not rich who owns a home. The\nmedian--median--cost of a home in America today is $406,000. That means\nthat half of homes cost less, but half cost way more. That is the\nresult of a lot of factors, including, but not limited to, inflation.\nAs I said earlier, it is one of the reasons that the average first-time\nhome buyer in America today is no longer 28; it is 38. It just costs a\nlot to buy a home today.\n So when someone talks about a $500,000 home and somebody being rich\nwho owns a $500,000 home, I don't think that accurately reflects\nreality. I just don't.\n No. 2, the idea to extend this only to a primary residence, I know a\nlot of hard-working women and men who work a day job and have also\nsaved their money and bought rental homes that they rent out and try to\nbuild equity in to give them something to live on during retirement.\n These are not wealthy people. These are working women and working\nmen. And I don't know--they are not millionaires living on the coast.\nThat is just a jaundiced view of the Flood Insurance Program, at least\nin Louisiana.\n And I don't know why we would deny those people the right to buy two\nor three more rental homes to rent out and build equity in for their\nretirement. They are not going to be able to borrow the money to buy\nthose homes if they can't get flood insurance. No institution will loan\nit to them.\n Finally, the point I will make--and I say this with all due respect.\nI just spent 4 years listening to some of my colleagues talking about\nthe big, bad, nasty, rich people in America. You know, when I came up,\nsuccess--financial success and otherwise--and, certainly, there are\nways to define success other than finances. But one of the ways in\nAmerica we do so--we do assign success--is financially.\n And I was raised in America to admire people who worked hard and\nsaved their money and invested their money and became successful\nfinancially. I regret that we have reached the point in America--and I\nhope it ends under the new administration--where we just constantly go\naround denigrating success in America, including but not limited to\nfinancial and otherwise.\n And for that reason, with respect, I decline the request to modify.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection to the modification is heard.\n Is there objection to the original request?\n The junior Senator from Kentucky.\n Mr. PAUL. Reserving the right to object, let the record show that\nwhat I have offered is a way to limit government insurance to regular\npeople of modest income but to say rich people with beach houses\nshouldn't have government-subsidized insurance. The program costs\nbillions of dollars. It is $30, $40, $50 billion in the hole, anyway\nyou want to measure it. Something has got to be done.\n What would those reforms be? What would the most obvious reform be\nfor a flood program that is billions of dollars in the hole? Why don't\nyou tell rich people: Buy your own insurance.\n Does that mean I don't like rich people? No. Probably nobody in this\nbody more appreciates success and people who work hard and make a good\nliving--nothing against that, other than we shouldn't give them free\nstuff.\n I mean, I am all for them. If you have got a yacht, invite me over.\nBut I am not for buying insurance for your yacht with taxpayer money.\nThat doesn't mean I don't appreciate that you are wealthy and you have\ngot a yacht. I will ride on your yacht. I will come to your party. But\nI am not going to buy your insurance with the taxpayer money, which is\nbillions of dollars in the hole with this just one program. The whole\ngovernment is $2 trillion in the hole.\n So let the record reflect that I offered to amend this program, let\nit go on, and we exclude only the homes of people who have homes--\nsecond homes--over $500,000. And that was rejected.\n So I have another offer. This will be the second amendment, and this\noffer will be, if $500,000 for your second home means you are still\npoor and you need help from the government, what about if your second\nhome costs $2 million or more, should we buy your insurance? Should the\ngovernment subsidize your insurance?\n So I brought along a couple of pictures, and these are pictures of\nsome people that you might have heard of their homes.\n This is President Biden's home in Rehoboth Beach, DE. It is worth\n$2,700,000, and, yes, it is eligible for government insurance. Does\nanybody think we should be buying insurance for President Biden's home?\n Let's see what else we have.\n Oh, Nicholas Cage--boy, that is a nice house--4.2 million, in New\nOrleans, also eligible for government insurance.\n Look, I love Nicholas Cage. I would go to parties at his house too. I\nlove his movies. I would pay 20 bucks to go to the movies. Actually, I\ndon't want to pay 20 bucks. I would pay to go see his movies, but I\ndon't think we should buy insurance for his home. If he can get a $4.2\nmillion home, I bet you he can buy his own insurance.\n Let's see who else is eligible for government insurance. Oh, Matt\nDamon--he has had a lot of good movies. Man, he must be doing great.\nHis place costs $20 million, and it is eligible for government\ninsurance too.\n Do you think Matt Damon would be embarrassed to find out that the\ngovernment is subsidizing his first $250,000? Shouldn't we all be\nembarrassed?\n The program is $16 billion in the hole, and we want to renew a\nprogram without any reforms. Just keep doing it. Keep losing money.\nJust keep doing the same thing.\n Maybe Matt Damon can buy his own insurance.\n Who else has a house that would be eligible for insurance? Oh, Phil\nCollins--he made some good music. He must have made some great music.\nHis home is worth $40 million, in Biscayne Bay, FL, also eligible for\ngovernment insurance.\n So I can't imagine how we couldn't come to a compromise. So if\nordinary people have second homes that are $500,000 beach homes, if we\njust went up to $2 million, then we are only going to be clipping Phil\nCollins and Nicholas Cage and a few others.\n Do we have anybody else? Let's see who else we have.\n Oh, now Cher, she has been doing well for a long time. She has a $42\nmillion place in Miami Beach, also eligible for government insurance.\n You know, we could go on and on. But the thing is, this doesn't mean\nwe don't like rich people or appreciate their success. I am all for it.\nI am just not for giving them free stuff. Why would we give them\nsubsidized insurance?\n So what I will offer now is a second amendment, and this one might be\neasier to accept. And realize that this could be accepted right now.\nThis entire program could be reauthorized with these amendments tonight\nif the Senator from Louisiana will accept this amendment.\n This amendment would say that if your house is worth more than $2\nmillion, and it is your second home, that\n\n[[Page S7280]]\n\nit wouldn't be eligible for government insurance.\n That would be pretty easy. You know, it still would have significant\nsavings, because there are quite a few homes out there. And do you\nthink they would figure out a place to buy insurance? Sure, they would.\nA market would develop immediately. So therefore I ask the Senator to\nmodify his request so that the Paul amendment at the desk, the second\nPaul amendment, be considered and agreed to; the bill, as amended, be\nconsidered read a third time and passed; and that the motion to\nreconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.\n\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Does the Senator so modify his request?\n Mr. KENNEDY. Madam President, reserving the right to respectfully\nrespond to my colleague's request for a modification, let me just say\nthat I love Cher. I mean, I just remember Sonny and Cher when they were\nboth on TV. Sonny was a Congressman for a while. But I think Cher is\nwhat cool looks like. I don't agree with much of her politics, but Cher\nis equaled in her coolness only by Nick Cage.\n I love Nick Cage. I just saw a movie that he did not long ago. I\ncan't remember the name of it. But he was--typically in his movies, he\nplays these deeply weird characters, you know. He was a truffles\nhunter, and he had a pig, a special pig that would hunt for truffles,\nand the bad guys hurt his pig. Well, Nick hurt them. I think he ended\nup killing them, but before he killed them, he hurt them the entire\ntime they were dying. It was a great movie. I love Nicolas Cage, and I\nappreciate Rand reminding me of it. I might go home tonight and watch a\nNick Cage movie.\n But let me get out of la-la land and go back to reality. No. 1, I\nknow my friend didn't mean to give you this impression, but nobody\ngives you flood insurance. Let me say that again. Nobody gives you\nflood insurance; you have to buy it. So this idea that the government\nis somehow giving Cher and Nick Cage and President Biden and--I don't\nknow--who else did you mention? I don't know. Whoever else he\nmentioned, they don't get free insurance from the government; they have\nto buy it. That is point one.\n No. 2, the price of flood insurance under Risk Rating 2.0--boy,\nanybody who has bought flood insurance lately is going to see how high\nthe prices have gone. There was a time when the program was subsidized,\nbut it is not being subsidized anymore. In fact, a lot of people have\nhad to drop their flood insurance because they just can't afford it\nanymore. It is just way too expensive.\n I guess point three that I would make is that 99 and 9999 tenths\npercent of the people who buy flood insurance in America--we are not\ntalking about Phil Collins here. We are not talking about Cher. We are\nnot talking about Nick Cage. We are talking about working men and\nworking women. And this idea that we are going to cap the price of a\nhome--I know places in America today where a $2 million home gets you\nvirtually nothing. Go check out California. Go check out Manhattan. I\nmean, the housing inflation has just been dramatic. If it hadn't been,\nI might consider what Rand is proposing.\n But the truth is, and I would like the record to reflect this, what\nSenator Paul is proposing to do is that we gut a program that doesn't\ngive anything to anybody. You have to buy the insurance that is not\navailable for most people in the private sector, without which they\ncan't buy a home because their lender won't loan them money. If you let\nthis program expire, you are not going to only hurt working women and\nworking men who are trying to buy a home, you are going to destroy the\nreal estate market as well.\n Finally--I will say it again--I really hope we come to a time when we\ndon't spend our time on the Senate floor denigrating success in\nAmerica, trying to say: If you are rich, you are bad. You must have\ngotten rich because you stole the money or oppressed somebody.\n That is not an America I want to live in.\n For that reason, Madam President, respectfully, I object to the\nmodification, even though I still do believe that Cher and Nick Cage\nare what cool looks like.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection to the modification is heard.\n Is there objection to the original request?\n The junior Senator from Kentucky.\n Mr. PAUL. Madam President, reserving the right to object, the\nargument is made that this is not a gift; this is not subsidized\ninsurance. Well, if it weren't subsidized insurance and if it were a\nmarket price for insurance, it wouldn't lose $16 billion a year. By\ndefinition, if you lose $16 billion a year, you are not charging enough\nin premiums, so you have subsidized premiums.\n This is a subsidized government insurance program that, even with the\nsubsidized premiums, is woefully inadequate. It is accumulating tens of\nbillions of dollars of debt. It is currently $20 billion in the hole.\nWe have a problem here. I haven't really heard how we are going to fix\nthis, and one obvious, easy way would be that people who can afford to\nshould maybe pay the full price for their insurance and maybe not a\nsubsidized price.\n So I object.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.\n Mr. KENNEDY. Thank you, Madam President.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The junior Senator from Delaware.\n\n Tribute to Joseph R. Biden, Jr.\n\n Mr. COONS. Madam President, it was I believe then-President Reagan\nwho famously asked, ``Are you better off than you were four years\nago?'' I rise to take a moment here at the end of the 118th Congress,\nat the end of the Presidency of Joe Biden, to say: You bet you are\nbetter off today than you were 4 years ago.\n I wanted to take just a few moments and reflect on the service, the\ncareer, the values, and the consequence of Joe Biden's service on\nbehalf of Delaware in this Chamber for 36 years, as our Vice President\nfor 8, and as our President for the last 4.\n I have the honor of having Joe Biden's desk here on the floor of the\nSenate, and in my office in Russell, I have what was his desk as a\nSenator for 36 years and as a Vice President for 8.\n As the son of both Scranton, PA, and Claymont, DE, in many ways, he\nwas a role model to me and many others in Delaware and a source of\ninspiration to get involved in public service in the first place.\n If you think for a moment about where we were this time 4 years ago,\nthere were three different, profound challenges the United States was\nfacing, all really because of the pandemic--a pandemic that had been\nbadly mishandled and spiraled out of control and was still killing\n3,000 Americans a day in December of 2020. Violent crime had\nskyrocketed. Healthcare coverage was declining. Jobs had been lost in\nthe rates of millions. The United States was divided from some of its\nclosest, oldest, and most trusted allies.\n Across those different indicators, just briefly, the numbers tell a\nstriking story. We have one of the lowest violent crime rates in 50\nyears today. The COVID-19 pandemic is mostly a thing of the past, a\npublic health concern that still needs monitoring but that is not at\nany risk of killing another million Americans. Healthcare coverage has\nimproved dramatically. The number of uninsured Americans is today at an\nalltime low. While the former President left office with the worst jobs\nrecord since Herbert Hoover, the private sector under Joe Biden's\nleadership helped create 15 million jobs--an alltime record.\n\n Joe Biden is someone who was a committed public servant who put\ncountry above self; someone who has been one of the most consequential\nPresidents in our history and the most consequential of my lifetime;\nwho came to this body from a blue-collar background, focused on the\nmiddle class, on unions, on what we could do to strengthen our country\nfrom the middle out and the bottom up and took that vision to the\nPresidency.\n He worked tirelessly to restore our leadership around the world and\nto reweave together the bonds between the United States and a then-\nfractured coalition of alliances and partnerships around the world and\nto strengthen our economy as it recovered from the devastation of the\npandemic.\n He never gave up on the promise of our democracy, our Nation, and\nthis institution in particular. The record of the bipartisan\nlegislation that got\n\n[[Page S7281]]\n\npassed under his leadership I think is striking and will stand the test\nof time, whether it was bringing back advanced manufacturing through\nthe Chips and Science Act--a generational investment in rebuilding\ninfrastructure all over our country of all different kinds and levels;\ninvesting in protecting our veterans from the harm of burn pits and\ndoing right by our veterans, making right on that sacred obligation;\ncombating gun violence; investing in community mental health. All of\nthese were landmark, bipartisan pieces of legislation.\n He also struck out in a direction that made a lifetime of difference\nin reducing prescription drug prices and in investing in a cleaner\neconomy through the Inflation Reduction Act, which was a moment when he\nabandoned bipartisanship in the interest of making a lasting difference\nfor all Americans.\n If you look briefly at what he did beyond our shores, the crisis of\nRussia's brutal, broad spectrum invasion of Ukraine catalyzed not just\nthe revitalization but the expansion of NATO, moved us from a point\nwhere only four of our NATO allies had met their spending targets to\ntoday--two dozen. He led a global coalition in defense of Ukraine. He\nstood strong for our ally Israel after the heinous attacks of October 7\nand ongoing attacks from Iran. In the Indo-Pacific, he has done more to\ncreate a new security situation than even I could have imagined: the\nQuad in the Indo-Pacific, the reconciliation of Korea and Japan, and\nthe innovative AUKUS partnership that will deliver nuclear propulsion\ntechnology to the Australian submarine fleet and deliver new\ndeterrence.\n One of my favorite things he has done was celebrated in his most\nrecent trip to Angola: the investment in infrastructure in the Global\nSouth in a way that has higher transparency, better labor standards,\nbetter environmental standards. It is more sustainable than our\ncompetitors, the Chinese, and their investment throughout the world. I\nhave had the chance to visit both the Philippines and Angola to see our\nPresident's lasting work in investing in infrastructure.\n Across all of these, strengthening our alliances, investing in our\nvalues and our partnerships, finding ways to stand up to aggression--it\nis my hope that we will find in this Chamber bipartisan support to\ncontinue.\n What I will miss most about Joe Biden's leadership is that he is\nsomeone who lived a quintessentially American story. He never forgot\nthe middle-class roots that gave him the strength to live what was a\nhard life, knocked down by grief, devastating grief, twice in his life.\nHe got back up. Someone who believed deeply in the dignity of work. The\nson of a hard-working car salesman. Someone who understood the\nimportance of not just a paycheck but having a purpose and the\nimportance of respecting work and its role in creating and\nstrengthening the middle class.\n Last, President Biden has been someone who knew and believed in this\ninstitution. I worked with then-Leaders McConnell and Reid, Senator\nLeahy, and Senator Grassley when Joe Biden was leaving his last moments\nas the President of the Senate, as Vice President, to pull together a\n``Recollections of our Vice President Day,'' and dozens of Senators\ncame to this floor and told their favorite Joe Biden stories. There\nwere stories full of compassion, full of humor, full of dedication, and\nfull of service. That is the man I hope we will remember and recognize\nas he comes to the conclusion of his service as President close to a\nmonth from today. That is the man who I will continue to honor and to\nrespect as I continue in my service on behalf of our shared State of\nDelaware going forward.\n I yield the floor.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The senior Senator from Oklahoma."], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7281", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "Unanimous Consent Request--H.R. 5119 (Executive Calendar)", "SENATE", "SENATE", "SCONSENTREQUEST", "S7281", "S7283", "[{\"name\": \"James Lankford\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Sheldon Whitehouse\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Christopher A. Coons\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", "[{\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"5119\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"5119\"}]", "170 Cong. Rec. S7281", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Pages S7281-S7283]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n Unanimous Consent Request--H.R. 5119\n\n Mr. LANKFORD. Madam President, several years ago, it was a December\nlike this; there were big bills that were coming through the House and\nthe Senate, one of them being the National Defense Authorization Act,\nwhich has passed every single year for the last six decades.\n Stuck in that multi, multi, multipage bill was a little piece on\nbeneficial ownership. Now, most everyone just didn't even notice what\nit would be. But in the past couple of years, the Biden administration\nhas released the rules for beneficial ownership and what will be\nrequired to be able to deal with ``opportunities for fraud.''\n What it has become is a way to be able to get from every single small\nbusiness in America--I do need to emphasize these were all small\nbusiness; in fact, smallest of the small businesses--every LLC, every\nbusinessowner in America a list of them of this: their name, their date\nof birth, their address, an I.D. number--that is simple--but then,\nalso, a listing of all the senior officers of the company, someone who\nhas authority over the appointment or removal of a senior officer, and\nthis little jewel--someone who substantially influences important\ndecisions in your company.\n Every business owner in America is required by January 1--in just a\ncouple of weeks--to turn in that document for every single business\nthat they own.\n Now, for many folks in real estate or in construction or in many\nother businesses, they actually start a company and raise it up for\nthat company. And so they may not own one company or have one LLC; they\nmay have 20 or 30. And they have to go through the paperwork for every\nsingle one of those and be able to turn in, including answering the\nquestion: Who influences your important decisions on your company? No\none even knows what that means.\n Well, you may say: Well, it is no big deal if they don't turn it in.\n Oh, no, it is, because under the rule that has been put out, if they\ndon't turn this form in, it is a $10,000 fine for each company that\nthey don't turn in or 2 years in jail if they don't submit it.\n Let that soak in. Every small business owner in America has to turn\nin who influences their decisions, or they could go to jail for 2\nyears.\n Now, listen. All of us around this room would say: That is too much.\nWhy is the Federal Government asking that of every pet owner, of every\nhair shop, of every builder, of every subcontractor? Why are we asking\nthem who substantially influences them? And what authority do we have\nto have them do that?\n Well, it is a good question, actually, because a Federal judge, just\na couple of weeks ago, stepped in and did a preliminary injunction,\njust temporarily stepped in--this, by the way, was a Federal judge who\nwas appointed by President Obama. They stepped in and put a halt on\nthis rule. And they said this rule is--their term--``quasi-Orwellian''\nand ``likely unconstitutional.''\n Now, this was an Obama judge stepping into this. They put a pause on\nit. But the problem is, the pause is completely dependent on the judge\nat this point. They can unpause it at any moment.\n So the simple thing that I have asked for throughout this entire year\nis, let's get rid of this rule. This rule should not be there at all.\nCongress has no right to go to every business owner and hand them a\nstack of forms and say to fill these out and tell us who helps you make\ndecisions in your company.\n What in the world? So we have no right to be able to do that. So I\nhave asked all year long: We need to get rid of it entirely. I have not\nbeen successful getting that. So we have asked a simple thing: Let's\ntake it out for 1 year. Let's just delay it. Let's get more time to be\nable to talk about this. This is a big issue that Congress is laying\ndown.\n Now, I have to tell you, I have not been successful getting that\neither. But do you know who has been? The House of Representatives. The\nHouse of Representatives passed a 1-year delay on this rule--wait for\nit--420 to 1; 420 to 1.\n Yeah, the House said: This is a massive overreach; let's pause this\nfor a year, at least, until we figure out what this actually means.\n What does this mean for small business owners across the country?\nThey could--in the very earliest time of next year under a new\nadministration, any single small business in the country could face a\n$10,000 fine or 2 years in prison if they haven't turned this in.\n But they have all turned it in already, right? It was due January 1.\nActually, FinCEN has given us the latest numbers of who has turned it\nin.\n Let me just give a few States as an example and the percentage. In\nNew York State: 80 percent of the small businesses haven't turned this\nform in yet--80 percent.\n In my State in Oklahoma, 77 percent of the small businesses have not\nturned this form in.\n\n[[Page S7282]]\n\n In Rhode Island, 72 percent of the small businesses have not turned\nthis form in.\n In West Virginia, 80 percent of the businesses have not turned this\nform in.\n In Wisconsin, 74 percent of the businesses have not turned this form\nin.\n That means they could all face--all those businesses could all face a\n$10,000 fine or 2 years in jail because they haven't submitted a form\nmost of them don't even know exists.\n Listen: Delaying for a year is not a radical proposal. And 420 to 1\nin the House is a pretty good vote, especially considering the votes of\nthe House in the past week.\n That is broad bipartisan agreement. All I am asking is: Let's pause\nthis for a year. Let's agree with the House and not have 75 to 80\npercent of American small businesses suddenly be under the heavy hand\nof a potential fine or jail time because they don't even know this\nexists. But it does. It is Federal law.\n So that is my simple request that I am bringing on this very last\nmoment to be able to deal with this.\n Madam President, as if in legislative session and notwithstanding\nrule XXII, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Banking,\nHousing, and Urban Affairs be discharged from further consideration of\nH.R. 5119 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration; I\nfurther ask that the bill be considered read a third time, be passed;\nand that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the\ntable.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?\n The junior Senator from Rhode Island.\n Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Madam President, reserving the right to object, let\nme start by pointing out that this is a national security bill. And the\nreason that it is a national security bill is because--to paraphrase a\nfamous author--the United States is engaged in a clash of\ncivilizations. And I describe that clash of civilizations as between\nrule of law countries like the United States and countries that are run\nby kleptocrats and oligarchs and criminals or subject to control by\ntraffickers and international criminal organizations.\n\n Now, if you are an oligarch or a kleptocrat or international\ncriminal, the thing you want more than anything else is to be able to\nhide what you stole. And you don't want to hide what you stole in your\nown corrupt and crooked country. You want to hide what you stole behind\nrule of law.\n And the result is that the United States and other countries on the\nrule of law side of this clash of civilizations are giving aid and\ncomfort to our enemies by helping them hide their crooked assets.\n The concern for the United States was made pretty clear by Treasury\nSecretary Yellen, who admitted ``there's a good argument that . . . the\nbest place to hide and launder ill-gotten gains is actually the United\nStates.''\n So we are trying to clean that mess up. And it is not just this\nadministration. Under President Trump, Secretary Mnuchin said:\n\n Treasury's ability to combat tax evasion and to detect,\n deter, and disrupt money laundering and terrorist financing\n would be greatly enhanced through reporting of beneficial\n ownership information.\n\n The suggestion that this magically appeared in some bill? No. It was\nworked through two committees in the Senate. It has been bipartisan\nfrom its earliest days, both in the Judiciary Committee and in the\nBanking Committee. It has been through enormous effort. And, in fact,\nthe last Trump administration, working with us on this bill in 2019,\nreleased a statement of administration policy condemning this\nbipartisan ``measure that will help prevent malign actors from\nleveraging anonymity to exploit these entities for criminal gain.''\n Are there examples of what has been going on? Well, terrorist groups\nlike Hezbollah, Putin's oligarch cronies, North Korean foreign\noperatives, and fentanyl traffickers all need shell companies to hide\nwhat they have stolen.\n Viktor Bout, the Russian arms dealer known as the ``Merchant of\nDeath,'' used a global network of anonymous shell companies, including\nat least 12 incorporated in Delaware, Florida, and Texas. Anonymous\nLLCs impeded New York City's ability to trace the terror finance scheme\nthat funded the 9/11 attacks--again, shell corporations that we didn't\nknow who was really behind.\n An anonymous New York company served as a front for the Iranian\ngovernment in violation of U.S. sanctions, with millions of dollars in\nrent illegally funneled to Iran.\n A DOJ indictment last year said that cartel operatives designed a\nnetwork of shell companies in Wyoming to launder illegal millions for\nthe Sinaloa cartel. Narco traffickers in New Jersey were charged with\nusing an American shell company to buy fentanyl-related supplies from\nChina.\n So this is a real problem, which is why the Trump administration's\nStatement of Administration Policy was supportive.\n Now, we went through a lot of effort to get here. The first group\nthat stood up against it was the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and when it\nwas exposed what they were arguing for, they actually ended up backing\noff and going to neutral on the bill, because they are bank members and\nthey are anti-money laundering members.\n And other Members of the Chamber said: What are we doing here?\n And as soon as when that entity disappeared, up came the American Bar\nAssociation, doing the same thing. And their banking session and their\nanti-money laundering session and their former prosecutors and their\nnational security folks all said: What are you doing?\n And so the American Bar Association backed off.\n The third in this game of political special interests whack-a-mole\nwas NFIB, which came in to present the same stale argument to Senator\nGraham, Senator Grassley, and myself that were so stale and so flagrant\nthat--well, I am not going to name names. Let's just say the NFIB had a\nvery bad day facing down this bipartisan group.\n So a lot of work has gone into this. The stakes are very high. This\nactually is a national security bill. And against that risk of being\nthe loser in the clash of civilizations, because we are giving aid and\ncomfort to our enemies by allowing them to use American shell\ncorporations to hide what they get selling fentanyl to our citizens,\nhere is what we ask: When you set up a corporation, you tell us your\nname. That is not very complicated. You can do that pretty quickly. You\ntell us your address. That doesn't take more than a couple of seconds\nto remember. What is my address? Yeah, write that down. Your date of\nbirth? That is pretty simple too. And then either a passport or\ndriver's license number. It is, literally, that simple. Where it gets\ncomplicated is where you have complex networks of joined shell\ncompanies in a complex corporate structure. But if that is what you\nhave got, the very same lawyers who put that complex structure together\ncan easily add this information.\n\n So, in my view, delaying the Corporate Transparency Act would empower\ncriminals who are operating through American shell companies, who\noutcompete and defraud honest small business owners, while emboldening\nand facilitating terrorist groups, foreign adversaries like Russia and\nChina and Iran, North Korean weapons of mass destruction financing,\nfentanyl trafficking, and a whole array of grotesquely bad actors.\n So I object. With great regard for my friend Senator Lankford, I\nobject.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.\n The senior Senator from Oklahoma.\n Mr. LANKFORD. Madam President, my friend from Rhode Island and I, we\nhave a lot of great conversations. I think we both agree on the problem\nhere. There is clearly a problem that money could be laundered and\nhidden in American companies and shell companies. There is no question.\nI think what we disagree on is the answer to that problem.\n In this setting, with this set of forms, the assumption is that those\nwho are doing international money laundering would put down their\naccurate information and would identify themselves as international\nterrorists and money launderers. In this particular setting, every\nsmall business owner who owns a restaurant or a pet store or a\nbookstore or is a plumber or owns a roofing company--30 million, in\nfact, small businesses in America--they all have to prove their\ninnocence.\n\n[[Page S7283]]\n\n The assumption is that a Russian oligarch who is trying to hide money\nwill tell the truth when he fills his form out, and I find that hard to\nbelieve. But in the meantime, 30 million small businesses have to go\nthrough a form, and within weeks, probably 23 million of those will be\nin violation of the law, and they will face penalties of $10,000 or 2\nyears in jail. And most of those small business owners who run that\nrestaurant down the street don't even know this rule exists.\n It is the kind of stuff that drives Americans crazy, that they woke\nup one day and found out they may go to jail tomorrow because they\ndidn't fill out a form that someone wanted.\n That is what we are trying to pause. The problem is real. I just\ndon't think this is the right solution for it in the way it is being\nimplemented. Let's see if we can solve the problem without actually\ncausing, literally, tens of millions of small business owners to be\nunder the sword of Damocles that they could be rounded up and go to\njail at any moment because they didn't get a form filled out.\n That is what we are trying to solve in the days ahead, and I wish we\ncould at least put a pause on this and think it through more before\nthose small business owners find out.\n With that, I yield the floor.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The junior Senator from Oklahoma."], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7283", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "Unanimous Consent Request--S. 2796 (Executive Calendar)", "SENATE", "SENATE", "SCONSENTREQUEST", "S7283", "S7284", "[{\"name\": \"Markwayne Mullin\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Mike Lee\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Dan Sullivan\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"James Lankford\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", "[{\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"S\", \"number\": \"2796\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"S\", \"number\": \"2796\"}]", "170 Cong. Rec. S7283", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Pages S7283-S7284]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n Unanimous Consent Request--S. 2796\n\n Mr. MULLIN. Madam President, for 8 years, beginning with my time in\nthe House, I have worked on the Miami-Illinois Land Claim Settlement\nAct, which is now S. 2796.\n I want to thank Chief Lankford of the Miami Tribe for his assistance\nto move this bill forward and to help lay out a solid, factual\nbackground before the Indian Affairs Committee, which is why it\nuniquely came out of the committee.\n This is a unique piece of legislation. The Miami Tribe is not seeking\na settlement for their treaty claim or an appropriation from Congress.\nThis is zero cost to Congress. The Miami Tribe--or ``My-am-uh'' Tribe--\nis not seeking a settlement. The Tribe is simply asking Congress to do\nwhat only Congress can: to extinguish the Tribe's treaty title claim to\nthe land in Illinois.\n First, this bill will remove a cloud on the title for non-Indian\nlandowners in eastern and central Illinois, benefiting the Tribe and\nnon-Tribal members alike. Second, the bill will allow the Tribe the\nopportunity to plead their case before the U.S. Court of Federal\nClaims.\n This is a straightforward bill, cosponsored by both of my colleagues\nfrom Illinois, Senator Durbin and Senator Duckworth. The Miami Tribe\nhas waited long enough to get this done, and it is time to act.\n Madam President, as if in legislative session and notwithstanding\nrule XXII, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the\nimmediate consideration of Calendar No. 489, S. 2796; that the bill be\nconsidered read a third time and passed; and that the motion to\nreconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?\n The senior Senator from Utah.\n Mr. LEE. Madam President, reserving the right to object, I have great\nrespect and admiration for my friend and distinguished colleague, the\nSenator from Oklahoma.\n When I listen to the arguments being presented, I am reminded of a\ncouple of things.\n No. 1, these claims arise out of and relate to a treaty--a treaty\ngoing back to 1805. Those claims had the opportunity, more recently, to\nhave been litigated in front of the previously existing Indian Claims\nCommission. Congress, in recognizing the need at the time to open up\nwhat might have been a confusing set of legal circumstances or an\ninadequate availability for relief, opened up a 5-year window for\nclaims related to this treaty that was entered into with the Miami\nTribe in 1805. They opened that up for a period between 1946 and 1951.\n Jurisdiction over what was previously the Indian Claims Commission\nhas since been transferred over to the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.\nInterestingly, the Court of Federal Claims still maintains\njurisdiction over such things, but it lacks the ability to enter\norders, and the statute of limitations has long since passed. There was\nthis 5-year window under which they were able to bring up claims like\nthis.\n\n Now, during that time period between 1946 and 1951, the Miami Tribe\ndid pursue and litigate on a number of claims related to that treaty,\nenough for them to have received a remedy--a remedy of about $11\nmillion at the time. I am told that, in 2024 dollars, that is about\n$200 million.\n There are reasons why we have statutes of limitations. Those reasons\nhave to do with the fact that, at some point, a stone rolling down the\nmountain has to come to rest. When you are dealing with litigation,\nespecially litigation on claims dating back a couple hundred years, it\nis especially important to have finality.\n Now, my friend and colleague refers to the need to reopen this window\ntoday to remove what he describes as a cloud to the chain of title. The\nproblem with that argument is that it overlooks the fact that the\nUnited States is an indispensable party for any and all such claims as\nmight arise so as to underlie the punitive cloud to any chain of title\non these lands. As an indispensable party, the United States must be\nadded, or the court can't handle anything like that. The court, under\nexisting law, can't address them in the absence of the indispensable\nparty, and because the United States is and has been deemed an\nindispensable party pursuant to rule 19 of the Federal Rules of Civil\nProcedure, no such claim exists. Therefore, any and all claims that\ncould create the asserted cloud to the chain of title are, in fact,\nillusory--entirely illusory--as the U.S. Department of Justice\narticulated well when delivering testimony in July of 2019 on behalf of\nthe U.S. Department of Justice--Environment and Natural Resources\nDivision of DOJ--before the Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the\nU.S. House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources.\n These claims are especially important here. In other words, the\nexistence of a statute of limitations is especially important here.\n Here is what they say:\n\n Statutes of limitations serve valuable purposes. They are\n designed--\n\n In supporting Supreme Court precedent here--\n\n to promote justice by preventing surprises through the\n revival of claims that have been allowed to slumber until the\n evidence has been lost, memories have faded, and witnesses\n have disappeared. Those concerns are particularly acute here,\n where the United States will be required to litigate claims\n based on events that occurred more than 150 years ago. Such\n litigation can be complex and expensive, and it typically\n requires hiring expert historians and other professionals.\n There is no valid basis to expend Federal resources to\n undertake this effort here.\n\n I concur with that assessment and would add that this would add a\nlayer of complexity, create a massive slippery-slope problem, and open\nup settled expectations and understandings regarding Federal land\nownership that had been settled long ago and as to which statutes of\nlimitations have now run.\n On that basis, I object.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.\n Mr. MULLIN. Madam President, I appreciate my colleague from Utah in\nhis fine arguments. Obviously, you can tell he is a great attorney.\n What frustrates me is that I am literally down the hall. My colleague\ncould have, at any time, picked up the phone and called me. The Senator\ncould have simply talked to me. He could have even called me back today\nwhen I called him on the phone, and we could have discussed this. At\nany given time, we could have had this discussion not here on the\nfloor, but we could have actually taken the time and walked through\nthis.\n I do understand his concerns, but his argument is that, since the\nstatute of limitations has been looked at, we should not deal with any\nIndian issues--which I live in and always have lived in Indian Country,\nwhich I know my colleague from Utah has not and may not always\nunderstand the complexity which we live with consistently. But, under\nthe Senator's argument, the court should never look at anything inside\nthe treaty because it has been done; it is over with. So why should we\neven look at it? Yet the court always looks into it, and that is why we\nhave the court. We also have the separation of powers. We are the\n\n[[Page S7284]]\n\nlegislative branch, and the Senator is quoting the judicial branch.\n In this case, the only people who can solve this issue is Congress.\nThe court can't. This is unique. Only Congress can do this--no one\nelse. And there is a dispute because my colleague is from Utah. He is\nnot from Illinois, and he doesn't understand the title issues that\nthere is a dispute on, which is why Congress has looked at this over\nand over and over again. That is why we have had hearings in the House\nand in the Senate in the committees that have jurisdiction over this.\nAnd both committees have spoken and said, yes, this is something that\nneeds to move forward and that Congress does need to act on.\n I would have loved to have had this debate not in public but in\nprivate, and we could have discussed this. But the Senator didn't give\nme that opportunity; so now, we are here.\n So, if Congress isn't going to solve this issue, that means we just\nthrow our hands up and leave the Tribes in limbo? I think we have\nwalked away from the Tribes enough, and I take it personal because,\nwhen the Tribes do need assistance, where else are they supposed to go?\nThey can't go back and litigate this in the courts until Congress acts,\nwhich is why this legislation is in front of us. And then the\nCongress--once we act, it can be referred to the court, and then the\ncourt can decide if the statute of limitations has already run out on\nit or not or if they have the right to go back and look at it.\n Just recently, there was what is called the McGirt decision that went\nback in and completely changed what was going on in Indian Country\ninside Oklahoma and uprooted something that was settled a long time\nago, we thought, especially considering that the ruling came out and\nsaid that they believed the reservation lines still exist inside\nOklahoma, under the McGirt decision.\n Now, the statute of limitations had run out on that before because,\nactually, Congress had acted and ended it in 1906 by giving title to\nthe landowners, who in this case would be Indian Country, which would\nbe my relatives, and we still own the land that was given to us at that\ntime before we achieved statehood in 1906, because Congress said,\nbefore we can actually become a State, we have got to settle this issue\nwith the Tribes. So we did it. Yet the court still picked up that\ndecision and went back and looked at it and made changes.\n So, under my colleague's argument, that can't happen because it is\ndone. And I will say this again: I would have loved to have had this\nconversation in private, but the Senator didn't give me that\nopportunity. So here we are.\n I would ask the Presiding Officer: If we don't work this out and\nCongress is the only entity that can handle this, then where is the\nTribe supposed to go?\n I yield the floor.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The senior Senator from Utah.\n Mr. LEE. Madam President, if my colleague left me a message, I am\nunaware of that. I did look and see that he tried to call me today. I\nhave had a million calls today and been in and out of a lot of\nmeetings. If he left me a message, I haven't seen it on my phone, and I\napologize for that. I had a lot going on today.\n I will say this. My staff has met with my colleague's staff on a\nnumber of occasions to discuss this. The concerns here should not be a\nsurprise either to my colleague or to my colleague's staff.\n With regard to the question of whether we should just let the court\ndecide, I understand what he said, but that is literally not what this\nis about. It is not about whether the court can decide whether to\nreopen the statute of limitations. That is not for the court. That is\nfor Congress. That is for us to decide.\n The punitive reason for reopening the statute of limitations, which\nhas been closed since 1951 for claims going back to an 1805 treaty, the\npurported reason for reopening it is the alleged cloud of title on the\nchain of title. What I am saying is that is an entirely illusory cloud\non the chain of title because there is an indispensable party under\nrule XIX of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. You cannot litigate\nthat. Unless the United States is a party and unless the United States\nhas abrogated its sovereign immunity sufficiently to allow the United\nStates to be added as an indispensable party, it cannot be litigated;\nthus, making any claims entirely illusory.\n So if there is some other argument, we can pursue those on the\nmerits. But there is no cloud on the chain of title because there can't\nbe because the United States has not, since 1951, recognized an\nabrogation of U.S. sovereign immunity to a degree sufficient to allow\nthe existence of any type of a cloud on the chain of title.\n Mr. MULLIN. Well, if there wasn't a cloud, then this wouldn't be an\nissue. So, obviously, there was, and there is.\n You can say what you want to, but there is. That is why we are here\ntoday. That is why we are trying to solve the issue.\n This is why the gentleman from Utah isn't from Indian Country; he is\nnot from Illinois; and he doesn't understand the issue, which is why we\nshould have had a conversation one-on-one, not just your staff--because\nI promise you, if there was an issue that I had with the gentleman from\nUtah, I would have simply just said: Hey, Mike, let's talk.\n I yield the floor.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The senior Senator from Utah.\n Mr. LEE. Madam President, it is December 20. We are on, likely, the\nlast legislative break before we break for the Christmas holidays. The\nfirst time I personally became aware of this issue was this afternoon.\nSo it is not as if one could argue that there has been dilatory conduct\non my part and not listening to it. I didn't even know this was an\nissue. I didn't know what it was until just a few hours ago.\n Mr. MULLIN. That is your staff's problem.\n Mr. LEE. This is a problem to bring something like this up that could\nhave, potentially, an economic impact on the U.S. Government of tens,\nif not hundreds, of billions of dollars. To rush something through like\nthis at, literally, the final hour before the end of a legislative\nyear, before the end of a Congress, is not something that we do. And\nfor my colleague to suggest that I have been dilatory, when he is\nbringing this up to rush this through by unanimous consent at the last\npossible minute, under an argument that is legally specious and\nvacuous. The alleged cloud on the chain of title does not, cannot\nexist. So the argument doesn't work.\n If he wants to bring this up in the next Congress, let's do it. Let's\ntalk about it. Let's have it go through regular order but not at the\nlast hour, at the last day, at the end of the Congress.\n Mr. MULLIN. That is just not right.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The junior Senator from Oklahoma.\n Mr. MULLIN. Eight years. This was filed at the beginning of this\nCongress. Just because your staff didn't make you aware isn't my fault.\nThat is not my fault. To say 8 years, which I opened with--maybe if you\nwould have listened to what I said. We have been working on this for 8\nyears. This bill has been around for a long time. To accuse me of\nsaying that I am waiting until the last minute, until the last day, at\nthe last hour to do it is just absolutely wrong.\n I yield the floor.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The senior Senator from Utah.\n Mr. LEE. Look, we are in fact at the last effective legislative day\nof the year and of the Congress. And what my colleague from Oklahoma is\nsaying is that we should call it up and pass it tonight.\n Now, whether he thinks I should have been aware of this issue long\nago--fair enough. I wasn't. But the way this is supposed to work around\nhere is, unless there is unanimity, we don't pass legislation. That is\na significant issue. Nor should we pass legislation that could and\nwould expose the United States, potentially, to tens--if not hundreds--\nof billions of dollars in liability for a lot of transient reasons that\nhaven't been fully vetted on the floor of the U.S. Senate.\n Mr. MULLIN. I yield the floor.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The junior Senator from Alaska.\n Mr. SULLIVAN. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent to be able to\nspeak for 7 minutes prior to this vote.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered."], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7284", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "Pay Our Military Act (Executive Calendar)", "SENATE", "SENATE", "SEXECCAL", "S7284", "S7285", "[{\"name\": \"Dan Sullivan\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7284", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Pages S7284-S7285]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n Pay Our Military Act\n\n Mr. SULLIVAN. Madam President, I was coming down here to try to pass\n\n[[Page S7285]]\n\nmy bill, the Pay Our Military Act. This bill would have made sure that\nwe are paying our military, including our Coast Guard, in the event of\na government shutdown.\n A few hours ago, this looked like we really were going to have to do\nthis. We ran the hotline on the Republican side. Every Republican\nSenator voted for this. And it makes sense.\n This has usually been a bipartisan issue. If there is a government\nshutdown, which none of us want, we need to pay the men and women who\nare on the frontlines, in our country, overseas, many in dangerous\nsituations defending our freedom--to make sure they are paid, to make\nsure they are paid.\n The good news is, it looks like, just walking onto the floor here,\nthe House is overwhelmingly passing the continuing resolution. It is\nnot, I am sure, the deal I would have negotiated, but, nevertheless, it\nlooks like there is a likelihood of that coming over here tonight soon,\nwe hope, after the passage. It is likely going to pass in the House\noverwhelmingly and will likely pass here in the Senate later this\nevening. So we will likely not have a government shutdown, which is\ngood.\n And our military, who is doing a great job around the world, won't be\nsubject to this crazy situation, which has happened before: The\ngovernment shuts down, and the young men and women defending our\nfreedom all around the world are not getting paid.\n So with that, I am not going to ask for unanimous consent on this\nbill. I was hopeful nobody was going to block it. I am not sure if\nanyone was going to block it. At prior times, when we had been\nbarreling toward a government shutdown, the Senate has actually taken\naction in a bipartisan way to pass this legislation--no troops getting\ntheir pay cut off. I was hopeful that was going to happen tonight.\nMaybe it would have; maybe it wouldn't. I am not going to bring it up.\n What I want to do is just wish our troops a Merry Christmas.\n You know, a lot of people are going to be serving away from their\nfamilies, serving in dangerous parts of the world. I will tell you, in\nmy great State, the great State of Alaska, our military has been\nreally, really busy. It doesn't make a lot of news in the lower 48, but\nwe have had two Russian incursions into our ADIZ in just the last\nweek--young men and women flying in the middle of the night, going and\nintercepting Russian bear bombers and fighters. They are doing a great\njob, a professional job. It is dangerous work.\n So to all of our troops, Merry Christmas. Keep up the great work. I\nam really glad that I am not having to bring my bill to pay all of you.\n If the government shuts down, and if we ever have another government\nshutdown, I sure hope my Pay Our Military Act will get unanimous,\nbipartisan support.\n If the U.S. Congress can't keep funding our government, the men and\nwomen in our military should not suffer the consequences when they are\ndefending our freedom around the world.\n With that, I yield the floor."], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7285-2", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "Vote on Murillo Nomination (Executive Calendar)", "SENATE", "SENATE", "SEXECCAL", "S7285", "S7285", "[{\"name\": \"Richard J. Durbin\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"John Thune\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7285", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7285]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n Vote on Murillo Nomination\n\n The question is, Will the Senate advise and consent to the Murillo\nnomination?\n Mr. DURBIN. I ask for the yeas and nays.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a sufficient second?\n There appears to be a sufficient second.\n The clerk will call the roll.\n The bill clerk called the roll.\n Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Senator from West Virginia (Mr.\nManchin), and the Senator from California (Mr. Schiff) are necessarily\nabsent.\n Mr. THUNE. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator\nfrom Florida (Mr. Rubio) and the Senator from Ohio (Mr. Vance).\n The result was announced--yeas 49, nays 47, as follows:\n\n [Rollcall Vote No. 332 Ex.]\n\n YEAS--49\n\n Baldwin\n Bennet\n Blumenthal\n Booker\n Brown\n Cantwell\n Cardin\n Carper\n Casey\n Coons\n Cortez Masto\n Duckworth\n Durbin\n Fetterman\n Gillibrand\n Hassan\n Heinrich\n Hickenlooper\n Hirono\n Kaine\n Kelly\n Kim\n King\n Klobuchar\n Lujan\n Markey\n Merkley\n Murphy\n Murray\n Ossoff\n Padilla\n Peters\n Reed\n Rosen\n Sanders\n Schatz\n Schumer\n Shaheen\n Sinema\n Smith\n Stabenow\n Tester\n Van Hollen\n Warner\n Warnock\n Warren\n Welch\n Whitehouse\n Wyden\n\n NAYS--47\n\n Barrasso\n Blackburn\n Boozman\n Braun\n Britt\n Budd\n Capito\n Cassidy\n Collins\n Cornyn\n Cotton\n Cramer\n Crapo\n Cruz\n Daines\n Ernst\n Fischer\n Graham\n Grassley\n Hagerty\n Hawley\n Hoeven\n Hyde-Smith\n Johnson\n Kennedy\n Lankford\n Lee\n Lummis\n Marshall\n McConnell\n Moran\n Mullin\n Murkowski\n Paul\n Ricketts\n Risch\n Romney\n Rounds\n Schmitt\n Scott (FL)\n Scott (SC)\n Sullivan\n Thune\n Tillis\n Tuberville\n Wicker\n Young\n\n NOT VOTING--4\n\n Manchin\n Rubio\n Schiff\n Vance\n The nomination was confirmed.\n (Mr. KIM assumed the Chair.)\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the previous order, the motion to\nreconsider is considered made and laid upon the table, and the\nPresident will be immediately notified of the Senate's action.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7285-3", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "LEGISLATIVE SESSION", "SENATE", "SENATE", "SLEGISLATIVE", "S7285", "S7285", null, null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7285", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7285]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\nLEGISLATIVE SESSION\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7285-4", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "SOCIAL SECURITY FAIRNESS ACT OF 2023", "SENATE", "SENATE", "ALLOTHER", "S7285", "S7287", "[{\"name\": \"Charles E. Schumer\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", "[{\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"82\"}]", "170 Cong. Rec. S7285", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Pages S7285-S7287]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n SOCIAL SECURITY FAIRNESS ACT OF 2023\n\n The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Durbin). Under the previous order, the\nSenate will resume the legislative session and the clerk will report\nthe pending business.\n The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:\n\n A bill (H.R. 82) to amend title II of the Social Security\n Act to repeal the Government pension offset and windfall\n elimination provisions.\n\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The majority leader.\n\n Judicial Confirmations\n\n Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, we just passed our 235th judge. It is\nhistoric. It sets a record. In a few moments, I will be speaking about\nthat. But first, let us finish our housekeeping and other business, so\nwe can\n\n[[Page S7286]]\n\nfinish the business for the Senate for this year.\n\n Cloture Motion\n\n Mr. SCHUMER. So I send a cloture motion to the desk.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Pursuant to rule XXII, the Chair lays before\nthe Senate the pending cloture motion, which the clerk will state.\n\n The legislative clerk read as follows:\n\n Cloture Motion\n\n We, the undersigned Senators, in accordance with the\n provisions of rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate,\n do hereby move to bring to a close debate on Calendar No.\n 693, H.R. 82, a bill to amend title II of the Social Security\n Act to repeal the Government pension offset and windfall\n elimination provisions.\n Charles E. Schumer, Richard J. Durbin, Brian Schatz,\n Jeanne Shaheen, Tammy Baldwin, Alex Padilla, Robert P.\n Casey, Jr., Christopher A. Coons, Patty Murray, Tim\n Kaine, Jack Reed, Peter Welch, Margaret Wood Hassan,\n Chris Van Hollen, Debbie Stabenow, Christopher Murphy,\n Gary C. Peters.\n\n Amendment No. 3355\n\n Mr. SCHUMER. I have an amendment at the desk.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.\n The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:\n\n The Senator from New York [Mr. SCHUMER] proposes an\n amendment numbered 3355.\n\n The amendment is as follows:\n\n (Purpose: To add an effective date)\n\n At the end add the following:\n\n SEC. EFFECTIVE DATE.\n\n This Act shall take effect on the date that is 1 day after\n the date of enactment of this Act.\n\n Mr. SCHUMER. I ask to dispense with further reading of the amendment.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.\n Mr. SCHUMER. I ask for the yeas and nays.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a sufficient second?\n There appears to be a sufficient second.\n The yeas and nays are ordered.\n\n Amendment No. 3356 to Amendment No. 3355\n\n Mr. SCHUMER. I have a second-degree amendment at the desk.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.\n The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:\n\n The Senator from New York [Mr. SCHUMER] proposes an\n amendment numbered 3356 to amendment No. 3355.\n\n The amendment is as follows:\n\n (Purpose: To add an effective date)\n\n On page 1, line 3, strike ``1 day'' and insert ``2 days''.\n\n Mr. SCHUMER. I ask to dispense with further reading of the amendment.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.\n\n Motion to Commit with an Amendment No. 3357\n\n Mr. SCHUMER. I move to commit H.R. 82 to the Committee on Finance\nwith instructions to report back forthwith with an amendment.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.\n The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:\n\n The Senator from New York [Mr. SCHUMER] moves to commit\n H.R. 82 to the Committee on Finance with instructions to\n report back forthwith an amendment numbered 3357.\n\n The amendment is as follows:\n\n (Purpose: To add an effective date)\n\n At the end add the following:\n\n SEC. EFFECTIVE DATE.\n\n This Act shall take effect on the date that is 3 days after\n the date of enactment of this Act.\n\n Mr. SCHUMER. I ask to dispense with further reading.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.\n Mr. SCHUMER. I ask for the yeas and nays.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a sufficient second?\n There appears to be a sufficient second.\n The yeas and nays are ordered.\n\n Amendment No. 3358\n\n Mr. SCHUMER. I have an amendment to the instructions at the desk.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.\n The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:\n\n The Senator from New York [Mr. SCHUMER] proposes an\n amendment numbered 3358 to the instructions of the motion to\n commit.\n\n The amendment is as follows:\n\n (Purpose: To add an effective date)\n\n On page 1, line 3, strike ``3 days'' and insert ``4 days''.\n\n Mr. SCHUMER. I ask to dispense with further reading of the amendment.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.\n Mr. SCHUMER. I ask for the yeas and nays.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a sufficient second?\n There appears to be a sufficient second.\n The yeas and nays are ordered.\n\n Amendment No. 3359 to Amendment No. 3358\n\n Mr. SCHUMER. I have a second-degree amendment at the desk.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.\n The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:\n\n The Senator from New York [Mr. SCHUMER] proposes an\n amendment numbered 3359 to amendment No. 3358.\n\n The amendment is as follows:\n\n (Purpose: To add an effective date)\n\n On page 1, line 1, strike ``4 days'' and insert ``5 days''.\n\n Mr. SCHUMER. I ask to dispense with further reading of the amendment.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.\n\n Judicial Confirmations\n\n Mr. SCHUMER. Now, Mr. President, as you well know, a few minutes ago\nthe Senate confirmed Judge Murillo to serve as a California District\nJudge. She is the 235th judge confirmed by this majority.\n The majority has now confirmed more judges under President Biden than\nany majority has confirmed in decades. This is historic. We have\nconfirmed more judges than under the Trump administration, more judges\nthan any administration in this century, more judges than any\nadministration going back decades. One out of every four active judges\non the bench has been appointed by this majority. Let me repeat that.\nOne out of every four active judges on the bench has been appointed by\nthis majority.\n Together, these individuals are arguably the most qualified and\nhistoric nominees ever confirmed in a 4-year span.\n I want to thank all Senators--Democrat and Republican--who supported\nthese nominees. Both parties cooperating on many of these judges shows\nwhy the advice and consent process is critical to this body and to our\ndemocracy.\n Two hundred thirty-five judges--that is 235 qualified and experienced\nmainstream judges. They are former consumer protection lawyers, labor\nlawyers, voting rights experts, civil rights lawyers, Federal\nprosecutors, public defenders, teachers, mentors, scholars, great\nAmericans from every walk of life and legal practice.\n I am very proud of this milestone, not because of the number alone\nbut because of what the number means. It means our bench is now far\nmore balanced in its experiences, expertise, and qualifications than 4\nyears ago.\n For a very long time, the norm was to prioritize judicial nominees\nwho came from a privileged pool. Most of them were prosecutors or from\nlarge corporate law firms. Most were male. Most were White.\n But when Senate Democrats entered the majority, we cast a wider net.\nWe turned to new individuals who would make excellent and uniquely\nqualified judges. For example, we confirmed nominees who represented\nunion workers and had firsthand experience in union negotiations. We\nconfirmed nominees who fought healthcare fraud in court and represented\nthe public in cases of deceptive marketing tactics.\n Our nominees have defended the right to vote. They have defended\nfreedom of choice. They have represented victims of abuse. They have\nput criminal and drug traffickers behind bars. They have been teachers.\nThey have been mentors.\n Our nominees are also groundbreaking for their demographic diversity.\nOne hundred fifty of these judges are women, the most under any\nPresident.\n We confirmed the first Black woman to the highest Court in all the\nland, Ketanji Brown Jackson. She is also the first public defender to\never hold the title ``Justice.''\n\n[[Page S7287]]\n\n We confirmed the most Black judges, Hispanic judges, and AAPI judges\nand Native American judges under any President's full time in office.\n All of these historic judges were confirmed because they were\nexceptionally qualified for the job.\n Our courts, like all our institutions, are better off when they\nmirror this vibrant country.\n There are a lot of people to thank. I want to thank, at the top of\nthe list, you, Mr. President--Chairman Durbin--for your diligence and\nhard work. I want to thank Ranking Member Graham and the members of the\nJudiciary Committee--some of whom are here--for their great work. You\nrecommended excellent individuals to the bench.\n I want to thank, of course, President Biden for sending us such an\nimpressive group of well-qualified and historic nominees. And I want to\nthank Vice President Harris, who came here when the vote was tied and\nhelped us confirm a number of these nominees.\n And thank you to our Republican colleagues, who recommended good\nnominees and supported many of ours as well.\n Finally, I want to thank my great staff, especially my incredible\nnominations director, Catalina Tam. It wouldn't have happened without\nher diligent and hard work. A lot of behind-the-scenes work happened to\nget them confirmed, and so I am immensely grateful to everyone who\nworked tirelessly day in and day out.\n Thanks to the hard work of the Senate majority, our courts are\nstronger, our country is strong, our democracy is stronger. And that is\nsomething every American can be proud of.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7285", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "Nomination of Serena Raquel Murillo (Executive Calendar)", "SENATE", "SENATE", "SNOMINATIONS", "S7285", "S7285", "[{\"name\": \"Richard J. Durbin\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Dan Sullivan\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7285", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7285]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n Nomination of Serena Raquel Murillo\n\n Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, today, the Senate will vote to confirm\nSerena Murillo to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of\nCalifornia.\n Born in Pomona, CA, Judge Murillo received her B.A. from the\nUniversity of California, San Diego and her J.D. from Loyola Law\nSchool. After law school, she worked as a post-bar law clerk at\nShernoff, Bidart, and Echeverria in Claremont, CA. She then worked as\nan associate attorney at McNicholas & McNicholas in Los Angeles, where\nshe represented plaintiffs in personal injury cases.\n From 1997 to 2014, Judge Murillo served as a deputy district attorney\nin the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. She prosecuted\nvarious criminal cases, including juvenile matters, felonies, white-\ncollar crime, and criminal appeals. She tried approximately 68 cases to\nverdict in State court, half of which were jury trials.\n Since 2015, Judge Murillo has been a judge on the Superior Court of\nCalifornia in Los Angeles County. From 2018 to 2019, she served by\nappointment of the chief justice of the California Supreme Court as an\nassociate justice pro tem on the California Court of Appeal. She has\npresided over approximately 55 jury trials in civil, felony, and\nmisdemeanor matters, nearly all of which were criminal trials. She has\nalso taught as a lecturer in law at the University of Southern\nCalifornia Gould School of Law since 2022.\n The American Bar Association rated Judge Murillo as ``well\nqualified'' to serve on the district court. She has deep ties to the\nCentral District of California, and she enjoys the strong support of\nher home State Senators and the California legal community.\n Judge Murillo's litigation background and experience as both an\nadvocate and State court judge ensure that she will be an asset to the\ndistrict court. I am proud to support her nomination, and I ask my\ncolleagues to join me in my support.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Democratic whip.\n Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the\nscheduled vote begin immediately.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered."], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7287-2", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "Cloture Motion (Executive Session)", "SENATE", "SENATE", "SCLOTURE", "S7287", "S7287", "[{\"name\": \"Charles E. Schumer\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7287", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7287]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n Cloture Motion\n\n Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I send a cloture motion to the desk.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The cloture motion having been presented under\nrule XXII, the Chair directs the clerk to read the motion.\n The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:\n\n Cloture Motion\n\n We, the undersigned Senators, in accordance with the\n provisions of rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate,\n do hereby move to bring to a close debate on the nomination\n of Executive Calendar No. 851, David Michael Capozzi, of\n Maryland, to be a Director of the Amtrak Board of Directors\n for a term of five years. (New Position)\n Charles E. Schumer, Robert P. Casey, Jr., Tammy Baldwin,\n Richard J. Durbin, Catherine Cortez Masto, Debbie\n Stabenow, Patty Murray, Amy Klobuchar, Chris Van\n Hollen, Jack Reed, Jeanne Shaheen, Andy Kim, Margaret\n Wood Hassan, Elizabeth Warren, Christopher A. Coons,\n Adam B. Schiff, Jeff Merkley.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7287-3", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "LEGISLATIVE SESSION", "SENATE", "SENATE", "SLEGISLATIVE", "S7287", "S7287", "[{\"name\": \"Charles E. Schumer\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7287", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7287]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n LEGISLATIVE SESSION\n\n Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I move to proceed to legislative session.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is on agreeing to the motion.\n The motion was agreed to.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7287-4", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "EXECUTIVE CALENDAR (Executive Session)", "SENATE", "SENATE", "SEXECCAL", "S7287", "S7287", "[{\"name\": \"Charles E. Schumer\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7287", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7287]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n EXECUTIVE CALENDAR\n\n Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I move to proceed to executive session to\nconsider Calendar No. 854.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is on agreeing to the motion.\n The motion was agreed to.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the nomination.\n The legislative clerk read the nomination of Elaine Marie Clegg, of\nIdaho, to be a Director of the Amtrak Board of Directors for a term of\nfive years."], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7287-5", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "Cloture Motion (Executive Session)", "SENATE", "SENATE", "SCLOTURE", "S7287", "S7287", "[{\"name\": \"Charles E. Schumer\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7287", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7287]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n Cloture Motion\n\n Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I send a cloture motion to the desk.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The cloture motion having been presented under\nrule XXII, the Chair directs the clerk to read the motion.\n The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:\n\n Cloture Motion\n\n We, the undersigned Senators, in accordance with the\n provisions of rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate,\n do hereby move to bring to a close debate on the nomination\n of Executive Calendar No. 854, Elaine Marie Clegg, of Idaho,\n to be a Director of the Amtrak Board of Directors for a term\n of five years.\n Charles E. Schumer, Robert P. Casey, Jr., Tammy Baldwin,\n Richard J. Durbin, Catherine Cortez Masto, Debbie\n Stabenow, Patty Murray, Amy Klobuchar, Chris Van\n Hollen, Jack Reed, Jeanne Shaheen, Andy Kim, Margaret\n Wood Hassan, Elizabeth Warren, Christopher A. Coons,\n Adam B. Schiff, Jeff Merkley.\n\n Mr. SCHUMER. I yield the floor.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. King). The Senator from New York.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7287-6", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "JACKIE ROBINSON BALLPARK NATIONAL COMMEMORATIVE SITE ACT", "SENATE", "SENATE", "ALLOTHER", "S7287", "S7287", null, null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7287", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7287]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\nJACKIE ROBINSON BALLPARK NATIONAL COMMEMORATIVE SITE ACT\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7287-7", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "HOLCOMBE RUCKER PARK NATIONAL COMMEMORATIVE SITE ACT", "SENATE", "SENATE", "ALLOTHER", "S7287", "S7288", "[{\"name\": \"Kirsten E. Gillibrand\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Mike Crapo\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Thom Tillis\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", "[{\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"6852\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"6852\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"8012\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"8012\"}]", "170 Cong. Rec. S7287", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Pages S7287-S7288]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n HOLCOMBE RUCKER PARK NATIONAL COMMEMORATIVE SITE ACT\n\n Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Mr. President, if you have ever had kids, you know\nhow important it can be to encourage their education. But with many\ncompeting priorities, you sometimes need to use creative strategies to\ninspire success.\n That is something that Holcombe Rucker did. Rucker was a Black World\nWar II veteran and teacher in the 1940s in Harlem. He started a small\noutdoor basketball team for Black youth and encouraged his players to\nmaintain good grades and decorum. Some say he is the father of outdoor\norganized basketball for youth and helped give thousands of kids better\npathways to higher learning.\n Holcombe Rucker grew up a poor parentless kid from 141st Street. He\nserved in the Army during World War II before earning his bachelor's\ndegree from City College. He then taught English at a Harlem junior\nhigh school, while also serving as a recreation director for both the\nSt. Phillip's Church Community Center and the city parks department.\n When Rucker formed his youth basketball tournament in the late 1940s,\nhowever, he didn't get much support from city recreational leaders. So\nhe often paid out of his own shallow pockets to provide refreshments\nand T-shirts and other essentials for players. Rucker would even share\nhis lunch with his students, often coming home to his wife with an\nempty stomach.\n Rucker believed education and supervised recreation could make an\nenormous difference in the lives of his students. It is no surprise\nthen why many of his players saw him as a father figure and credited\nhim with helping to set them on a better path.\n As Rucker's summer tournaments grew in popularity, parks department\nofficials finally moved them to a more desirable location. That would\nultimately become the Holcombe Rucker Park. The court attracted the\ncity's most talented young basketball players, including future\nprofessional basketball stars like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt\nChamberlain, and Julius ``Dr. J'' Erving.\n I want to thank Congressman Espaillat for championing this bill, and\nI am proud to lead the effort in the Senate to designate this park,\nwhich is located on 155th Street, on the banks of the Harlem River, as\nthe ``Holcombe Rucker Park National Commemorative Site.''\n This bill would allow for an educational exhibit, a plaque or another\nmarker to be installed that would help memorialize the legacy of Mr.\nRucker for generations to come.\n I want to thank Senator Rubio for his assistance.\n Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Energy\nand Natural Resources be discharged from further consideration of H.R.\n6852 and the Senate proceed to an en bloc consideration of the\nfollowing bills: H.R. 8012, which was received from the House and is at\nthe desk; and H.R. 6852.\n There being no objection, the committee was discharged of the\nrelevant bill, and the Senate proceeded to consider the bills en bloc.\n\n[[Page S7288]]\n\n Mrs. GILLIBRAND. I ask unanimous consent that the bills be considered\nread a third time and passed and the motions to reconsider be\nconsidered made and laid upon the table, all en bloc.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.\n The bill (H.R. 8012) to establish the Jackie Robinson Ballpark\nNational Commemorative Site in the State of Florida, and for other\npurposes was ordered to a third reading, was read the third time, and\npassed.\n The bill (H.R. 6852) to designate Holcombe Rucker Park, in Harlem,\nNew York, as a National Commemorative Site, and for other purposes was\nordered to a third reading, was read the third time, and passed.\n\n =========================== NOTE ===========================\n\n On page S7288, December 20, 2024, first column, the following\nappears: The bills (H.R. 8012 and H.R. 6852) were ordered to a\nthird reading, were read the third time, and passed.\n\n The online Record has been corrected to read: The bill (H.R.\n8012) to establish the Jackie Robinson Ballpark National\nCommemorative Site in the State of Florida, and for other purposes\nwas ordered to a third reading, was read the third time, and\npassed. The bill (H.R. 6852) to designate Holcombe Rucker Park, in\nHarlem, New York, as a National Commemorative Site, and for other\npurposes was ordered to a third reading, was read the third time,\nand passed.\n\n ========================= END NOTE =========================\n\n Mrs. GILLIBRAND. I yield the floor.\n I suggest the absence of a quorum.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.\n The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.\n Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for\nthe quorum call be rescinded.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.\n\n Social Security Fairness Act\n\n Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I expect that sometime this evening, the\nSenate will move to the consideration of the Social Security Fairness\nAct, which would repeal two Social Security provisions: the windfall\nelimination provision, pronounced ``WEP,'' and the government pension\noffset, GPO.\n I agree with my colleagues that the WEP and GPO should be improved to\nensure that teachers, firefighters, police officers, and others receive\nfair treatment under Social Security; however, I am disappointed that\nthe Finance Committee did not have the opportunity to examine ways to\naddress the WEP and GPO that would be fair to all Social Security\nbeneficiaries and not hurt Social Security's long-term solvency.\n In its current form, the Social Security Fairness Act would cost\nnearly $200 billion over the next 10 years and exhaust the balance of\nthe old-age and survivors insurance trust fund roughly 6 months earlier\nfor all Social Security beneficiaries. The share of OASI benefits that\ncould be paid when the trust fund is exhausted would be smaller under\nthis bill than under current law, meaning all Social Security\nbeneficiaries will see their Social Security benefits reduced earlier,\nand their benefits then will be even smaller than they would have been.\n I filed an amendment that would delay the implementation of the\nSocial Security Fairness Act until changes are made that would offset\nthe bill's negative impact on Social Security's actuarial balance as\ndetermined by the Social Security Board of Trustees. The amendment does\nnot specify what the changes should be or how the changes should be\ndetermined.\n While I continue to have concerns with the approach taken in the\nSocial Security Fairness Act, at the very least, this amendment needs\nto be adopted so that we do not have a negative impact on Social\nSecurity's solvency and impact the Social Security benefits of all\nSocial Security recipients.\n I urge my colleagues to support this amendment when it comes up. That\nwill be the Crapo amendment No. 3331.\n I yield the floor.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from North Carolina.\n Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, I just wanted to get up and explain why I\nwill be voting against the passage of the Social Security Fairness Act\na little bit later tonight. I am going to try to keep the volume down\nand maybe the frustration down a little bit more tonight than I did\nyesterday, but I thought it was important to again explain why\nsometimes the tough vote is the right vote.\n To kind of lay the groundwork, I am from North Carolina. I am up for\nreelection in November of 2026. I have heard some people walk up and\ndown the hallway and say that they really oppose the bill, but they are\nup for reelection in 2028 or are up for reelection in 2030, and they\nare worried about the politics of it. I never worry about the politics\nwhen I am convinced in my heart of hearts it is the right decision, and\nlet me explain why.\n The Social Security Fairness Act is trying to address what I think is\nan inequity and a problem. Unfortunately, it is doing it in a way that\nis at the expense of $200 billion out of the Social Security trust\nfund, without a dime offsetting it.\n Now, some of my fiscal conservative colleagues have said: Well, no,\nit is not really depleting it because it is the Social Security trust\nfund. So it is not adding to our debt.\n What they are forgetting is that when the Social Security trust fund\nbecomes insolvent, the fairies don't come back and replenish the Social\nSecurity trust fund. We don't have trust fund fairies. What we have is\na debt that is already over $33 trillion that we are going to be\nexpected to write another check out of, and we are headed toward a debt\ncrisis.\n This bill, by everyone's agreement--even those who are going to vote\nfor it tonight--pulls forward its insolvency. The consensus right now\nis that it is going to occur 9 years from now. This pulls it forward by\n6 months.\n So I have to vote against this bill and not because I don't\nultimately want to fix an injustice for a very small percentage of\npeople who deserve a few hundred dollars more a month, but the way we\nhave gone about it, it is going to be costly, and it is being done at a\ntime when we are not plussing the accounts back up.\n I feel like, in my vote-casting, I am likely to be on the losing\nside. I understand that. None of these amendments are going to pass\nbecause, if they do, the bill fails, and we know that. So, for anybody\nwho is pulling for one amendment or another, let me just show you how I\ncan tell the future: Not a single one will pass. This bill will be\nvoted out this evening, and it will be sent to the President's desk.\nOnce the President signs it, he will have guaranteed that the Social\nSecurity trust fund will become insolvent 6 months sooner. Think about\nit this way: 8\\1/2\\ years from now versus 9 years from now. It is going\nto pull $200 billion out, causing that to occur.\n It is actually going to provide some benefit that I don't believe the\nbeneficiaries deserve. It is really confusing that handful or that\nsegment of the people who will get the benefit and is casting them into\na group that, I think, arguably, maybe doesn't deserve the benefit.\nAnyone who should, we can take care of, but it is not $200 billion. But\nthat is what happens when you don't have a single committee hearing on\na bill. That is what happens when it comes from the House through\nsomething called a discharge petition. Bypassing all the processes, it\ncomes to the Senate, and we never even have a hearing.\n We are going to have a vote later today for a $200 billion raiding of\nthe Social Security trust fund that is going to bring insolvency\nforward from 9 years to 8\\1/2\\ years, and not a single vote or a single\nhearing has been held in a single committee on Capitol Hill.\n Now, folks, if you can't agree on the finances, if you can't agree on\nthe fairness, can we all agree on the process for something as weighty\nas this? We should have given it the justice it deserves and held a\nhearing on it.\n For that reason, I am going to vote against it, and then I will be\nstanding there, reminding my colleagues ``I told you so'' when I am\nalso trying to help them fix the problem they are about to vote on to\ncreate.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Wyoming.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7287", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "EXECUTIVE CALENDAR (Executive Session)", "SENATE", "SENATE", "SEXECCAL", "S7287", "S7287", "[{\"name\": \"Charles E. Schumer\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7287", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7287]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n EXECUTIVE CALENDAR\n\n Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I move to proceed to executive session to\nconsider Calendar No. 851.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is on agreeing to the motion.\n The motion was agreed to.\n The clerk will report the nomination.\n The legislative clerk read the nomination of David Michael Capozzi,\nof Maryland, to be a Director of the Amtrak Board of Directors for a\nterm of five years. (New Position)."], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7288", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "WYOMING PUBLIC LANDS INITIATIVE ACT OF 2023", "SENATE", "SENATE", "ALLOTHER", "S7288", "S7297", "[{\"name\": \"John Barrasso\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Ron Wyden\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", "[{\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"S\", \"number\": \"1348\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"S\", \"number\": \"1348\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"S\", \"number\": \"1890\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"S\", \"number\": \"1890\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"2570\"}]", "170 Cong. Rec. S7288", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Pages S7288-S7297]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n WYOMING PUBLIC LANDS INITIATIVE ACT OF 2023\n\n ______\n\n MALHEUR COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT FOR THE OWYHEE ACT\n\n Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, as if in legislative session, I ask\nunanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the en bloc consideration\nof the following bills: Calendar No. 422, which is S. 1348, and\nCalendar No. 501, which is S. 1890.\n There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bills\nen bloc, which had been reported from the Committee on Energy and\nNatural Resources, with amendments to strike all after the enacting\nclause and insert in lieu thereof the following:\n\n S. 1348\n\n SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.\n\n This Act may be cited as the ``Wyoming Public Lands\n Initiative Act of 2023''.\n\n SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.\n\n In this Act:\n (1) Bureau.--The term ``Bureau'' means the Bureau of Land\n Management.\n (2) Range improvement.--The term ``range improvement'' has\n the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Public\n Rangelands Improvement Act of 1978 (43 U.S.C. 1902).\n (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary\n of the Interior.\n (4) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of Wyoming.\n (5) Wilderness area.--The term ``wilderness area'' means a\n wilderness area designated by section 3.\n\n[[Page S7289]]\n\n SEC. 3. DESIGNATION OF WILDERNESS AREAS.\n\n In accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et\n seq.), the following areas in the State are designated as\n wilderness and as components of the National Wilderness\n Preservation System:\n (1) Encampment river canyon wilderness.--\n (A) In general.--Certain Federal land administered by the\n Bureau in the State, comprising approximately 4,523.84 acres,\n as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed\n Encampment River Wilderness'' and dated December 5, 2023,\n which shall be known as the ``Encampment River Canyon\n Wilderness''.\n (B) Excluded land.--The following land is not included in\n the Encampment River Canyon Wilderness:\n (i) Any land in the NW\\1/4\\NW\\1/4\\NW\\1/4\\ sec. 24, T. 14\n N., R. 84 W.\n (ii) Any land within 100 feet of the centerline of--\n\n (I) County Road 353; or\n (II) Water Valley Road.\n\n (2) Prospect mountain wilderness.--\n (A) In general.--Certain Federal land administered by the\n Bureau in the State, comprising approximately 1,099.76 acres,\n as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Prospect\n Mountain Wilderness'' and dated December 8, 2023, which shall\n be known as the ``Prospect Mountain Wilderness''.\n (B) Excluded land.--Any land within 100 feet of the\n centerline of Prospect Road is not included in the Prospect\n Mountain Wilderness.\n (3) Upper sweetwater canyon wilderness.--\n (A) In general.--Certain Federal land administered by the\n Bureau in the State, comprising approximately 2,877.35 acres,\n as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Upper\n Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness'' and dated December 6, 2023,\n which shall be known as the ``Upper Sweetwater Canyon\n Wilderness''.\n (B) Boundary.--\n (i) In general.--Except as provided in clause (ii), the\n boundary of the Upper Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness shall\n conform to the boundary of the Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness\n Study Area.\n (ii) Eastern boundary.--The eastern boundary of the Upper\n Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness shall be 100 feet from the\n western edge of the north-south road bisecting the Upper\n Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness and the Lower Sweetwater Canyon\n Wilderness, known as ``Strawberry Creek Road''.\n (iii) Exclusion of existing roads.--Any established legal\n route with authorized motorized use in existence on the date\n of enactment of this Act that enters the Upper Sweetwater\n Canyon Wilderness in T. 28 N., R. 98 W., sec. 4, or the Lower\n Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness in T. 29 N., R. 97 W., sec. 33,\n is not included in the Upper Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness.\n (4) Lower sweetwater canyon wilderness.--\n (A) In general.--Certain Federal land administered by the\n Bureau in the State, comprising approximately 5,665.19 acres,\n as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Lower Sweetwater\n Canyon Wilderness'' and dated December 5, 2023, which shall\n be known as the ``Lower Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness''.\n (B) Boundary.--\n (i) In general.--Except as provided in clause (ii), the\n boundary of the Lower Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness shall\n conform to the boundary of the Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness\n Study Area.\n (ii) Western boundary.--The western boundary of the Lower\n Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness shall be 100 feet from the\n eastern edge of the north-south road bisecting the Upper\n Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness and the Lower Sweetwater Canyon\n Wilderness, known as ``Strawberry Creek Road''.\n (iii) Exclusion of existing roads.--Any established legal\n route with authorized motorized use in existence on the date\n of enactment of this Act that enters the Upper Sweetwater\n Canyon Wilderness in T. 29 N., R. 98 W., sec. 4, or the Lower\n Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness in T. 29 N., R. 97 W., sec. 33,\n is not included in the Lower Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness.\n (5) Bobcat draw wilderness.--Certain Federal land\n administered by the Bureau in the State, comprising\n approximately 6,246.84 acres, as generally depicted on the\n map entitled ``Proposed Bobcat Draw Wilderness'' and dated\n December 8, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Bobcat Draw\n Wilderness''.\n\n SEC. 4. ADMINISTRATION OF WILDERNESS AREAS.\n\n (a) In General.--Subject to valid existing rights, the\n Secretary shall administer the wilderness areas in accordance\n with this section and the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et\n seq.), except that--\n (1) any reference in that Act to the effective date of that\n Act shall be considered to be a reference to the date of\n enactment of this Act; and\n (2) any reference in that Act to the Secretary of\n Agriculture shall be considered to be a reference to the\n Secretary.\n (b) Fire Management and Related Activities.--\n (1) In general.--The Secretary may carry out any activities\n in a wilderness area as are necessary for the control of\n fire, insects, or disease in accordance with section 4(d)(1)\n of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1133(d)(1)).\n (2) Coordination.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the\n Secretary shall coordinate with--\n (A) the Wyoming Forestry Division; and\n (B) the applicable county in the State in which the\n wilderness area is located.\n (3) Fire management plan.--Not later than 180 days after\n the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall\n establish a fire management plan for the wilderness areas--\n (A) to ensure the timely and efficient control of fires,\n diseases, and insects in the wilderness areas, in accordance\n with section 4(d)(1) of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C.\n 1133(d)(1)); and\n (B) to provide, to the maximum extent practicable, adequate\n protection from forest fires, disease outbreaks, and insect\n infestations to any Federal, State, or private land adjacent\n to the wilderness areas.\n (c) Grazing.--The grazing of livestock in a wilderness\n area, if established before the date of enactment of this\n Act, shall be administered in accordance with--\n (1) section 4(d)(4) of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C.\n 1133(d)(4)); and\n (2) the guidelines set forth in Appendix A of House Report\n 101-405, accompanying H.R. 2570 of the 101st Congress, for\n land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior.\n (d) Buffer Zones.--\n (1) In general.--Nothing in this section establishes a\n protective perimeter or buffer zone around a wilderness area.\n (2) Outside activities or uses.--The fact that a\n nonwilderness activity or use can be seen or heard from\n within a wilderness area shall not preclude the activity or\n use outside the boundary of the wilderness area.\n\n SEC. 5. RELEASE OF WILDERNESS STUDY AREAS.\n\n (a) Finding.--Congress finds that, for purposes of section\n 603(c) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976\n (43 U.S.C. 1782(c)), any portion of a wilderness study area\n described in subsection (b) that is not designated as a\n wilderness area by section 3 has been adequately studied for\n wilderness designation.\n (b) Description of Land.--The wilderness study areas\n referred to in subsections (a) and (c) are the following:\n (1) The Encampment River Canyon Wilderness Study Area.\n (2) The Prospect Mountain Wilderness Study Area.\n (3) The Bennett Mountains Wilderness Study Area.\n (4) The Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness Study Area.\n (5) The Lankin Dome Wilderness Study Area.\n (6) The Split Rock Wilderness Study Area.\n (7) The Savage Peak Wilderness Study Area.\n (8) The Miller Springs Wilderness Study Area.\n (9) The Dubois Badlands Wilderness Study Area.\n (10) The Copper Mountain Wilderness Study Area.\n (11) The Whiskey Mountain Wilderness Study Area.\n (12) The Fortification Creek Wilderness Study Area.\n (13) The Gardner Mountain Wilderness Study Area.\n (14) The North Fork Wilderness Study Area.\n (15) The portion of the Bobcat Draw Wilderness Study Area\n located in Washakie County, Wyoming.\n (16) The Cedar Mountain Wilderness Study Area.\n (17) The Honeycombs Wilderness Study Area.\n (c) Release.--Any portion of a wilderness study area\n described in subsection (b) that is not designated as a\n wilderness area by section 3 is no longer subject to section\n 603(c) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976\n (43 U.S.C. 1782(c)).\n (d) Management of Released Land.--\n (1) In general.--The Secretary shall manage the portions of\n the wilderness study areas released under subsection (c) in\n accordance with--\n (A) the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43\n U.S.C. 1701 et seq.);\n (B) applicable land management plans;\n (C) applicable management provisions under paragraph (2);\n and\n (D) any other applicable law.\n (2) Specific management provisions.--\n (A) Bennett mountains wilderness study area.--The Secretary\n shall manage the portion of the Bennett Mountains Wilderness\n Study Area released under subsection (c) in accordance with\n section 8(a).\n (B) Dubois badlands wilderness study area.--\n (i) Division.--The Secretary shall divide the land within\n the Dubois Badlands Wilderness Study Area by authorizing the\n installation of a fence or the repair or relocation of an\n existing fence in T. 41 N., R. 106 W., sec. 5, that--\n\n (I) follows existing infrastructure and natural barriers;\n (II) begins at an intersection with North Mountain View\n Road in the NE\\1/4\\NW\\1/4\\ sec. 5, T. 41 N., R. 106 W.;\n (III) from the point described in subclause (II), proceeds\n southeast to a point near the midpoint of the NE\\1/4\\ sec. 5,\n T. 41 N., R. 106 W.; and\n (IV) from the point described in subclause (III), proceeds\n southwest to a point in the SW\\1/4\\NE\\1/4\\ sec. 5, T. 41 N.,\n R. 106 W., that intersects with the boundary of the Dubois\n Badlands Wilderness Study Area.\n\n (ii) Management.--The Secretary shall manage the portion of\n the Dubois Badlands Wilderness Study Area released under\n subsection (c) in accordance with--\n\n (I) paragraph (1); and\n (II) sections 6 and 7.\n\n (C) Copper mountain wilderness study area.--\n (i) In general.--The Secretary shall manage the portion of\n the Copper Mountain Wilderness Study Area released under\n subsection (c) in accordance with paragraph (1).\n (ii) Mineral leasing.--\n\n (I) In general.--The Secretary may lease oil and gas\n resources within the land released from the Copper Mountain\n Wilderness Study Area under subsection (c) if--\n\n (aa) the lease may only be accessed by directional drilling\n from a lease that is outside of the land released from the\n Copper Mountain Wilderness Study Area; and\n (bb) the lease prohibits, without exception or waiver,\n surface occupancy and surface disturbance on the land\n released from the Copper Mountain Wilderness Study Area for\n any activities, including activities relating to exploration,\n development, or production.\n\n[[Page S7290]]\n\n (II) Underground rights-of-way.--The Secretary may grant\n underground rights-of-way for any mineral lease entered into\n under subclause (I).\n (III) Prohibition of certain leases.--Subject to valid\n rights in existence on the date of enactment of this Act, the\n Secretary shall not issue a new lease for a wind or solar\n project, an overhead transmission line, or a communication\n tower on the land released from the Copper Mountain\n Wilderness Study Area under subsection (c).\n (IV) Authority to exchange land.--In carrying out any land\n exchange involving any of the land released from the Copper\n Mountain Wilderness Study Area under subsection (c), the\n Secretary shall ensure that the exchange does not result in a\n net loss of Federal land.\n\n (D) Whiskey mountain wilderness study area.--The Secretary\n shall manage the portion of the Whiskey Mountain Wilderness\n Study Area released under subsection (c) in accordance with--\n (i) paragraph (1); and\n (ii) the Whiskey Mountain Cooperative Agreement between the\n Wyoming Game and Fish Commission, the Forest Service, and the\n Bureau, including any amendment to that agreement relating to\n the management of bighorn sheep.\n (E) Bobcat draw wilderness study area.--\n (i) Travel management plan.--\n\n (I) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of\n enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop a travel\n management plan for the land released from the Bobcat Draw\n Wilderness Study Area under subsection (c).\n (II) Requirements.--The travel management plan under\n subclause (I) shall--\n\n (aa) identify all existing roads and trails on the land\n released from the Bobcat Draw Wilderness Study Area under\n subsection (c);\n (bb) designate each road or trail available for--\n (AA) motorized or mechanized recreation; or\n (BB) agriculture practices;\n (cc) prohibit the construction of any new road or trail for\n motorized or mechanized recreation use; and\n (dd) permit the continued use of nonmotorized trails.\n (ii) Withdrawal.--\n\n (I) In general.--Except as provided in subclause (II),\n subject to valid rights in existence on the date of enactment\n of this Act, the land released from the Bobcat Draw\n Wilderness Study Area under subsection (c) is withdrawn\n from--\n\n (aa) all forms of appropriation or disposal under the\n public land laws;\n (bb) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and\n (cc) disposition under laws relating to mineral and\n geothermal leasing.\n\n (II) Exception.--The Secretary may lease oil and gas\n resources within the land released from the Bobcat Draw\n Wilderness Study Area under subsection (c) if--\n\n (aa) the lease may only be accessed by directional drilling\n from a lease that is outside of the land released from the\n Bobcat Draw Wilderness Study Area; and\n (bb) the lease prohibits, without exception or waiver,\n surface occupancy and surface disturbance on the land\n released from the Bobcat Draw Wilderness Study Area for any\n activities, including activities related to exploration,\n development, or production.\n\n SEC. 6. ESTABLISHMENT OF DUBOIS BADLANDS NATIONAL\n CONSERVATION AREA.\n\n (a) Establishment.--Subject to valid existing rights, there\n is established the Dubois Badlands National Conservation Area\n (referred to in this section as the ``Conservation Area''),\n comprising approximately 4,446.46 acres of Federal land\n administered by the Bureau in the State, as generally\n depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Badlands National\n Conservation Area'' and dated November 15, 2023.\n (b) Purpose.--The purpose of the Conservation Area is to\n conserve, protect, and enhance for the benefit and enjoyment\n of present and future generations the ecological, wildlife,\n recreational, scenic, cultural, historical, and natural\n resources of the Area.\n (c) Management.--Subject to valid rights in existence on\n the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall manage\n the Conservation Area--\n (1) in a manner that only allows uses of the Conservation\n Area that the Secretary determines would further the purpose\n of the Conservation Area described in subsection (b); and\n (2) in accordance with--\n (A) the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43\n U.S.C. 1701 et seq.);\n (B) this section; and\n (C) any other applicable law.\n (d) Motorized Vehicles.--\n (1) In general.--The use of motorized vehicles in the\n Conservation Area shall be permitted only on existing roads,\n trails, and areas designated by the Secretary for use by such\n vehicles as of the date of enactment of this Act.\n (2) Exceptions.--The Secretary may allow the use of\n motorized vehicles in the Conservation Area as needed for\n administrative purposes and emergency response.\n (e) Grazing.--Grazing of livestock in the Conservation Area\n shall be administered in accordance with the laws generally\n applicable to land under the jurisdiction of the Bureau.\n (f) Withdrawal.--Subject to valid rights in existence on\n the date of enactment of this Act, the land within the\n boundaries of the Conservation Area is withdrawn from--\n (1) all forms of appropriation or disposal under the public\n land laws;\n (2) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and\n (3) disposition under laws relating to mineral and\n geothermal leasing.\n\n SEC. 7. ESTABLISHMENT OF DUBOIS MOTORIZED RECREATION AREA.\n\n (a) Establishment.--Subject to valid existing rights, there\n is established the Dubois Motorized Recreation Area (referred\n to in this section as the ``Recreation Area''), comprising\n approximately 367.72 acres of Federal land administered by\n the Bureau in the State, as generally depicted on the map\n entitled ``Proposed Dubois Motorized Recreation Area'' and\n dated November 15, 2023.\n (b) Management.--\n (1) Boundary fence.--The Secretary shall authorize the\n construction of a fence along the western boundary of the\n Recreation Area on any Federal land that--\n (A) is managed by the Bureau; and\n (B) is west of North Mountain View Road.\n (2) Travel management plan.--As soon as practicable after\n the date of completion of the fence described in paragraph\n (1), the Secretary shall establish a travel management plan\n for the Recreation Area that efficiently coordinates the use\n of motorized off-road vehicles in the Recreation Area.\n\n SEC. 8. ESTABLISHMENT OF SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREAS.\n\n (a) Bennet Mountains Special Management Area.--\n (1) Establishment.--Subject to valid existing rights, there\n is established the Bennett Mountains Special Management Area\n (referred to in this subsection as the ``Special Management\n Area''), comprising approximately 6,165.05 acres of Federal\n land in the State administered by the Bureau, as generally\n depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Bennet Mountains\n Special Management Area'' and dated November 15, 2023.\n (2) Administration.--The Special Management Area shall be\n administered by the Secretary.\n (3) Purpose.--The purpose of the Special Management Area is\n to enhance the natural, historic, scenic, and recreational,\n values of the area.\n (4) Management.--\n (A) In general.--The Secretary shall manage the Special\n Management Area--\n (i) in furtherance of the purpose described in paragraph\n (3); and\n (ii) in accordance with--\n\n (I) the laws (including regulations) generally applicable\n to the Bureau;\n (II) this subsection; and\n (III) any other applicable law (including regulations).\n\n (B) Roads; motorized vehicles.--\n (i) Roads.--The construction of new permanent roads in the\n Special Management Area shall not be allowed.\n (ii) Motorized vehicles.--Except as needed for\n administrative purposes, emergency response, fire management,\n forest health and restoration, weed and pest control, habitat\n management, livestock management, and range improvement, the\n use of motorized and mechanized vehicles in the Special\n Management Area shall be allowed only on existing roads and\n trails designated for the use of motorized or mechanized\n vehicles.\n (iii) Travel management plan.--Not later than 2 years after\n the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall\n establish a travel management plan for the Special Management\n Area.\n (C) Grazing.--Grazing of livestock in the Special\n Management Area shall be administered in accordance with the\n laws generally applicable to land under the jurisdiction of\n the Bureau.\n (D) Timber harvesting.--Commercial timber harvesting shall\n not be allowed in the Special Management Area.\n (5) Withdrawal.--\n (A) In general.--Subject to valid existing rights and\n subparagraph (B), the Special Management Area is withdrawn\n from--\n (i) all forms of appropriation or disposal under the public\n land laws;\n (ii) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and\n (iii) disposition under laws relating to mineral and\n geothermal leasing.\n (B) Exception.--The Secretary may lease oil and gas\n resources within the boundaries of the Special Management\n Area if--\n (i) the lease may only be accessed by directional drilling\n from a lease that is outside of the Special Management Area;\n and\n (ii) the lease prohibits, without exception or waiver,\n surface occupancy and surface disturbance within the Special\n Management Area for any activities, including activities\n related to exploration, development, or production.\n (b) Black Cat Special Management Area.--\n (1) Establishment.--Subject to valid existing rights, there\n is established the Black Cat Special Management Area\n (referred to in this subsection as the ``Special Management\n Area''), comprising approximately 1,178 acres of Federal land\n in Carbon County, Wyoming, as generally depicted on the map\n entitled ``Black Cat Special Management Area'' and dated\n November 13, 2023.\n (2) Administration.--The Special Management Area shall be\n administered by the Secretary of Agriculture.\n (3) Purpose.--The purpose of the Special Management Area is\n to enhance the natural, historic, scenic, and recreational\n values of the area.\n (4) Management.--\n (A) In general.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall manage\n the Special Management Area--\n (i) in furtherance of the purpose described in paragraph\n (3); and\n (ii) in accordance with--\n\n (I) the laws (including regulations) generally applicable\n to National Forest System land;\n (II) this subsection; and\n (III) any other applicable law (including regulations).\n\n (B) Roads; motorized vehicles.--\n (i) Roads.--The construction of new permanent roads in the\n Special Management Area shall not be allowed.\n\n[[Page S7291]]\n\n (ii) Motorized vehicles.--Except as needed for\n administrative purposes, emergency response, fire management,\n forest health and restoration, weed and pest control, habitat\n management, livestock management, and range improvement, the\n use of motorized and mechanized vehicles in the Special\n Management Area shall be allowed only on existing roads and\n trails designated for the use of motorized or mechanized\n vehicles.\n (iii) Travel management plan.--Not later than 2 years after\n the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of\n Agriculture shall establish a travel management plan for the\n Special Management Area.\n (C) Grazing.--Grazing of livestock in the Special\n Management Area shall be administered in accordance with the\n laws generally applicable to grazing on National Forest\n System land.\n (D) Timber harvesting.--Commercial timber harvesting shall\n not be allowed in the Special Management Area.\n (5) Withdrawal.--\n (A) In general.--Subject to valid existing rights and\n subparagraph (B), the Special Management Area is withdrawn\n from--\n (i) all forms of appropriation or disposal under the public\n land laws;\n (ii) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and\n (iii) disposition under laws relating to mineral and\n geothermal leasing.\n (B) Exception.--The Secretary may, with the approval of the\n Secretary of Agriculture, lease oil and gas resources within\n the boundaries of the Special Management Area if--\n (i) the lease may only be accessed by directional drilling\n from a lease that is outside of the Special Management Area;\n and\n (ii) the lease prohibits, without exception or waiver,\n surface occupancy and surface disturbance within the Special\n Management Area for any activities, including activities\n related to exploration, development, or production.\n (c) Sweetwater Rocks Special Management Area.--\n (1) Establishment.--Subject to valid existing rights, there\n is established the Sweetwater Rocks Special Management Area\n (referred to in this subsection as the ``Special Management\n Area''), comprising approximately 34,347.79 acres of Federal\n land in Fremont and Natrona Counties, Wyoming, as generally\n depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Sweetwater Rocks\n Special Management Area'' and dated November 15, 2023.\n (2) Administration.--The Special Management Area shall be\n administered by the Secretary.\n (3) Purpose.--The purpose of the Special Management Area is\n to enhance the natural, historic, scenic, and recreational,\n values of the area.\n (4) Management.--\n (A) In general.--The Secretary shall manage the Special\n Management Area--\n (i) in furtherance of the purpose described in paragraph\n (3); and\n (ii) in accordance with--\n\n (I) the laws (including regulations) generally applicable\n to the Bureau;\n (II) this subsection; and\n (III) any other applicable law (including regulations).\n\n (B) Roads; motorized vehicles.--\n (i) Roads.--The construction of new permanent roads in the\n Special Management Area shall not be allowed.\n (ii) Motorized vehicles.--Except as needed for\n administrative purposes, emergency response, fire management,\n forest health and restoration, weed and pest control, habitat\n management, livestock management, and range improvement, the\n use of motorized and mechanized vehicles in the Special\n Management Area shall be allowed only on existing roads and\n trails designated for the use of motorized or mechanized\n vehicles.\n (iii) Travel management plan.--Not later than 2 years after\n the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall\n establish a travel management plan for the Special Management\n Area.\n (C) Grazing.--Grazing of livestock in the Special\n Management Area shall be administered in accordance with the\n laws generally applicable to the Bureau.\n (D) Prohibition of certain overhead towers.--No new\n overhead transmission or communications tower shall be\n constructed in the Special Management Area.\n (E) Land exchanges.--The Secretary may propose to, and\n carry out with, an individual or entity owning land in the\n vicinity of the Special Management Area any land exchange\n that--\n (i) increases access to the Special Management Area; and\n (ii) does not result in a net loss of Federal land.\n (F) Underground rights-of-way.--Notwithstanding paragraph\n (5), the Secretary may expand any underground right-of-way in\n the Special Management Area that exists as of the date of\n enactment of this Act.\n (5) Withdrawal.--\n (A) In general.--Subject to valid existing rights and\n subparagraph (B), the Special Management Area is withdrawn\n from--\n (i) all forms of appropriation or disposal under the public\n land laws;\n (ii) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and\n (iii) disposition under laws relating to mineral and\n geothermal leasing.\n (B) Exception.--The Secretary may lease oil and gas\n resources within the boundaries of the Special Management\n Area if--\n (i) the lease may only be accessed by directional drilling\n from a lease that is outside of the Special Management Area;\n and\n (ii) the lease prohibits, without exception or waiver,\n surface occupancy and surface disturbance within the Special\n Management Area for any activities, including activities\n related to exploration, development, or production.\n (C) Wind and solar energy withdrawal.--Subject to valid\n rights in existence on the date of enactment of this Act, the\n land within the boundaries of the Special Management Area is\n withdrawn from right-of-way leasing and disposition under\n laws relating to wind or solar energy.\n (d) Fortification Creek Special Management Area; Fraker\n Mountain Special Management Area; North Fork Special\n Management Area.--\n (1) Definition of special management area.--In this\n subsection, the term ``Special Management Area'' means a\n special management area established by paragraph (2).\n (2) Establishment of special management areas.--Subject to\n valid existing rights there are established the following:\n (A) The Fortification Creek Special Management Area,\n comprising approximately 12,520.69 acres of Federal land\n administered in the State by the Bureau, as generally\n depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Fortification Creek\n Management Area'' and dated November 15, 2023.\n (B) The Fraker Mountain Special Management Area, comprising\n approximately 6,248.28 acres of Federal land administered in\n the State by the Bureau, as generally depicted on the map\n entitled ``Proposed Fraker Mountain Management Area'' and\n dated November 15, 2023.\n (C) The North Fork Special Management Area, comprising\n approximately 10,026.15 acres of Federal land administered in\n the State by the Bureau, as generally depicted on the map\n entitled ``Proposed North Fork Management Area'' and dated\n November 15, 2023.\n (3) Administration.--The Special Management Areas shall be\n administered by the Secretary.\n (4) Purpose.--The purpose of a Special Management Area is\n to enhance the natural, historic, scenic, recreational,\n wildlife habitat, forest health, watershed protection, and\n ecological and cultural values of the area.\n (5) Management.--\n (A) In general.--The Secretary shall manage each Special\n Management Area--\n (i) in furtherance of the purpose described in paragraph\n (4); and\n (ii) in accordance with--\n\n (I) the laws (including regulations) generally applicable\n to the Bureau;\n (II) this subsection; and\n (III) any other applicable law (including regulations).\n\n (B) Roads; motorized vehicles.--\n (i) Roads.--The construction of new permanent roads in a\n Special Management Area shall not be allowed.\n (ii) Motorized vehicles.--Except as needed for\n administrative purposes, emergency response, fire management,\n forest health and restoration, weed and pest control, habitat\n management, livestock management, and range improvement, the\n use of motorized and mechanized vehicles in a Special\n Management Area shall be allowed only on existing roads and\n trails designated for the use of motorized or mechanized\n vehicles.\n (iii) Travel management plan.--Not later than 2 years after\n the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall\n establish a travel management plan for each Special\n Management Area.\n (C) Grazing.--Grazing of livestock in a Special Management\n Area shall be administered in accordance with the laws\n generally applicable to land under the jurisdiction of the\n Bureau.\n (D) Prohibition of certain infrastructure.--The\n development, construction, or installation of infrastructure\n for recreational use shall not be allowed in--\n (i) the Fraker Mountain Special Management Area; or\n (ii) the North Fork Special Management Area.\n (6) Withdrawal.--\n (A) In general.--Subject to valid existing rights and\n subparagraph (B), the Special Management Areas are withdrawn\n from--\n (i) all forms of appropriation or disposal under the public\n land laws;\n (ii) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and\n (iii) disposition under laws relating to mineral and\n geothermal leasing.\n (B) Exception.--The Secretary may lease oil and gas\n resources within the boundaries of a Special Management Area\n if--\n (i) the lease may only be accessed by directional drilling\n from a lease that is outside of the Special Management Area;\n and\n (ii) the lease prohibits, without exception or waiver,\n surface occupancy and surface disturbance within the Special\n Management Area for any activities, including activities\n related to exploration, development, or production.\n (e) Cedar Mountain Special Management Area.--\n (1) Establishment.--Subject to valid existing rights, there\n is established the Cedar Mountain Special Management Area\n (referred to in this subsection as the ``Special Management\n Area''), comprising approximately 20,745.73 acres of Federal\n land in the State administered by the Bureau, as generally\n depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Cedar Mountain\n Special Management Area'' and dated November 15, 2023.\n (2) Administration.--The Special Management Area shall be\n administered by the Secretary.\n (3) Purpose.--The purpose of the Special Management Area is\n to enhance the natural, historic, scenic, recreational,\n ecological, wildlife, and livestock production values of the\n area.\n (4) Management.--\n (A) In general.--The Secretary shall manage the Special\n Management Area--\n (i) in furtherance of the purpose described in paragraph\n (3); and\n (ii) in accordance with--\n\n[[Page S7292]]\n\n (I) the laws (including regulations) generally applicable\n to the Bureau;\n (II) this subsection; and\n (III) any other applicable law (including regulations).\n\n (B) Roads; motorized vehicles.--\n (i) Roads.--The construction of new permanent roads in the\n Special Management Area shall not be allowed.\n (ii) Motorized vehicles.--Except as needed for\n administrative purposes, emergency response, fire management,\n forest health and restoration, weed and pest control, habitat\n management, livestock management, and range improvement, the\n use of motorized and mechanized vehicles in the Special\n Management Area shall be allowed only on existing roads and\n trails designated for the use of motorized or mechanized\n vehicles.\n (iii) Travel management plan.--Not later than 2 years after\n the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall\n establish a travel management plan for the Special Management\n Area.\n (C) Grazing.--Grazing of livestock in the Special\n Management Area shall be administered in accordance with the\n laws generally applicable to land under the jurisdiction of\n the Bureau.\n (5) Withdrawal.--\n (A) In general.--Subject to valid existing rights, the\n Special Management Area is withdrawn from--\n (i) all forms of appropriation or disposal under the public\n land laws;\n (ii) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and\n (iii) disposition under laws relating to mineral and\n geothermal leasing.\n (B) Exception.--The Secretary may lease oil and gas\n resources within the boundaries of the Special Management\n Area if--\n (i) the lease may only be accessed by directional drilling\n from a lease that is outside of the Special Management Area;\n and\n (ii) the lease prohibits, without exception or waiver,\n surface occupancy and surface disturbance within the Special\n Management Area for any activities, including activities\n related to exploration, development, or production.\n\n SEC. 9. LANDER SLOPE AREA OF CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN\n AND RED CANYON AREA OF CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL\n CONCERN.\n\n (a) Definition of County.--In this section, the term\n ``County'' means Fremont County, Wyoming.\n (b) Lander Slope Area of Critical Environmental Concern and\n Red Canyon Area of Critical Environmental Concern.--\n (1) Transfers.--The Secretary shall pursue transfers in\n which land managed by the Bureau in the County is exchanged\n for land owned by the State that is within the boundaries\n of--\n (A) the Lander Slope Area of Critical Environmental\n Concern; or\n (B) the Red Canyon Area of Critical Environmental Concern.\n (2) Requirements.--A transfer under paragraph (1) shall--\n (A) comply with all requirements of law, including any\n required analysis; and\n (B) be subject to appropriation.\n (c) Study.--\n (1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out a study to\n evaluate the potential for the development of special\n motorized recreation areas in the County.\n (2) Requirements.--The study under paragraph (1) shall\n evaluate--\n (A) the potential for the development of special motorized\n recreation areas on all land managed by the Bureau in the\n County except--\n (i) any land in T. 40 N., R. 94 W., secs. 15, 17, 18, 19,\n 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, and the N\\1/2\\ sec. 34; and\n (ii) any land that is subject to a restriction on the use\n of off-road vehicles under any Federal law, including this\n Act;\n (B) the suitability of the land evaluated under\n subparagraph (A) for off-road vehicles, including rock\n crawlers; and\n (C) the parking, staging, and camping necessary to\n accommodate special motorized recreation.\n (3) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of\n enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the\n Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and\n the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of\n Representatives a report describing the findings of the study\n under paragraph (1).\n (d) Fremont County Implementation Team.--\n (1) Establishment.--Not later than 90 days after the date\n of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a\n team, to be known as the ``Fremont County Implementation\n Team'' (referred to in this subsection as the ``Team'') to\n advise and assist the Secretary with respect to the\n implementation of the management requirements described in\n this section that are applicable to land in the County.\n (2) Membership.--The Team shall consist of--\n (A) the Secretary (or a designee of the Secretary); and\n (B) 1 or more individuals appointed by the Board of County\n Commissioners of the County.\n (3) Nonapplicability of the federal advisory committee\n act.--The Team shall not be subject to the requirements of\n chapter 10 of title 5, United States Code (commonly referred\n to as the ``Federal Advisory Committee Act'').\n\n SEC. 10. STUDY OF LAND IN HOT SPRINGS AND WASHAKIE COUNTIES.\n\n (a) Definition of Counties.--In this section, the term\n ``Counties'' means each of the following counties in the\n State:\n (1) Hot Springs County.\n (2) Washakie County.\n (b) Study.--\n (1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out a study to\n evaluate the potential for the development of new special\n motorized recreation areas in the Counties.\n (2) Requirements.--\n (A) Land included.--The study under paragraph (1) shall\n evaluate the potential for the development of new special\n motorized recreation areas on Federal land managed by the\n Bureau in the Counties except any land that is subject to a\n restriction on the use of motorized or mechanized vehicles\n under any Federal law, including this Act.\n (B) Public input; collaboration.--In carrying out the study\n under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall--\n (i) offer opportunities for public input; and\n (ii) collaborate with--\n\n (I) State parks, historic sites, and trails; and\n (II) the Counties.\n\n (3) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of\n enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the\n Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and\n the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of\n Representatives a report describing the findings of the study\n under paragraph (1).\n\n S. 1890\n\n SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.\n\n This Act may be cited as the ``Malheur Community\n Empowerment for the Owyhee Act''.\n\n SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.\n\n In this Act:\n (1) Bureau.--The term ``Bureau'' means the Bureau of Land\n Management.\n (2) County.--The term ``County'' means Malheur County,\n Oregon.\n (3) Federal land.--The term ``Federal land'' means land in\n the County managed by the Bureau.\n (4) Long-term ecological health.--The term ``long-term\n ecological health'', with respect to an ecosystem, means the\n ability of the ecological processes of the ecosystem to\n function in a manner that maintains the composition,\n structure, activity, and resilience of the ecosystem over\n time, including an ecologically appropriate diversity of\n plant and animal communities, habitats, connectivity, and\n conditions that are sustainable through successional\n processes.\n (5) Malheur c.e.o. group.--The term ``Malheur C.E.O.\n Group'' means the group established by section 4(b).\n (6) Operational flexibility.--The term ``operational\n flexibility'', with respect to grazing on the Federal land,\n means--\n (A) a seasonal adjustment of livestock positioning for the\n purposes of that grazing pursuant to a flexible grazing use\n authorized under the program with respect to which written\n notice is provided; or\n (B) an adjustment of water source placement with respect to\n which written notice is provided.\n (7) Program.--The term ``program'' means the Malheur County\n Grazing Management Program authorized under section 3(a).\n (8) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary\n of the Interior.\n (9) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of Oregon.\n\n SEC. 3. MALHEUR COUNTY GRAZING MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.\n\n (a) In General.--The Secretary may carry out a grazing\n management program on the Federal land, to be known as the\n ``Malheur County Grazing Management Program'', in accordance\n with applicable law (including regulations) and the\n memorandum entitled ``Bureau of Land Management Instruction\n Memorandum 2018-109'' (as in effect on September 30, 2021),\n to provide to authorized grazing permittees and lessees\n increased operational flexibility to improve the long-term\n ecological health of the Federal land.\n (b) Permit Operational Flexibility.--\n (1) Flexible grazing use alternative for a grazing permit\n or lease.--At the request of an authorized grazing permittee\n or lessee, for purposes of renewing a grazing permit or lease\n under the program, pursuant to the National Environmental\n Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), the Secretary\n shall develop and analyze at least 1 alternative to provide\n operational flexibility in livestock grazing use to account\n for changing conditions.\n (2) Consultation.--The Secretary shall develop alternatives\n under paragraph (1) in consultation with--\n (A) the applicable grazing permittee or lessee;\n (B) affected Federal and State agencies;\n (C) the Malheur C.E.O. Group;\n (D) the Burns Paiute Tribe or the Fort McDermitt Paiute and\n Shoshone Tribes, as applicable;\n (E) other landowners in the affected allotment; and\n (F) interested members of the public.\n (3) Implementation of interim operational flexibilities.--\n If an applicable monitoring plan has been adopted under\n paragraph (4), in order to improve long-term ecological\n health, on the request of an authorized grazing permittee or\n lessee, the Secretary shall, using new and existing data,\n allow a variance to the terms and conditions of the existing\n applicable grazing permit or lease for the applicable year\n due to significant changes in weather, forage production,\n effects of fire or drought, or other temporary conditions--\n (A) to adjust the season of use, the beginning date of the\n period of use, the ending date of the period of use, or both\n the beginning date and ending date, as applicable, under the\n grazing permit or lease, subject to the requirements that--\n (i) unless otherwise specified in the appropriate allotment\n management plan or any other activity plan that is the\n functional equivalent to the appropriate allotment management\n plan under section 4120.2(a)(3) of title 43, Code of Federal\n Regulations (or a successor regulation), the applicable\n adjusted date of the season of use occurs--\n\n (I) not earlier than 14 days before the beginning date\n specified in the applicable permit or lease; and\n (II) not later than 14 days after the ending date specified\n in the applicable permit or lease; and\n\n[[Page S7293]]\n\n (ii) the authorized grazing permittee or lessee provides\n written notice of the adjustment to the Bureau not later than\n 2 business days before the date of adjustment;\n (B) to adjust the dates for pasture rotation based on\n average vegetation stage and soil condition by not more than\n 14 days, subject to the requirement that the authorized\n grazing permittee or lessee shall provide to the Bureau\n written notice of the adjustment not later than 2 business\n days before the date of adjustment;\n (C) to adjust the placement of water structures for\n livestock or wildlife by not more than 100 yards from an\n associated existing road, pipeline, or structure, subject to\n applicable laws and the requirement that the authorized\n grazing permittee or lessee shall provide to the Bureau\n written notice of the adjustment not later than 2 business\n days before the date of adjustment; and\n (D) in a case in which the monitoring plan adopted under\n paragraph (4) indicates alterations in the operational\n flexibilities are necessary to achieve ecological health or\n avoid immediate ecological degradation of the allotment or\n allotment area, to adjust the operational flexibilities\n immediately, subject to the requirement that the authorized\n grazing permittee or lessee shall provide written notice of\n the adjustment to the Bureau and the individuals and entities\n described in subparagraphs (B) through (F) of paragraph (2).\n (4) Monitoring plans.--\n (A) Monitoring plans for permit flexibility.--\n (i) In general.--The Secretary shall adopt cooperative\n rangeland monitoring plans and rangeland health objectives to\n apply to actions taken under paragraph (1) and to monitor and\n evaluate the improvements or degradations to the long-term\n ecological health of the Federal land under the program, in\n consultation with grazing permittees or lessees and other\n individuals and entities described in paragraph (2), using\n existing or new scientifically supportable data.\n (ii) Requirements.--A monitoring plan adopted under clause\n (i) shall--\n\n (I) identify situations in which providing operational\n flexibility in grazing permit or lease uses under the program\n is appropriate to improve long-term ecological health of the\n Federal land;\n (II) identify ways in which progress under the program\n would be measured toward long-term ecological health of the\n Federal land;\n (III) include for projects monitored under the program--\n\n (aa) a description of the condition standards for which the\n monitoring is tracking, including baseline conditions and\n desired outcome conditions;\n (bb) a description of monitoring methods and protocols;\n (cc) a schedule for collecting data;\n (dd) an identification of the responsible party for data\n collection and storage;\n (ee) an evaluation schedule;\n (ff) a description of the anticipated use of the data;\n (gg) provisions for adjusting any components of the\n monitoring plan; and\n (hh) a description of the method to communicate the\n criteria for adjusting livestock grazing use; and\n\n (IV) provide for annual reports on the effects of\n flexibility in grazing permit or lease uses under the program\n to allow the Secretary to make management adjustments to\n account for the information provided in the annual report.\n\n (B) Monitoring plans for interim operational flexibility.--\n (i) In general.--The Secretary shall adopt cooperative\n rangeland utilization monitoring plans and rangeland health\n objectives to apply to actions taken under paragraph (3) and\n to monitor and evaluate the improvements or degradations to\n the long-term ecological health of the Federal land\n identified for flexible use under the program.\n (ii) Requirements.--A monitoring plan developed under\n clause (i) shall--\n\n (I) evaluate the percent utilization of available forage;\n (II) identify the appropriate percentage of utilization for\n the feed type, ecosystem, time of year, and type of animal\n using the allotment;\n (III) include--\n\n (aa) a description of the utilization standards for which\n the monitoring is tracking, including baseline conditions and\n desired outcome conditions;\n (bb) a description of utilization evaluation protocol;\n (cc) an evaluation schedule identifying periods during\n which utilization data will be collected;\n (dd) provisions for adjusting any components of the\n monitoring plan, including acceptance of data from identified\n third parties; and\n (ee) a description of the method to communicate the\n criteria for adjusting livestock grazing use based on the on-\n the-ground conditions after the period of use; and\n\n (IV) provide for annual reports on the effects of\n flexibility in grazing permit or lease uses under the program\n to allow the Secretary to make management adjustments to\n account for the information provided in the annual report.\n\n (5) Terms and conditions.--\n (A) Preferred alternative.--If the Secretary determines\n that an alternative considered under the program that\n provides operational flexibility is the preferred\n alternative, the Secretary shall--\n (i) incorporate the alternative, including applicable\n monitoring plans adopted under paragraph (4), into the terms\n and conditions of the applicable grazing permit or lease; and\n (ii) specify how the monitoring information with respect to\n the preferred alternative should be used to inform management\n adjustments under the program.\n (B) Adjustments.--Before implementing any measure for\n purposes of operational flexibility with respect to a grazing\n use authorized under the terms and conditions of a permit or\n lease with respect to which an alternative has been\n incorporated under subparagraph (A), the grazing permittee or\n lessee shall notify the Secretary in writing of the proposed\n adjustment.\n (C) Additional requirements.--The Secretary may include any\n other requirements in a permit or lease with respect to which\n an alternative has been incorporated under subparagraph (A)\n that the Secretary determines to be necessary.\n (c) Review; Termination.--\n (1) Review.--\n (A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), not earlier\n than the date that is 8 years after the date of enactment of\n this Act, the Secretary shall conduct a review of the program\n to determine whether the objectives of the program are being\n met.\n (B) No effect on program permits and leases.--The review of\n the program under subparagraph (A) shall not affect the\n existence, renewal, or termination of a grazing permit or\n lease entered into under the program.\n (2) Termination.--If, based on the review conducted under\n paragraph (1), the Secretary determines that the objectives\n of the program are not being met, the Secretary shall, on the\n date that is 10 years after the date of enactment of this\n Act--\n (A) modify the program in a manner to ensure that the\n objectives of the program would be met; or\n (B) terminate the program.\n (d) No Effect on Grazing Privileges.--Nothing in this Act--\n (1) affects grazing privileges provided under the Act of\n June 28, 1934 (commonly known as the ``Taylor Grazing Act'';\n 43 U.S.C. 315 et seq.);\n (2) requires the Secretary to consider modifying or\n terminating the classification of any existing grazing\n district on the Federal land in any subsequent plan or\n decision of the Secretary; or\n (3) precludes the Secretary from modifying or terminating\n an existing permit or lease in accordance with applicable law\n (including regulations).\n\n SEC. 4. MALHEUR C.E.O. GROUP.\n\n (a) Definitions.--In this section:\n (1) Consensus.--The term ``consensus'' means a unanimous\n agreement by the voting members of the Malheur C.E.O. Group\n present and constituting a quorum at a regularly scheduled\n business meeting of the Malheur C.E.O. Group.\n (2) Federal agency.--\n (A) In general.--The term ``Federal agency'' means an\n agency or department of the Government of the United States.\n (B) Inclusions.--The term ``Federal agency'' includes--\n (i) the Bureau of Reclamation;\n (ii) the Bureau of Indian Affairs;\n (iii) the Bureau;\n (iv) the United States Fish and Wildlife Service; and\n (v) the Natural Resources Conservation Service.\n (3) Quorum.--The term ``quorum'' means 1 more than \\1/2\\ of\n the voting members of the Malheur C.E.O. Group.\n (b) Establishment.--There is established the Malheur C.E.O.\n Group to assist in carrying out this section.\n (c) Membership.--\n (1) In general.--The Malheur C.E.O. Group shall consist of\n 18 members, to be appointed in accordance with paragraph (2),\n including--\n (A) 5 voting members who represent private interests, of\n whom--\n (i) 3 members represent livestock grazing interests, of\n whom--\n\n (I) 1 member resides in the northern \\1/3\\ of the County;\n (II) 1 member resides in the center \\1/3\\ of the County;\n and\n (III) 1 member resides in the southern \\1/3\\ of the County;\n\n (ii) 1 member is in the recreation or tourism industry; and\n (iii) 1 member is from an applicable irrigation district;\n (B) 2 voting members who represent the environmental\n community, 1 of whom is based in the County;\n (C) 1 voting member who represents the hunting or fishing\n community;\n (D) 2 voting members who are representatives of Indian\n Tribes, of whom--\n (i) 1 member shall be a representative of the Burns Paiute\n Tribe; and\n (ii) 1 member shall be a representative of the Fort\n McDermitt Paiute and Shoshone Tribes;\n (E) 2 nonvoting members who are representatives of Federal\n agencies with authority and responsibility in the County and\n who shall provide technical assistance, 1 of whom shall\n represent the Bureau;\n (F) 2 nonvoting members who are representatives of State\n agencies with authority and responsibility in the County and\n who shall provide technical assistance, of whom--\n (i) 1 member shall be from the State Department of Fish and\n Wildlife; and\n (ii) 1 member shall be from the State Parks Department; and\n (G) 4 nonvoting members who are representatives of units of\n local government within the County and who shall provide\n technical assistance, 1 of whom shall be from the County\n weeds eradication department.\n (2) Appointment; term; vacancy.--\n (A) Appointment.--\n (i) Governmental agencies.--A member of the Malheur C.E.O.\n Group representing a Federal agency or State or local agency\n shall be appointed by the head of the applicable agency.\n (ii) Private interests.--A member of the Malheur C.E.O.\n Group representing private interests shall be appointed by\n the applicable represented groups.\n\n[[Page S7294]]\n\n (B) Term.--A member of the Malheur C.E.O. Group shall serve\n for a term of 3 years.\n (C) Vacancy.--A vacancy on the Malheur C.E.O. Group shall\n be filled in the manner described in subparagraph (A).\n (d) Projects.--\n (1) In general.--The Malheur C.E.O. Group shall propose\n eligible projects described in paragraph (2) on Federal land\n and water and non-Federal land and water in the County to be\n carried out by the Malheur C.E.O. Group or a third party,\n using funds provided by the Malheur C.E.O. Group, if a\n consensus of the Malheur C.E.O. Group approves the proposed\n eligible project.\n (2) Description of eligible projects.--An eligible project\n referred to in paragraph (1) is a project--\n (A) that complies with existing law (including\n regulations); and\n (B) relating to--\n (i) ecological restoration, including development,\n planning, and implementation;\n (ii) range improvements for the purpose of providing more\n efficient and effective ecologically beneficial management of\n domestic livestock, fish, wildlife, or habitat;\n (iii) invasive species management or eradication, including\n invasive weeds, vegetation, fish, or wildlife;\n (iv) restoration of springs and related water\n infrastructure to enhance the availability of sustainable\n flows of freshwater for livestock, fish, or wildlife;\n (v) conservation of cultural sites;\n (vi) economic development or recreation management; or\n (vii) research, monitoring, or analysis.\n (3) Requirement.--\n (A) In general.--In the case of an eligible project\n proposed under paragraph (1) that is to be carried out on\n Federal land or requires the use of Federal funds, the\n project may not be carried out without the approval of the\n head of the applicable Federal agency.\n (B) Failure to approve.--If an eligible project described\n in subparagraph (A) is not approved by the head of the\n applicable Federal agency, not later than 14 business after\n the date on which the proposal is submitted to the head of\n the applicable Federal agency, the head of the Federal agency\n shall provide to the Malheur C.E.O. Group in writing a\n description of the reasons for not approving the proposed\n eligible project.\n (4) Failure to approve by consensus.--If an eligible\n project proposed under paragraph (1) is not agreed to by\n consensus after 3 votes are conducted by the Malheur C.E.O.\n Group, the proposed eligible project may be agreed to by a\n quorum of the members of the Malheur C.E.O. Group, subject to\n the limitations that--\n (A) the eligible project may not be carried out on Federal\n land; and\n (B) no Federal funds may be used for an eligible project\n that is agreed to in accordance with this paragraph.\n (5) Acceptance of donations.--The Malheur C.E.O. Group\n may--\n (A) accept and place into a trust fund any donations,\n grants, or other funds received by the Malheur C.E.O. Group;\n and\n (B) use amounts placed into a trust fund under paragraph\n (1) to carry out eligible projects approved in accordance\n with this section, including eligible projects carried out on\n Federal land or water or using Federal funds, if the project\n is approved by the head of the applicable Federal agency.\n (6) Cost-sharing requirement.--\n (A) In general.--The Federal share of the total cost of an\n eligible project carried out using amounts made available\n under subsection (i) shall be not more than 75 percent.\n (B) Form of non-federal contribution.--The non-Federal\n contribution required under subparagraph (A) may be provided\n in the form of in-kind contributions.\n (7) Funding recommendations.--All funding recommendations\n developed by the Malheur C.E.O. Group shall be based on a\n consensus of the Malheur C.E.O. Group members.\n (e) Technical Assistance.--Any Federal agency with\n authority and responsibility in the County shall, to the\n extent practicable, provide technical assistance to the\n Malheur C.E.O. Group on request of the Malheur C.E.O. Group.\n (f) Public Notice and Participation.--The Malheur C.E.O.\n Group shall conduct all meetings subject to applicable open\n meeting and public participation laws.\n (g) Priorities.--For purposes of approving eligible\n projects proposed under subsection (d)(1), the Malheur C.E.O.\n Group shall give priority to voluntary habitat, range, and\n ecosystem restoration projects focused on improving the long-\n term ecological health of the Federal land and natural bodies\n of water.\n (h) Additional Projects.--To the extent permitted by\n applicable law and subject to the availability of\n appropriations, Federal agencies may contribute to the\n implementation of projects recommended by the Malheur C.E.O.\n Group and approved by the Secretary.\n (i) Authorization of Appropriations.--\n (1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated to\n the Secretary to carry out this section $1,000,000 for each\n of fiscal years 2024 through 2034.\n (2) Maintenance and distribution.--Amounts made available\n under paragraph (1) shall be maintained and distributed by\n the Secretary.\n (3) Administrative expenses.--Not more than more than 5\n percent of amounts made available under paragraph (1) for a\n fiscal year may be used for the administration of this Act.\n (4) Grants.--Of the amounts made available under paragraph\n (1), not more than 10 percent may be made available for a\n fiscal year to provide grants to the Malheur C.E.O. Group.\n (j) Effect.--\n (1) Existing activities.--The activities of the Malheur\n C.E.O. Group shall supplement, and not replace, existing\n activities to manage the natural resources of the County.\n (2) Legal rights, duties, or authorities.--Nothing in this\n section affects any legal right, duty, or authority of any\n person or Federal agency, including any member of the Malheur\n C.E.O. Group.\n\n SEC. 5. LAND DESIGNATIONS.\n\n (a) Definition of Wilderness Area.--In this section, the\n term ``wilderness area'' means a wilderness area designated\n by subsection (b)(1).\n (b) Designation of Wilderness Areas.--\n (1) In general.--In accordance with the Wilderness Act (16\n U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), the following Federal land in the\n County comprising approximately 1,102,393 acres, as generally\n depicted on the referenced maps, is designated as wilderness\n and as components of the National Wilderness Preservation\n System:\n (A) Fifteenmile creek wilderness.--Certain Federal land,\n comprising approximately 61,647 acres, as generally depicted\n on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Trout Creek-Oregon\n Canyon Group'' and dated December 12, 2023, which shall be\n known as the ``Fifteenmile Creek Wilderness''.\n (B) Oregon canyon mountains wilderness.--Certain Federal\n land, comprising approximately 53,559 acres, as generally\n depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Trout\n Creek-Oregon Canyon Group'' and dated December 12, 2023,\n which shall be known as the ``Oregon Canyon Mountains\n Wilderness''.\n (C) Twelvemile creek wilderness.--Certain Federal land,\n comprising approximately 38,099 acres, as generally depicted\n on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Trout Creek-Oregon\n Canyon Group'' and dated December 12, 2023, which shall be\n known as the ``Twelvemile Creek Wilderness''.\n (D) Upper west little owyhee wilderness.--Certain Federal\n land, comprising approximately 93,199 acres, as generally\n depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Upper\n Owyhee'' and dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as\n the ``Upper West Little Owyhee Wilderness''.\n (E) Lookout butte wilderness.--Certain Federal land,\n comprising approximately 66,242 acres, as generally depicted\n on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Upper Owyhee'' and\n dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the\n ``Lookout Butte Wilderness''.\n (F) Mary gautreaux owyhee river canyon wilderness.--Certain\n Federal land, comprising approximately 211,679 acres, as\n generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness\n Upper Owyhee'' and dated December 12, 2023, which shall be\n known as the ``Mary Gautreaux Owyhee River Canyon\n Wilderness''.\n (G) Black butte wilderness.--Certain Federal land,\n comprising approximately 12,058 acres, as generally depicted\n on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Upper Owyhee'' and\n dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Black\n Butte Wilderness''.\n (H) Twin butte wilderness.--Certain Federal land,\n comprising approximately 18,150 acres, as generally depicted\n on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Upper Owyhee'' and\n dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Twin\n Butte Wilderness''.\n (I) Oregon butte wilderness.--Certain Federal land,\n comprising approximately 31,934 acres, as generally depicted\n on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Upper Owyhee'' and\n dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Oregon\n Butte Wilderness''.\n (J) Mahogany butte wilderness.--Certain Federal land,\n comprising approximately 8,953 acres, as generally depicted\n on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Upper Owyhee'' and\n dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the\n ``Mahogany Butte Wilderness''.\n (K) Deer flat wilderness.--Certain Federal land, comprising\n approximately 12,250 acres, as generally depicted on the map\n entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Upper Owyhee'' and dated\n December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Deer Flat\n Wilderness''.\n (L) Sacramento hill wilderness.--Certain Federal,\n comprising approximately 9,574 acres, as generally depicted\n on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Upper Owyhee'' and\n dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the\n ``Sacramento Hill Wilderness''.\n (M) Deadman butte wilderness.--Certain Federal land,\n comprising approximately 7,152 acres, as generally depicted\n on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Upper Owyhee'' and\n dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the\n ``Deadman Butte Wilderness''.\n (N) Big grassey wilderness.--Certain Federal land,\n comprising approximately 44,238 acres, as generally depicted\n on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Upper Owyhee'' and\n dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Big\n Grassey Wilderness''.\n (O) North fork owyhee wilderness.--Certain Federal land,\n comprising approximately 5,276 acres, as generally depicted\n on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Upper Owyhee'' and\n dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the ``North\n Fork Owyhee Wilderness''.\n (P) Mary gautreaux lower owyhee canyon wilderness.--Certain\n Federal land, comprising approximately 77,121 acres, as\n generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness\n Lower Owyhee'' and dated December 12, 2023, which shall be\n known as the ``Mary Gautreaux Lower Owyhee Canyon\n Wilderness''.\n (Q) Jordan craters wilderness.--Certain Federal land,\n comprising approximately 29,255 acres, as generally depicted\n on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Lower Owyhee'' and\n dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Jordan\n Craters Wilderness''.\n (R) Owyhee breaks wilderness.--Certain Federal land,\n comprising approximately 31,637\n\n[[Page S7295]]\n\n acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed\n Wilderness Lower Owyhee'' and dated December 12, 2023, which\n shall be known as the ``Owyhee Breaks Wilderness''.\n (S) Dry creek wilderness.--Certain Federal land, comprising\n approximately 33,209 acres, as generally depicted on the map\n entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Lower Owyhee'' and dated\n December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Dry Creek\n Wilderness''.\n (T) Dry creek buttes wilderness.--Certain Federal land,\n comprising approximately 88,289 acres, as generally depicted\n on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Lower Owyhee'' and\n dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Dry\n Creek Buttes Wilderness''.\n (U) Upper leslie gulch wilderness.--Certain Federal land,\n comprising approximately 2,997 acres, as generally depicted\n on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Lower Owyhee'' and\n dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Upper\n Leslie Gulch Wilderness''.\n (V) Slocum creek wilderness.--Certain Federal land,\n comprising approximately 7,534 acres, as generally depicted\n on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Lower Owyhee'' and\n dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Slocum\n Creek Wilderness''.\n (W) Honeycombs wilderness.--Certain Federal land,\n comprising approximately 41,122 acres, as generally depicted\n on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Lower Owyhee'' and\n dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the\n ``Honeycombs Wilderness''.\n (X) Wild horse basin wilderness.--Certain Federal land,\n comprising approximately 18,402 acres, as generally depicted\n on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Lower Owyhee'' and\n dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Wild\n Horse Basin Wilderness''.\n (Y) Quartz mountain wilderness.--Certain Federal land,\n comprising approximately 32,943 acres, as generally depicted\n on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Lower Owyhee'' and\n dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Quartz\n Mountain Wilderness''.\n (Z) The tongue wilderness.--Certain Federal land,\n comprising approximately 5,909 acres, as generally depicted\n on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Lower Owyhee'' and\n dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as ``The Tongue\n Wilderness''.\n (AA) Three fingers rock north wilderness.--Certain Federal\n land, comprising approximately 12,462 acres, as generally\n depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Lower\n Owyhee'' and dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as\n the ``Three Fingers Rock North Wilderness''.\n (BB) Burnt mountain wilderness.--Certain Federal land,\n comprising approximately 8,115 acres, as generally depicted\n on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Lower Owyhee'' and\n dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Burnt\n Mountain Wilderness''.\n (CC) Camp creek wilderness.--Certain Federal land,\n comprising approximately 72,597 acres, as generally depicted\n on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Camp Creek Group''\n and dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the\n ``Camp Creek Wilderness''.\n (2) Maps and legal descriptions.--\n (A) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of\n enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall prepare a map and\n legal description of each wilderness area.\n (B) Effect.--Each map and legal description prepared under\n subparagraph (A) shall have the same force and effect as if\n included in this Act, except that the Secretary may correct\n clerical and typographical errors in the map or legal\n description.\n (C) Public availability.--The maps and legal descriptions\n prepared under subparagraph (A) shall be on file and\n available for public inspection in the appropriate offices of\n the Bureau.\n (3) Management.--\n (A) In general.--Subject to valid existing rights, the\n wilderness areas shall be administered by the Secretary in\n accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.),\n except that--\n (i) any reference in that Act to the effective date of that\n Act shall be considered to be a reference to the date of\n enactment of this Act; and\n (ii) any reference in that Act to the Secretary of\n Agriculture shall be considered to be a reference to the\n Secretary.\n (B) Grazing.--The Secretary shall allow the continuation of\n the grazing of livestock, in the wilderness areas, if\n established before the date of enactment of this Act, in\n accordance with--\n (i) section 4(d)(4) of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C.\n 1133(d)(4)); and\n (ii) the guidelines set forth in Appendix A of the report\n of the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs of the House\n of Representatives accompanying H.R. 2570 of the 101st\n Congress (H. Rept. 101-405).\n (C) Roads adjacent to wilderness areas.--Nothing in this\n Act requires the closure of any adjacent road outside the\n boundary of a wilderness area.\n (D) Fish and wildlife management activities.--\n (i) In general.--In furtherance of the purposes and\n principles of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.),\n the Secretary may conduct any management activities that are\n necessary to maintain or restore fish and wildlife\n populations and habitats in the wilderness areas, if the\n management activities are--\n\n (I) consistent with applicable wilderness management plans;\n and\n (II) conducted in accordance with appropriate policies,\n such as the policies established in Appendix B of the report\n of the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs of the House\n of Representatives accompanying H.R. 2570 of the 101st\n Congress (House Report 101-405).\n\n (ii) Inclusions.--Management activities under clause (i)\n may include the occasional and temporary use of motorized\n vehicles, if the use, as determined by the Secretary, would\n promote healthy, viable, and more naturally distributed\n wildlife populations that would enhance wilderness values\n while causing the minimum impact necessary to accomplish\n those tasks.\n (E) Existing activities.--Consistent with section 4(d)(1)\n of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1133(d)(1)) and in\n accordance with appropriate policies, such as the policies\n established in Appendix B of the report of the Committee on\n Interior and Insular Affairs of the House of Representatives\n accompanying H.R. 2570 of the 101st Congress (House Report\n 101-405), the State may use aircraft (including helicopters)\n in the wilderness areas to survey capture, transplant,\n monitor, and provide water for wildlife populations,\n including bighorn sheep and feral stock, feral horses, and\n feral burros.\n (c) Management of Land Not Designated as Wilderness.--\n (1) Release of wilderness study areas.--\n (A) Finding.--Congress finds that, for purposes of section\n 603(c) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976\n (43 U.S.C. 1782(c)), the Clarks Butte Wilderness Study Area,\n Saddle Butte Wilderness Study Area, and Bowden Hills\n Wilderness Study Area have been adequately studied for\n wilderness designation.\n (B) Release.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the land\n described in subparagraph (A)--\n (i) is no longer subject to section 603(c) of the Federal\n Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782(c));\n and\n (ii) shall be managed in accordance with the Federal Land\n Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.),\n including any applicable land use plan adopted under section\n 202 of that Act (43 U.S.C. 1712).\n (2) Management of certain land with wilderness\n characteristics.--Any portion of the Federal land that was\n previously determined by the Secretary to be land with\n wilderness characteristics that is not designated as\n wilderness by subsection (b)(1) and is not designated on the\n Map as ``land with wilderness characteristics'' shall be\n managed by the Secretary in accordance with the applicable\n land use plans adopted under section 202 of the Federal Land\n Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712).\n\n SEC. 6. LAND CONVEYANCES TO BURNS PAIUTE TRIBE AND CASTLE\n ROCK CO-STEWARDSHIP AREA.\n\n (a) Jonesboro Ranch, Road Gulch, and Black Canyon Land\n Conveyances.--\n (1) Conveyance and taking into trust.--\n (A) Title.--As soon as practicable after the date of\n enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall accept title to\n the land described in paragraph (2), if conveyed or otherwise\n transferred to the United States by, or on behalf of, the\n Burns Paiute Tribe.\n (B) Trust.--Land to which title is accepted by the\n Secretary under subparagraph (A) shall--\n (i) be held in trust by the United States for the benefit\n of the Burns Paiute Tribe; and\n (ii) be part of the reservation of the Burns Paiute Tribe.\n (2) Description of land.--The land referred to in paragraph\n (1)(A) is the following:\n (A) Jonesboro ranch.--The parcel commonly known as\n ``Jonesboro Ranch'', located approximately 6 miles east of\n Juntura, Oregon, consisting of 21,548 acres of Federal land,\n 6,686 acres of certain private land owned by the Burns Paiute\n Tribe and associated with the Jonesboro Ranch containing the\n pastures referred to as ``Saddle Horse'' and ``Trail Horse'',\n ``Indian Creek'', ``Sperry Creek'', ``Antelope Swales'',\n ``Horse Camp'', ``Dinner Creek'', ``Upper Hunter Creek'', and\n ``Tim's Peak'', generally depicted as ``Jonesboro Parcels\n (Transfer)'' on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Camp\n Creek Group'' and dated December 12, 2023, and more\n particularly described as follows:\n (i) T. 20 S., R. 38 E., secs. 25 and 36, Willamette\n Meridian.\n (ii) T. 20 S., R. 39 E., secs. 25-36, Willamette Meridian.\n (iii) T. 20 S., R. 40 E., secs. 30, 31, and 32, Willamette\n Meridian.\n (iv) T. 21 S., R. 39 E., secs. 1-18, 20-29, and 32-36,\n Willamette Meridian.\n (v) T. 21 S., R. 40 E., secs. 5-8, 17-19, 30, and 31,\n Willamette Meridian.\n (vi) T. 22 S., R. 39 E., secs. 1-5, 8, and 9, Willamette\n Meridian.\n (B) Road gulch; black canyon.--The approximately 4,137\n acres of State land containing the pastures referred to as\n ``Road Gulch'' and ``Black Canyon'' and more particularly\n described as follows:\n (i) T. 20 S., R. 39 E., secs. 10, 11, 15, 14, 13, 21-28,\n and 36, Willamette Meridian.\n (ii) T 20 S., R. 40 E., secs. 19, 30, 31, and 32,\n Willamette Meridian.\n (3) Applicable law.--Land taken into trust under paragraph\n (1)(B) shall be administered in accordance with the laws\n (including regulations) generally applicable to property held\n in trust by the United States for the benefit of an Indian\n Tribe.\n (4) Map of trust land.--As soon as practicable after the\n date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall prepare a\n map depicting the land taken into trust under paragraph\n (1)(B).\n (5) Land exchange.--Not later than 3 years after the date\n of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall seek to enter\n into an agreement with the State under which the Secretary\n would exchange Federal land for the portions of the area\n described in paragraph (2)(B) that are owned by the State.\n (b) Castle Rock Land To Be Held in Trust and Co-stewardship\n Area.--\n (1) Land to be held in trust.--All right, title, and\n interest of the United States in and to the approximately\n 2,500 acres of land in the Castle Rock Wilderness Study Area,\n as depicted\n\n[[Page S7296]]\n\n as ``Lands to be Taken into Trust'' on the map entitled\n ``Land into Trust and Co-Stewardship Castle Rock Group'' and\n dated December 12, 2023, shall--\n (A) be held in trust by the United States for the benefit\n of the Burns Paiute Tribe; and\n (B) be part of the reservation of the Burns Paiute Tribe.\n (2) Castle rock co-stewardship area.--\n (A) Memorandum of understanding.--\n (i) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of\n enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall seek to enter into\n a memorandum of understanding with the Burns Paiute Tribe to\n provide for the co-stewardship of the area depicted as\n ``Tribal Co-Stewardship Area'' on the map entitled ``Land\n into Trust and Co-Stewardship Castle Rock Group'' and dated\n December 12, 2023, to be known as the ``Castle Rock Co-\n Stewardship Area''.\n (ii) Requirement.--The memorandum of understanding entered\n into under clause (i) shall ensure that the Castle Rock Co-\n Stewardship Area is managed in a manner that--\n\n (I) ensures that Tribal interests are adequately\n considered;\n (II) provides for maximum protection of cultural and\n archaeological resources; and\n (III) provides for the protection of natural resources with\n cultural significance.\n\n (B) Management agreements.--In accordance with applicable\n law (including regulations), the Secretary may enter into 1\n or more management agreements with the Burns Paiute Tribe to\n authorize the Burns Paiute Tribe to carry out management\n activities in the Castle Rock Co-Stewardship Area in\n accordance with the memorandum of understanding entered into\n under subparagraph (A)(i).\n (C) Grazing.--The grazing of livestock in the Castle Rock\n Co-Stewardship Area, if established before the date of\n enactment of this Act, shall be permitted to continue in\n accordance with applicable law (including regulations).\n (D) Water rights.--Nothing in this paragraph--\n (i) affects any valid and existing water rights; or\n (ii) provides the Burns Paiute Tribe with any new water\n right or claim.\n (3) Withdrawal.--Subject to valid existing rights, the land\n taken into trust under paragraph (1) and the land comprising\n the Castle Rock Co-Stewardship Area are withdrawn from--\n (A) all forms of entry, appropriation, and disposal under\n the public land laws;\n (B) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and\n (C) operation of the mineral leasing and geothermal leasing\n laws and mineral materials laws.\n (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized\n to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section\n $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2025.\n (d) Effect on Tribal Rights and Certain Existing Uses.--\n Nothing in this section, including any designation or\n nondesignation of land transferred into trust to be held by\n the United States for the benefit of the Burns Paiute Tribe\n under this section--\n (1) alters, modifies, enlarges, diminishes, or abrogates\n rights secured by a treaty, statute, Executive order, or\n other Federal law of any Indian Tribe, including off-\n reservation reserved rights; or\n (2) affects--\n (A) existing rights-of-way; or\n (B) preexisting grazing uses and existing water rights or\n mining claims, except as specifically negotiated between any\n applicable Indian Tribe and the Secretary.\n\n Mr. BARRASSO. I ask unanimous consent that the committee-reported\nsubstitute amendments be considered and agreed to and that the bills,\nas amended, be considered read a third time en bloc.\n The committee-reported amendments in the nature of a substitute were\nagreed to en bloc.\n The bills were ordered to be engrossed for a third reading and were\nread the third time.\n Mr. BARRASSO. I know of no further debate on the bills, en bloc.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. If there is no further debate on the bills,\nthe bills having been read the third time, the question is, Shall the\nbills pass?\n The bills (S. 1348 and S. 1890), as amended, were passed en bloc.\n Mr. BARRASSO. I ask unanimous consent that the committee-reported\ntitle amendment to S. 1890 be considered and agreed to; that the title\nof S. 1890, as amended, be agreed to; and that the motions to\nreconsider with respect to S. 1348 and S. 1890 be considered made and\nlaid upon the table, all en bloc.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.\n The committee-reported title amendment to S. 1890 was agreed to as\nfollows:\n1Amend the title so as to read: ``A bill to provide for the\n establishment of a land health management program on Federal land\n in Malheur County, Oregon, and for other purposes.''.\n\n The title of S. 1890, as amended, was agreed to.\n Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I want to rise just to spend a couple of\nmoments discussing a bill that we just passed. It is the Wyoming Public\nLands Initiative. The Senate passed this by unanimous consent.\n This legislation is very important to my home State of Wyoming--\nsomething we have been working on for years. The bill would resolve the\nmanagement status for thousands of acres of Federal public lands across\n7 counties of the 23 counties in my home State of Wyoming.\n These acres involve what are known as wilderness study areas. These\nare lands managed solely for preservation, even though they are not\nincluded in the National Wilderness Preservation System. The Bureau of\nLand Management studies these areas. They study them to determine\nwhether they should be designated as wilderness lands or if these lands\nshould be returned to multiple-use status.\n Until Congress acts, the Bureau treats all of the land as if it is\nwilderness. In other words, these lands currently under study are\nclosed off to almost every use. For the people of Wyoming who rely on\naccess to the land to make a living and for recreation, this just\ndoesn't work.\n In 1991--now, here we are in 2024, but in 1991, the Bureau of Land\nManagement released a report recommending a balanced approach for these\nWyoming wilderness study areas. Specifically, the Bureau of Land\nManagement recommended that Congress designate some of the lands as\nwilderness and release the majority of the lands back to multiple use.\n Well, here we are over three decades later, and the lands still\nremain in limbo. That is why some of our counties began to work with me\non the Wyoming Public Lands Initiative. I want to thank these Wyoming\ncounty commissioners for their collaboration going back 9 years, back\nto 2015.\n The bill, which I am proud to sponsor on their behalf, generally\nfollows the recommendations of the 1991 report. It strikes a balance\nbetween protecting these special places the people in Wyoming love\nwhile expanding the multiple-use areas that our State and local\neconomies rely upon.\n The bill was developed by the people who live near the land and who\nwill be accessing the land when this bill is enacted. It has been\ndeveloped really from the ground up by the people who know the land the\nbest.\n This legislation resolves a decades-old stalemate. The bill is going\nto increase conservation. It is going to ensure that other lands can be\nunlocked and for uses that are important to the people of Wyoming and\nto our economy. I firmly believe the people of Wyoming, not Washington,\nshould decide how to manage these lands.\n So I want to thank my friend and colleague Senator Wyden from the\nState of Oregon. We worked closely together. We serve on several\ncommittees together. We live near each other where we stay when we are\nin Washington instead of when he is home in Oregon and I am home in\nWyoming. I look forward to continuing to work with him to get these\nbills passed into law and through the House in the near future.\n As I see my friend and colleague from Oregon on the floor tonight, I\njust want to thank him for his years of cooperation and working\ntogether as we have on the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources\nand thank him for all of his consideration in allowing us to get this\nbill passed tonight.\n I yield the floor.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Oregon.\n Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, this is a truly historic moment for my home\nState of Oregon because the Owyhees, which are really Oregon's version\nof the Grand Canyon, really should have had secured protection years\nago. But, finally, as a result of the bipartisan support that my friend\nfrom Wyoming and I have--working with the incoming chair of the\ncommittee Mike Lee, and the current leadership, we have been able to\npass these important pieces of legislation.\n The timing for my home State is really just extraordinary because\njust yesterday, the Congressman from rural Oregon, Congressman Bentz\nfrom the Second District, and I put out a joint statement about how\nnext year we intend to work together and with our constituents to come\nup with legislation that our whole State--urban and\n\n[[Page S7297]]\n\nrural--could come together on to protect the ranching way of life in\nMalheur County and also our incredible treasures.\n Congressman Bentz and I said we would work with our representative\nChambers' leadership to pass the bill into law. Then, overnight, and to\nthe great excitement of people in our State, due to the ending hours of\nCongress, when Members are trying to find some common ground, we have\nbeen able to work with our leadership in the U.S. Senate today, in this\nChamber, to get started on what Congressman Bentz and I told our\nconstituents yesterday would happen next year.\n This did not happen by osmosis. The incoming ranking Senator, Martin\nHeinrich, and the incoming chair, Mike Lee, said that my bill, which\ncleared the Energy and Natural Resources Committee--S. 1890, the\nMalheur Community Empowerment for the Owyhee Act--that they would allow\nit to pass the U.S. Senate tonight as an indication of the goodwill\nthat all parties have pledged for next year.\n As the chairman of the committee has noted--in fact, all the chairs,\npast and present since I was the chairman of the Energy and Natural\nResources Committee at one point, understand that that is the key to\nreally making some history in this extraordinarily important committee.\n In our conversations with the incoming chairman, Mike Lee, he was\nparticularly interested in the fact that Congressman Bentz and I are\ngoing to be working together to get this bill in shape so that people\nacross Oregon will support it.\n When he indicated that that was a priority for him, I basically said\nthat is exactly what we have in mind as Oregonians, what I have in mind\nas Oregon's senior Senator.\n I am very happy to state tonight publicly to the incoming chair of\nthe committee, the Senator from Utah, that I intend to work very\nclosely with Congressman Bentz to make this become law.\n So, everybody in Oregon understands, this bill does not become law\ntonight, but what its passage does is send a message from the U.S.\nSenate that when you get people of goodwill and a willingness to find\ncommon ground, you can make real action happen. The Owyhee legislation\nthat I have worked on for years with ranchers and hunters and fishers\nand environmental folks has now passed the U.S. Senate. That is\nsomething that, after decades of debate about the future of the Owyhee,\nnobody thought was going to happen anytime soon. In fact, yesterday\npeople said: Well, we will have to wait to see what happens. Now the\nU.S. Senate has acted and acted, as I say, to protect the ranching way\nof life in rural Oregon and also our natural treasures.\n I hope that tonight's action will give all parties interested in the\nprotection of the treasures of the Owyhee and interest in preserving\nthe ranching way of life, that it should give folks at home the chance\nto know that we are going to be in a position in 2025, with the\nleadership of the Senate and the House behind this effort, to be in a\nposition to make this important legislation the law of the land, and\nthe protection for the Owyhees will be permanent and will be in the\ntext of black-letter law for all to see.\n I yield the floor.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Virginia.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7297", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "GABRIELLA MILLER KIDS FIRST RESEARCH ACT 2.0", "SENATE", "SENATE", "ALLOTHER", "S7297", "S7302", "[{\"name\": \"Tim Kaine\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Rand Paul\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Bill Cassidy\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Roger F. Wicker\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Ron Wyden\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Charles E. Schumer\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", "[{\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"82\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"3391\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"10545\"}]", "170 Cong. Rec. S7297", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Pages S7297-S7302]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n GABRIELLA MILLER KIDS FIRST RESEARCH ACT 2.0\n\n Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, in 2013, in my first year in the Senate, a\n10-year-old child in Virginia, Loudoun County, named Gabriella Miller\npassed away from an inoperable brain tumor.\n Nothing could be worse for a family. Her parents, Ellyn and Mark, and\nher brother suffered greatly in this. But as many do, in an amazing\nway, in a mysterious way, in a time of suffering, they turned their\ntragedy into a cause.\n Shortly after I came to the Senate, Mark and Ellyn Miller came to see\nme and talk to me about their daughter Gabriella.\n They asked me a question: Senator, what percentage of medical\nresearch in this country is devoted to pediatric conditions?\n I thought, well, you know, pediatric--under age 18. Maybe it is 12\npercent of the population. So I guessed 12 percent.\n They said: Less than 1 percent.\n Less than 1 percent of medical research funding in the NIH and other\nAgencies was devoted to pediatric conditions. There was kind of a--I\ndon't know--it was a conventional wisdom of: No, we don't put research\ninto that, but if we can research adult conditions, we can kind of\napply it to pediatric conditions--which everyone here knows that is not\nthe case. Many pediatric conditions are very different than adult\nconditions.\n So I began to work with the Miller family on a bill to increase\nresearch at the NIH and other Federal Agencies for pediatric\nconditions, especially pediatric conditions of the kind that killed\nGabriella Miller.\n The following year, in 2014, I partnered with Virginia Congressman--\nand then a Republican leader in the Senate--Eric Cantor and others to\npass the Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program to fund\nNIH research on pediatric cancer, and the 10-year bill that we passed\nis up for reauthorization.\n I partnered with Senator Jay Moran, my colleague from Kansas, to\nreauthorize it with the support of colleagues on both sides--numerous,\nnumerous colleagues.\n The Republican House has passed a version of this bill. The lead\nsponsor on the House side is Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton, who is\nretiring because she has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of\nsupranuclear palsy, which is an advanced form of Parkinson's disease.\nMy colleague Jennifer Wexton is no longer able to speak without an AI-\nassisted device, but in these last few days of her time in the House,\nshe has made the passing of the reauthorization of the Gabriella Miller\nAct her chief priority.\n The reauthorization was included in the health package in the\nbipartisan version of the CR bill that we negotiated with the House,\nbut that package was left on the cutting room floor of the CR that was\njust passed in the House. Advocates of the bill, including Ellyn and\nMark Miller and others who care about pediatric research, were bitterly\ndisappointed.\n I am going to vote for the CR when it comes over from the House, but\nif I am going to have to explain to advocates that I share their\ndisappointment in the fact that this 10-year program, which has now\nproduced more than $125 million in research into pediatric cancer, is\ngoing to be left on the floor, I have to at least make an effort here\non the floor to authorize this program going forward.\n The good news is, the bill that Representative Wexton has put in the\nHouse was authorized flat funding for another 5 years. I give credit to\nmy colleagues on the Senate HELP Committee because the Gabriella Miller\nAct was reauthorized in the Senate for 10 years at an increasing level\nof funding, beginning at the current funding level of $12.5 million a\nyear and escalating to $25 million over the course of 10 years.\n But the time is late--no time to fool around. The bill that has\npassed not only in committee but was passed in the House of\nRepresentatives--5-year funding at its current level, $12.5 million a\nyear, to continue to invest in research into children's cancer and\npediatric conditions.\n I respect my colleague's sincere commitment to responsible Federal\nbudgeting. One of my colleagues, Senator Paul--I have worked with him\nto hopefully lift an objection that he had to this bill by agreeing to\nwork with him to make sure that there are not other overlapping\nprograms where we are spending money to do the same thing.\n We have recently talked about other legislative initiatives that we\nwill work on together, but my understanding as I stand here today is,\nwith this commitment I have made to Senator Paul, he is dropping any\nobjection to including this by unanimous consent.\n I think, while it is not everything I hoped and it is not everything\nthe Senate HELP Committee did in a bipartisan way, it would continue\nthis important program.\n Gabriella Miller, when she was diagnosed with brain cancer at age 10,\ndidn't go quietly into the good night. I think that is a Dylan Thomas\nline. She instead said: I am going to raise every bit of money I can\nfor cancer research.\n\n[[Page S7298]]\n\nIn the last year of her life, she raised hundreds of thousands of\ndollars for cancer research on her own with little bake sales and\nfundraisers. The brain tumor that was in her brain was the size of a\nwalnut, and she created a nonprofit foundation called the Smashing\nWalnuts Foundation.\n The comments I make tonight and the effort I undertake with\nRepresentative Wexton truly are to honor her and to thank her parents\nfor their advocacy. In particular, I want to thank her mother Ellyn\nMiller, who has been a force of nature in creating this program and\nkeeping it going.\n We need to keep it going. It is bipartisan, it is bicameral, and it\nis making groundbreaking research possible. I ask my colleagues to let\nit pass into law.\n Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that as if in legislative\nsession, the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions be\ndischarged from further consideration of H.R. 3391 and the Senate\nproceed to its immediate consideration.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title.\n The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:\n\n A bill (H.R. 3391) to extend the Gabriella Miller Kids\n First Pediatric Research Program at the National Institutes\n of Health, and for other purposes.\n\n There being no objection, the committee was discharged, and the\nSenate proceeded to consider the bill.\n Mr. KAINE. I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read a\nthird time.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.\n The bill was ordered to a third reading and was read the third time.\n Mr. KAINE. I know of no further debate on the bill.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. If there is no further debate on the bill, the\nbill having been read the third time, the question is, Shall the bill\npass?\n The bill (H.R. 3391) was passed.\n Mr. KAINE. I ask unanimous consent that the motion to reconsider be\nconsidered made and laid upon the table.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.\n Mr. KAINE. I yield the floor.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Kentucky.\n\n Government Funding\n\n Mr. PAUL. Mr. President, well, we have arrived. We are here at last,\nanother government shutdown averted. The government will remain open.\n I am not sure if that is good news or bad news. People need to know,\nyes, the government will stay open, and it will not be chaotic.\nCongress can adjourn, which is probably a good thing when Congress\nadjourns.\n But the thing about government staying open is we will pass something\ncalled a continued resolution. What does that mean? It means we are\nresolved to continue, continue as we have for, really, decades.\n We will continue to spend money, regardless of whether we have it or\nnot. We will continue to spend money at a pace such that we will\naccumulate about $2 trillion in debt each year; the deficit will be\nabout $2 trillion.\n Now, the spending is comprised of a lot of different areas. It is\nabout $6.8 trillion in spending, and we bring in about $4.8 trillion in\nrevenue.\n So it is about a $2 trillion mismatch. A lot of the spending is\nentitlements, probably two-thirds of the spending is entitlements, but\nthis body refuses to address entitlements, so as part of the continuing\nspending tonight, keeping government open, all of the entitlements will\nbe taken off board, and there will be no reforms to entitlements, no\nreduction in spending in entitlements. They will continue growing; some\nwill be about 5 and 6 percent per year.\n Almost everybody on both sides of the aisle acknowledges that\nentitlements are the problem; entitlements are driving the debt. What\nwe vote on, people call it a budget, or another word they call it is\n``discretionary'' spending. It is about $1.7 trillion or so, about $2\ntrillion. Of that $2 trillion, about half is military, half is\nnonmilitary.\n Well, the military has been taken off the table also, primarily by\nRepublicans, but Democrats are complicit as well. No military spending\nwill be addressed; no waste in the military will be addressed; and the\nPentagon will not be audited.\n They have said for decades the Pentagon needs to be audited, and the\nPentagon says: We are too big to be audited. Leave us alone. We are too\nbig.\n Occasionally, we will find some things, $500 toilet seats or $800\nhammers, things like that, but overall, we have no idea where the money\nis going and neither do they. They sometimes talk about hundreds of\nmillions of dollars really literally missing that they have no idea.\n But it is taken off the table because the powers that be say that\nmilitary is sacrosanct, cannot be looked at, and must have increased\nspending. So all the entitlements are going up. That is two-thirds of\n$6.8 trillion. The remaining $2 trillion is half military. It is going\nup, and nobody is looking at it either.\n So we have discretionary. Nonmilitary discretionary spending is part\nof the budget also. And we couldn't come to an agreement, other than we\nare going to be resolved to continue spending at about the pace we are.\nIt will be short term, and that would be bad enough because the\nspending will accumulate and is accumulating about a $2 trillion\ndeficit. But that is not enough.\n This has been a horrendous week for fiscal conservatives because we\nare not going to just continue as we have been doing, continue loading\non the debt, we are also adding to it in a dramatic fashion.\n This week, there will be $330 billion added on to the spending; $200\nbillion of it will be for Social Security. You say: Well, we should\nwant to help people. Why wouldn't we give people that are senior\ncitizens more money? Well, if we give new people more money, we have to\ntake it from somewhere. We are going to have to either borrow it or we\nare going to have to print it, but it has to come from somewhere. Money\ndoesn't grow on trees.\n So $200 billion increase in spending for Social Security. Where is\nthe money going to come from?\n Now, I will offer an amendment that would pay for it. My amendment\nwould be to raise the age gradually of Social Security 3 months a year\nfor about 12 years, and that would pay for the expansion of benefits.\n I think that is the only responsible way to do this. You want more\nbenefits for people? You can't just, you know, push the bankruptcy of\nSocial Security and say: Well, yeah, it will go bankrupt in about 9\nyears, but maybe I won't be here, or maybe I won't be alive, and maybe\nit will still exist for people.\n But shouldn't we care about what is going to happen to the future of\nSocial Security? Shouldn't we care about how this is going to be paid\nfor? But it will be interesting to see how the vote is. I suspect I\nwon't win, but we are going to have a vote on gradually raising the\nage.\n But here is the rub of how difficult it is and how far behind the\neight ball we have become. I proposed this solution 12 years ago, 13\nyears ago. When I did, it fixed two-thirds of the shortfall. If you\nraise the age gradually from 67 to 70, about 2 or 3 months a year, it\nwiped out most of the shortfall and fixed the problem 13 years ago. If\nyou do it now, it only gives us 1 more year of solvency before\nbankruptcy comes.\n So we have taken a problem that was eminently fixable a decade ago,\nand at this point, if we were to do it and my amendment were to pass,\nit would pay for the expansion, but still the system is going bankrupt\nbecause we just keep adding stuff to it.\n Most people don't realize this, but Social Security actually will\ngive you money no matter what your income is if you have teenage\nchildren and one of the parents is over 65. Now, somebody thought up\nthis program and said: Wow, this would be good. We should help out\nelderly parents that are taking care of teenagers.\n You can be a billionaire and--I know people who are wealthy whose\nkids drive Porsches who are getting $1,500 a month for each of their\nkids because the dad is 65.\n Why would we do a program that is not based on income at all? Why\nwould we let anybody join in that? Is that why Social Security is going\nbankrupt? No. That is just an element, though, of where the money is\ngoing.\n But everything that happens in this city is based on compassion. I\nfeel for people, and I want to help people, but nobody does anything\nbased on math. Nobody really looks at this and says: Well, shouldn't we\ndo something to\n\n[[Page S7299]]\n\nmake sure it is paid for? What about next decade? What is going to\nhappen to Social Security? Not a care. They just expand it, and it is\nfeel-good.\n You know, the free lunch, the mantra of free lunch is good. Here is\nstuff. Here is manna. We are going to give you more money. Just be\ncontent. Take some soma. Just relax. Here is some more money.\n But we are destroying the entitlement programs. Social Security is\ngoing bankrupt, and we sped up the bankruptcy this week by adding $200\nbillion. That is going to be concluded tonight.\n That is $200 billion in brandnew spending to a system that was\nalready $2 trillion short. Now, we also gave $30 billion to farmers.\nThat is going to be in the package tonight, too.\n Now, why do the farmers say they need money? Many farmers are\nactually pretty well-off and doing pretty well actually. But they say\nthat the tariffs during the first Trump administration hurt them so\nbadly that they are still having to reduce exports, and they need more\nmoney. So we are still paying them for the tariff wars that were begun\n4 years ago, and still half the people in the country are jumping up\nand down and saying they want more tariffs.\n What are we going to do, pay off everybody that doesn't benefit from\nthe tariffs? Think about it. If you put tariffs on a steel mill and you\nsay: Well, we are not going to let the Chinese sell any steel over\nhere. You have this bright, shiny steel mill and all the thousand\nworkers stand in front of it, and they love you because you are going\nto help them with their jobs, and they are going to be more secure.\n But for every person making steel, there are 80 workers working\nsomewhere buying steel. So what you do is you just ignore the other\nhalf of the equation. Why? Because it is easy to see the shiny steel\nfactory. It is easy to see those workers.\n The 80 workers that are working for other industries, car industry,\nbuilding warehouses, anybody that uses steel, fences, all these people\nbuying stuff are scattered through small industries, and you don't see\nthem.\n But their economic impact at least equals but probably exceeds the\none you are trying to benefit. We do so many crazy things. So $200\nbillion to expand Social Security that won't be paid for and speeds up\nthe bankruptcy and demise of Social Security; $30 billion for farmers,\nmany of whom have other resources and really are not desperately in\nneed of this.\n What happens to the borrowing--$230 billion. Well, it is not over. We\nalso are adding $100 billion for disaster. And you say to yourself:\nWell, you know, we have got to help people in need. They have had\nstorms. They have had flooding. We have got to help them. Well,\nshouldn't we try to root out the waste and fraud in those systems, the\npeople that are stealing money from these things? If you want to know\nhow people are stealing things and how many people are stealing things,\nwhen we did all that COVID stuff, we stopped the economy and gave free\nmoney to everybody.\n We actually had foreign scoundrels, foreign fraudsters come in and\ntake tens of millions of dollars, but we also had U.S. citizens buying\nLamborghinis and Bugattis and all kind of fancy cars on their\ngovernment.\n We had people signing up for the program. One of them used an ID that\nhad a picture of Barbie on it and got money. Many of them said: I have\n500 workers, and they didn't have any workers. They didn't have a\nbusiness.\n So just fraud was rampant throughout it. This happens also in the\ndisaster relief programs as well. People claim things they lost in\ndisasters that didn't exist. But let's put that aside, the waste and\nfraud in the program, and say: We have to help people. We have to do\nsomething about disasters.\n Well, maybe there ought to be a decision-making process where we say:\nWhat is more important? Ukraine or Asheville, NC?\n Do we have enough money to do both? Well, we do if we borrow it. But\nwhen we borrow it, we add to the debt. The Fed buys the debt, and you\ncreate inflation.\n It is no mystery why your goods cost more. During the last 4 years,\ngroceries, meat, poultry, gasoline, rent, everything has gone up on\naverage at least 20 percent. Now did it become more precious? Did we\nall of a sudden lose a supply of things? No. The dollar became weaker;\nthe dollar became diluted because we had to buy all of this debt.\n So it is a bait-and-switch. What we do is we expand, you know, this\nweek 200 billion for Social Security, hundred billion for disasters--\nthat is 300 billion--30 billion for farm subsidies. That is $330\nbillion unpaid for. But the people here are gathered. The vast majority\nof them who will vote for this will go home, pat themselves on the\nback, and say: I brought you stuff. Isn't that what you want me to do?\nBring you free stuff?\n Well, it is not free. It has ramifications. They are destroying the\ndollar. They are destroying the country, and yet it goes on because it\nseems to be easy just to promise people something for nothing.\n So I have a couple different solutions. To pay for the Social\nSecurity, let's gradually raise the age 3 months each year. And what it\ndoes is it actually pays entirely for this $200 billion expansion and\nthen some. It has to be done. It will be done at some point. I offered\nit 13 years ago. And every year we have waited, we have gotten further\nbehind the eight ball. And every year we have waited, we have gotten to\nthe point where it is much more difficult to dig out of this hole.\n As far as the shutdowns, I will admit that it is chaotic to go\nthrough this every 3 months, every 6 months, every year. There could be\na way that we could actually say, when there is an impasse and both\nparties don't agree, we agree to continue spending but not at the same\nlevel.\n See, the vote today on at least some of the budget, the part that is\nnot going up like this, on a small portion, we will continue at the\nsame level. But realize three-fourths of it is going up. We are not\nkeeping it steady.\n So if we vote to keep it steady, does that really fix the problem?\nNo. If you keep it steady and even if you didn't increase spending, the\nbudget never balances. Why? Because you are only keeping a very small\nportion of the budget steady. It is really about 16 percent. Two-\nthirds, 66 percent, entitlements; the remaining third: half military,\nhalf nonmilitary. Military is going up at 3 percent.\n Oh, that is right. I forgot. Republicans have a great plan. Come\nspring, the Republicans are, by simple majority, going to bust through\nthe military caps.\n The military caps are put in place like all other caps to try to\nrestrain spending, and they are ignored. But in the spring, the first\nreconciliation package the Republicans will pass with a simple majority\nis to bust through the military caps.\n Military doesn't have enough money. We spend more on our military\nthan the next eight countries combined, and yet it is never enough.\n People say: We are going to find waste and fraud. I am all for it. I\nam a big supporter of looking for waste and fraud. I am a big supporter\nof getting rid of it.\n Guess what. If you don't look at the entitlements, you are not a\nserious person. If you don't look at the military, you are not a\nserious person. The trouble will go on.\n In the first Trump administration, $8 trillion were borrowed. I am a\nfan of Donald Trump. I supported him. I voted for him. But we borrowed\n$8 trillion. During the Biden administration, coincidentally, we\nborrowed another $8 trillion. They were equally fiscally irresponsible.\n Now, at least during the Trump administration, you could argue there\nwas COVID and the pandemic and all of that. But the reaction was too\nmuch, and the lockdowns were not necessary. They didn't save any lives\nthrough the lockdowns, and we spent a ton of money that we passed out\nfor people not to work.\n But the bottom line is, when you look at all of this, we have this\nenormous problem. I am all for eliminating the waste and fraud. It is\nnot enough. You have to look at the entitlements. You have to look at\nthe military.\n Currently, we look at only about 16 percent of the budget. If you\neliminated all of that--it is called nonmilitary discretionary; it is\npart of the budget. You eliminate all of it--which isn't going to\nhappen--the budget still\n\n[[Page S7300]]\n\nnever balances. You have to look at all the spending. We are not\nlooking at any of the entitlement spending.\n In fact, it is worse. Entitlements are driving the debt. Almost\neverybody agrees with it, and we are expanding the entitlements.\n Social Security--beginning in 2021, Social Security, for the first\ntime, pays out more than it brings in in taxes. It was the opposite for\nmany years; Social Security brought in more than they spent, and they\nactually developed and had a reserve. For the last 3 years, Social\nSecurity has been paying out more than comes in. In 2021, they paid out\n50 billion more than came in. In 2022, they paid out 22 billion more\nthan came in. Last year, we paid out 40 billion more than came in.\n If you had a business or even if you had a social program and you\nwere paying out more than you brought in, wouldn't you try to reverse\nthat trend? No. What we did this week is expand Social Security by $200\nbillion over 10 years. It is 20 billion a year. So if the debt next\nyear for Social Security is going to be about the same as this year, it\nwould be $40 billion. We added 20 billion to that. What is the math? A\n50-percent increase in our debt.\n So for someone who is fiscally conservative, this isn't a very good\nChristmas. This is a Christmas of just doing the same old thing.\n So when you hear ``CR,'' continuing resolution, realize your\ngovernment is resolved just to continue doing the same thing. They are\nkicking the can down the road. The debt is going to continue to\naccumulate, and they are not doing anything to fix it. So don't be\npleased with your people. Look closely. Who are my representatives, and\nare they doing the right thing?\n So we are going to offer a pay-for for Social Security. That will be\none of my amendments tonight. We are also going to offer something\ncalled the Government Shutdown Protection Act. And what it will do is\nit says: When there is an impasse, when Republicans and Democrats don't\nagree, that the spending would continue at a reduced level. The level\nwe chose was enough to try to bring both sides together to actually\nform an agreement; but also, we chose a number that would be enough of\na cut to actually put us on a path to balance.\n So if my amendment were to pass, government wouldn't shut down from\nhere on out. But the spending would be at a 6-percent reduced level.\nThis actually balances the budget, and it is a pretty significant cut.\nMost of them will say, Oh, it is too much. We can't vote for it.\n But the thing is, is: Even if my cuts were to go into place, even if\nmy amendment were to pass, a 6-percent cut would take 5 years to get to\nbalance in 1 year. Not to get rid of any debt that we have accumulated,\nbut just to get to an annual balance.\n And they are like, Oh, woe is me. We can never do it. We can't cut\npeople. People deserve money. People deserve stuff. We have to give\nthem more stuff.\n Do you know that in the European Union, 16 out of 28 countries in the\nEuropean Union, who many are considered to be socialist, actually\nbalance their budget? I met with a socialist from Sweden. He was more\nconservative than everybody across the aisle. He was more conservative\nthan half the Republicans up here, because they thought that actual\nentitlements should be based on the economy. Their entitlements\nactually go down when the economy goes down. If the economy shrinks,\ntheir entitlements shrink. Everyone knows it is going to happen. If it\nis a bad year, we get a little less.\n People would go nuts here. We do the opposite. During the last 4\nyears, they created so much inflation that people's costs went up 20\npercent. What do we do? We have to give cost-of-living adjustments to\nthose on Social Security, and we did; but we were short even more\nmoney. And it made the problem even worse and sped up the bankruptcy of\nSocial Security.\n So my amendment would say: We actually have to reduce spending. Now\nsome people say to conservatives--both in my party and the others--they\nsay, Oh, you people are unrealistic. You will never vote to raise the\ndebt ceiling. But even if I had my way and we got cuts significant\nenough that I think the American people would accept, but most of this\nbody wouldn't, and we balance the budget in 5 years, we would still\naccumulate debt over those 5 years. And I would vote to raise the debt\nceiling during that brief period of time as we were on the way toward\nbalancing our budget. But none of that is going to happen.\n What we are doing this week and what both parties will be complicit\nin--and I mean both parties. Every Democrat here will vote for this\nbill, I assume. Every Democrat will vote to continue to be resolved to\nspend money at a rate that is $2 trillion more than comes in. And half\nthe Republicans will join them.\n There will be a minority of Republicans who will say: We are\nconservative, and we shouldn't spend this much money.\n But we will offer amendments tonight, and people will get to decide\nwhere they are. And people at home will have to decide: Are we going to\nlive this way? How long can we live this way? What causes inflation?\nCan we not have representatives who believe that balancing our budget\nis the appropriate thing to do?\n So the amendments I offer today are such that I think they are\nnecessary. I think they will help us to save Social Security from\nbankruptcy, but they won't be very popular here. But I offer them in\nhopes that people will see them across America and say: At least\nsomebody cares about the solvency of Social Security. At least somebody\nhas the guts to say, This is what we would do to try to save and\npreserve Social Security, rather than just giving free stuff to\neverybody and saying, No big deal. You can have more. You want more?\nHere is more.\n Somebody's got to ask: How are we going to pay for this? Someone has\nto be responsible up here. And if you watch closely who votes on this\namendment, you will see who are the truly fiscally responsible people\nin the Senate.\n I yield the floor.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Louisiana.\n\n Social Security Fairness Act\n\n Mr. CASSIDY. Mr. President, today is a day to celebrate. The Senate\nis moments away from keeping a promise we made to the American people\nwhen Social Security became law.\n Folks will get the benefits they earned. State and local workers in\nLouisiana and other States across the country are no different than\nother Americans who paid into the system. State and local government\nworkers deserve their full Social Security benefit.\n Now with the passage of the Social Security Fairness Act, they will\nget it.\n This act repeals WEP, GPO--that stands for ``windfall elimination\nprovision'' and ``government pension offset''--and stops Social\nSecurity from punishing public workers for the crime of serving their\ncommunities. Nurses, teachers, firefighters, police officers, widows of\nthose who worked in the Social Security system will be made whole by\nwhat we do here tonight.\n I had a civics teacher in high school who always delighted in the\nfact that she taught someone who went on to become a Member of\nCongress, and Betty worked her whole life teaching in public schools.\nAnd because of GPO, when her husband passed away--her husband worked at\nExxon Refinery, if I remember correctly--her Social Security benefit\nwas cut to a fraction because she had worked in the public sector as a\nteacher.\n Under this system, she would have been better in terms of Social\nSecurity benefits if she had never worked at all.\n Most of us have a Betty in their life, in their State, in their\nhometown, or in their family--often a police officer or a firefighter,\na first responder who served us, and now we have the opportunity to\nthank them for that service.\n With a vote today, we are standing up for folks like Betty and\neveryone like her across our Nation. It is a day to celebrate.\n I yield the floor.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Mississippi.\n\n Republic of Georgia\n\n Mr. WICKER. Mr. President, I rise tonight to make a simple but\nimportant point on behalf of the brave, freedom-loving citizens of the\nRepublic of Georgia. It is time for the United States to stand\nalongside the brave nation of Georgia, the citizens of which went to\nthe polls recently and voted to elect their own leadership.\n\n[[Page S7301]]\n\n It is time to impose heavy sanctions on the individuals and\ninstitutions now trying to thwart the democratic will of the people of\nthe Republic of Georgia.\n Now is the time to act. This is the 20th of December 2024. We don't\nneed to act in mid-January. We need to act now while the people of\nGeorgia are taking to the freezing streets in towns like Tbilisi and\nelsewhere to exercise their right to protest.\n Now, here is what has happened--and it is such a familiar story, Mr.\nPresident. The Georgian people recently went to the polls, as really is\nthe right of all mankind according to our Declaration of Independence.\nAnd the Georgian people rejected the Georgian Dream Party, which is\nreally more and more becoming an arm of Vladimir Putin's Russian\ndictatorship.\n The Georgian people, when they voted, rejected Bidzina Ivanishvili,\nthe pro-Russian oligarch behind the party. This is similar to what\nother free voters have done in other countries around in that area--a\ndecade or so ago in the Republic of Ukraine, in the recent Romanian\nelections.\n It is happening also in Moldova. The people there do not wish to be\nunder the thumb of a reincarnation of the Soviet Union under Vladimir\nPutin's dictatorship. And so they voted against the Georgian Dream\nParty, but the Georgian Dream Party in charge of the election machinery\nhas tried to rig the election. And so the people of Georgia have risen\nup in response. And the Georgian Dream government, an arm of the Putin\nRussian Government, has responded in tyrannical fashion. The Georgian\nDream Party has worked to overthrow the will of the voters and has\nmarshalled the power of the police to crack down violently on peaceful\nprotest.\n In a number of days, Mr. President, the Georgian Dream Party could\nactually forcibly remove the democratically elected President of\nGeorgia from power.\n Now, the Biden administration has taken baby steps, long overdue, and\nI wish they would be more forceful. Our American administration has now\npublicly sanctioned two individuals. The State and Treasury Departments\nhave sanctioned a senior ministry official and the Georgia Minister of\nInternal Affairs.\n Now, what do the sanctions involve? They involve blocking the\noffending officials of the Georgian Dream Party from transactions in\nAmerican banks. We can do that. They have frozen any assets these\nRussian puppets have owned in the United States and revoked any visas\nthey have for our country. And I applaud the administration for these\nsteps, but they could do so much more.\n Of course, in response, the Georgian Dream Prime Minister Kobakhidze\nannounced that he would decorate these two sanctioned Russian puppets\nand give them state honors in their roles for quashing the protests.\n This is what is going on around the world. This is how tyrants act.\nGeorgian Dream has thumbed its nose, of course, at our somewhat half-\nhearted measures. And so it is time, I would say, for the United States\nto demonstrate more decisive and timely resolve. Half measures are the\nwrong message at this point. So I call on the Biden administration to\nsanction the leaders of Georgian Dream, including Bidzina Ivanishvili,\nKakha Kaladze, and Prime Minister Kobakhidze.\n The Republic of Georgia is the home of freedom-loving people. They\nwere once under the thumb of Moscow, and they do not wish to go back.\nVladimir Putin would like to have Georgia back in its orbit, just like\nthey would like to have Moldova back in their orbit, just like they\neven wish to have Romania and certainly Ukraine. And Vladimir Putin is\nwilling to rig elections to have his agents brutally repress the\npeaceful protests that are going on.\n Now, I admire these Georgian freedom fighters. They strongly oppose\nPutin's interference; and we ought to stand with them. I call on the\nState Department and the Biden administration in the last month of\noffice to stand tall with the freedom-loving Georgian people. We must\ncontinue our legacy of cooperation and shared democratic values with\nthe Republic of Georgia.\n I yield the floor.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Cardin). The Senator from Oregon.\n\n Social Security Fairness Act\n\n Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, as chairman of the Senate Finance\nCommittee, I want to spend a minute saying a special commendation to\nSenators Brown and Casey, two exceptionally valuable members of the\nSenate Finance Committee who are going to be departing the Senate at\nthe end of the year.\n Nobody in the Senate understands the importance of Social Security\nfor seniors and Americans with disabilities better than Senators Brown\nand Casey. They have been leading the fight for years to protect and\nstrengthen Social Security for current and future generations of\nAmericans, and they have done it for their entire careers. That\nincludes battling those who would want to privatize the system, those\nwho would raise the retirement age or advance schemes that would\notherwise cut benefits.\n It strikes me as particularly fitting that one of the final votes\nthis body takes--and the first time the Senate votes to increase\nbenefits in decades--will be a vote to ensure everyday Americans\nreceive their earned benefits.\n I was director of the Oregon Gray Panthers for almost 7 years before\ncoming into public life, and I long ago decided that protecting\nAmericans' earned benefits has been a lodestar, and Senators Casey and\nBrown have followed that through their public service.\n This vote is also a chance for the American people to see clearly who\nis fighting for middle-class families, because what the Senate is doing\nis preventing across-the-board cuts to Social Security benefits for\npublic servants like firefighters and nurses and busdrivers and police\nofficers and teachers. These are all individuals who work in crucial\nprofessions, paying into Social Security out of every paycheck. They\nwent into their line of work not to strike it rich but to answer the\ncall to serve their communities.\n\n As chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, I would urge all Members\nof the Senate, Republicans and Democrats, to stand with Senators Brown\nand Casey and all our colleagues who have been working to pass this\nlegislation. It is long overdue.\n I yield the floor.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Bennet). The majority leader.\n\n Order of Procedure\n\n Mr. SCHUMER. I ask unanimous consent that the Senate resume\nlegislative session and the only remaining amendments in order to H.R.\n82 be the following: Paul 3346, Paul 3352, Cruz 3360, and Crapo 3331;\nthat there be a 60-affirmative vote threshold for the adoption of the\namendments; that upon disposition of the Crapo amendment, Senator Lee\nbe recognized to make a budget point of order; that upon disposition of\nthe point of order, the pending amendments and motion be withdrawn,\nH.R. 82 be considered read a third time, and the Senate vote on passage\nof the bill with 60-affirmative votes required for passage; further,\nthat following the disposition of H.R. 82, the Senate proceed to the\nconsideration of H.R. 10545; that there be up to 30 minutes for debate\non the bill, equally divided, and that upon the use or yielding back of\ntime, the Senate vote on passage of the bill, with 60 affirmative votes\nrequired for passage and with no amendments or motions in order to the\nbill; further, that following the disposition of H.R. 10545, the Senate\nresume executive session to consider the following nominations en bloc:\nCalendar Nos. 851, 853, 854, 857; that the Senate vote on the\nnominations en bloc without intervening action or debate; that the\nmotions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and\nthat the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action;\nfurther, that there be up to 2 minutes for debate, equally divided,\nprior to each vote, all without further intervening action or debate.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?\n Without objection, it is so ordered.\n Mr. SCHUMER. I suggest the absence of a quorum.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.\n The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.\n Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order\nfor the quorum call be rescinded.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.\n The majority leader.\n\n[[Page S7302]]\n\n Government Funding\n\n Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I have very good news for my colleagues\nand for the country. Democrats and Republicans have just reached an\nagreement that will allow us to pass the CR tonight before the midnight\ndeadline.\n I yield the floor.\n I suggest the absence of a quorum.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.\n The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.\n Mr. PAUL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for\nthe quorum call be rescinded.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7302", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "LEGISLATIVE SESSION", "SENATE", "SENATE", "SLEGISLATIVE", "S7302", "S7306", "[{\"name\": \"Rand Paul\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Richard J. Durbin\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"John Thune\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Charles E. Schumer\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Ted Cruz\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Ron Wyden\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Mike Crapo\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Mike Lee\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Sheldon Whitehouse\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Thom Tillis\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", "[{\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"82\"}]", "170 Cong. Rec. S7302", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Pages S7302-S7306]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n LEGISLATIVE SESSION\n\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the previous order, the Senate will\nresume legislative session.\n The Senator from Kentucky.\n\n Amendment No. 3346\n\n Mr. PAUL. Mr. President, I call up my amendment, No. 3346, and ask\nthat it be reported by number.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.\n The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:\n\n The Senator from Kentucky [Mr. Paul] proposes an amendment\n numbered 3346.\n\n The amendment is as follows:\n\n (Purpose: To adjust the normal and early retirement ages for Social\n Security benefits and increase the maximum age for delayed retirement\n credits)\n\n At the appropriate place, insert the following:\n\n SEC. __. ADJUSTMENT TO NORMAL AND EARLY RETIREMENT AGE.\n\n Section 216(l) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.\n 416(l)) is amended--\n (1) in paragraph (1)--\n (A) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``and'' at the end;\n (B) in subparagraph (E), by striking the period at the end\n and inserting ``; and''; and\n (C) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:\n ``(F) with respect to an individual who--\n ``(i) attains 62 years of age after December 31, 2024, and\n before January 1, 2032, such individual's early retirement\n age (as determined under paragraph (2)(A)(ii)) plus 60\n months; or\n ``(ii) receives a benefit described in paragraph (2)(B) and\n attains 60 years of age after December 31, 2024, and before\n January 1, 2032, 67 years plus the number of months in the\n age increase factor (as determined under paragraph (5)(A))\n for the calendar year in which such individual attains 60\n years of age;\n ``(G) with respect to an individual who--\n ``(i) attains 62 years of age after December 31, 2031, and\n before January 1, 2033, 69 years of age; or\n ``(ii) receives a benefit described in paragraph (2)(B) and\n attains 60 years of age after December 31, 2031, and before\n January 1, 2033, 69 years of age;\n ``(H) with respect to an individual who--\n ``(i) attains 62 years of age after December 31, 2032, and\n before January 1, 2036, 67 years of age plus the number of\n months in the age increase factor (as determined under\n paragraph (5)(B)); or\n ``(ii) receives a benefit described in paragraph (2)(B) and\n attains 60 years of age after December 31, 2032, and before\n January 1, 2036, 67 years of age plus the number of months in\n the age increase factor (as determined under paragraph\n (5)(A));\n ``(I) with respect to an individual who--\n ``(i) attains 62 years of age after December 31, 2035, and\n before January 1, 2037, 70 years of age; or\n ``(ii) receives a benefit described in paragraph (2)(B) and\n attains 60 years of age after December 31, 2035, and before\n January 1, 2037, 70 years of age; and\n ``(J) with respect to an individual who--\n ``(i) attains 62 years of age after December 31, 2036, 70\n years of age plus the number of months in the age increase\n factor (as determined under paragraph (6)); or\n ``(ii) receives a benefit described in paragraph (2)(B) and\n attains 60 years of age after December 31, 2036, 70 years of\n age plus the number of months in the age increase factor (as\n determined under paragraph (6)).'';\n (2) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:\n ``(2) The term `early retirement age' means--\n ``(A) in the case of an old-age, wife's, or husband's\n insurance benefit--\n ``(i) 62 years of age with respect to an individual who\n attains such age before January 1, 2025;\n ``(ii) with respect to an individual who attains 62 years\n of age after December 31, 2024, and before January 1, 2032,\n 62 years of age plus the number of months in the age increase\n factor (as determined under paragraph (4)) for the calendar\n year in which such individual attains 62 years of age; and\n ``(iii) with respect to an individual who attains age 62\n after December 31, 2031, 64 years of age; or\n ``(B) in the case of a widow's or widower's insurance\n benefit, 60 years of age.''; and\n (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:\n ``(4) For purposes of paragraph (2)(A)(ii), the age\n increase factor shall be equal to three-twelfths of the\n number of months in the period beginning with January 2025\n and ending with December of the year in which the individual\n attains 62 years of age.\n ``(5) The age increase factor shall be equal to three-\n twelfths of the number of months in the period beginning with\n January 2025 and ending with December of the year in which--\n ``(A) for purposes of paragraphs (1)(F)(ii) and (1)(H)(ii),\n the individual attains 60 years of age; or\n ``(B) for purposes of paragraph (1)(H)(i), the individual\n attains 62 years of age.\n ``(6) The Commissioner of Social Security shall determine\n (using reasonable actuarial assumptions) and publish on or\n before November 1 of each calendar year after 2035 the number\n of months (rounded, if not a multiple of one month, to the\n next lower multiple of one month) by which life expectancy as\n of October 1 of such calendar year of an individual attaining\n early retirement age on such October 1 exceeds the life\n expectancy as of October 1, 2036, of an individual attaining\n early retirement age on October 1, 2036. With respect to an\n individual who attains early retirement in the calendar year\n following any calendar year in which a determination is made\n under this paragraph, the age increase factor shall be the\n number of months determined under this paragraph as of\n October 1 of such calendar year in which such determination\n is made.''.\n\n SEC. __. INCREASE IN MAXIMUM AGE FOR DELAYED RETIREMENT\n CREDIT.\n\n (a) In General.--Subsection (w) of section 202 of the\n Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 402) is amended--\n (1) in paragraphs (2)(A) and (3), by striking ``age 70''\n each place it appears and inserting ``the maximum delayed\n retirement age (as determined pursuant to paragraph (7))'';\n (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:\n ``(7) For purposes of paragraphs (2)(A) and (3), the\n `maximum delayed retirement age' shall be equal to--\n ``(A) during the period before January 1, 2025, 70 years of\n age for an individual who has attained early retirement age\n (as determined under section 216(l)(2)) during such period;\n and\n ``(B) during the period after December 31, 2024, the sum\n of--\n ``(i) the retirement age for such calendar year, as\n determined under section 216(l)(1), for an individual who has\n attained age 62 (for purposes of section 216(l)(2)(A)) or who\n has attained age 60 (for purposes of section 216(l)(2)(B))\n during such calendar year; and\n ``(ii) 3 years.''.\n (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a)\n shall take effect on January 1, 2025.\n\n Mr. PAUL. I yield back all time on the amendment.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.\n\n Vote on Amendment No. 3346\n\n The question now occurs on the adoption of amendment No. 3346.\n Mr. PAUL. I ask for the yeas and nays.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a sufficient second?\n There appears to be a sufficient second.\n The clerk will call the roll.\n The senior assistant legislative clerk called the roll.\n Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Senator from West Virginia (Mr.\nManchin) and the Senator from California (Mr. Schiff) are necessarily\nabsent.\n Mr. THUNE. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator\nfrom Florida (Mr. Rubio) and the Senator from Ohio (Mr. Vance).\n The result was announced--yeas 3, nays 93, as follows:\n\n [Rollcall Vote No. 333 Leg.]\n\n YEAS--3\n\n Lee\n Lummis\n Paul\n\n NAYS--93\n\n Baldwin\n Barrasso\n Bennet\n Blackburn\n Blumenthal\n Booker\n Boozman\n Braun\n Britt\n Brown\n Budd\n Cantwell\n Capito\n Cardin\n Carper\n Casey\n Cassidy\n Collins\n Coons\n Cornyn\n Cortez Masto\n Cotton\n Cramer\n Crapo\n Cruz\n Daines\n Duckworth\n Durbin\n Ernst\n Fetterman\n Fischer\n Gillibrand\n Graham\n Grassley\n Hagerty\n Hassan\n Hawley\n Heinrich\n Hickenlooper\n Hirono\n Hoeven\n Hyde-Smith\n Johnson\n Kaine\n Kelly\n Kennedy\n Kim\n King\n Klobuchar\n Lankford\n Lujan\n Markey\n Marshall\n McConnell\n Merkley\n Moran\n Mullin\n Murkowski\n Murphy\n Murray\n Ossoff\n Padilla\n Peters\n Reed\n Ricketts\n Risch\n Romney\n Rosen\n Rounds\n Sanders\n Schatz\n Schmitt\n Schumer\n Scott (FL)\n Scott (SC)\n Shaheen\n Sinema\n Smith\n Stabenow\n Sullivan\n Tester\n Thune\n Tillis\n Tuberville\n Van Hollen\n Warner\n Warnock\n Warren\n Welch\n Whitehouse\n Wicker\n Wyden\n Young\n\n[[Page S7303]]\n\n NOT VOTING--4\n\n Manchin\n Rubio\n Schiff\n Vance\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this vote, the yeas are 3, the nays are 93.\n The 60-vote threshold having not been achieved, the amendment is not\nagreed to.\n The amendment (No. 3346) was rejected.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The majority leader.\n Mr. SCHUMER. Came close. Came close.\n Mr. President and my colleagues, we want to finish at a reasonable\nhour. If we want to finish as quickly as possible, I would urge Members\nto stay in their seats and answer to your name when it is called. That\nwill speed things up. Thank you. And we are going to have a 10-minute\nlimit on votes, period.\n (Applause.)\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Kentucky.\n\n Amendment No. 3352\n\n Mr. PAUL. Mr. President, I call up my amendment No. 3352 and ask that\nit be reported by number.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.\n The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:\n\n The Senator from Kentucky [Mr. PAUL] proposes an amendment\n numbered 3352.\n\n The amendment is as follows:\n\n (Purpose: To provide for automatic continuing resolutions)\n\n At the appropriate place, insert the following:\n\n SEC. ___. AUTOMATIC CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS.\n\n (a) In General.--Chapter 13 of title 31, United States\n Code, is amended by inserting after section 1310 the\n following new section:\n\n ``Sec. 1311. Continuing appropriations\n\n ``(a)(1) On and after the first day of each fiscal year, if\n an appropriation Act for such fiscal year with respect to the\n account for a program, project, or activity has not been\n enacted and continuing appropriations are not in effect with\n respect to the program, project, or activity, there are\n appropriated, at the rate for operations specified in\n paragraph (2), such sums as may be necessary to continue the\n program, project, or activity if funds were provided for the\n program, project, or activity during the preceding fiscal\n year--\n ``(A) in the corresponding appropriation Act for such\n preceding fiscal year; or\n ``(B) if the corresponding appropriation bill for such\n preceding fiscal year did not become law, in a law making\n continuing appropriations for such preceding fiscal year.\n ``(2)(A) Appropriations and funds made available, and\n authority granted, for a program, project, or activity for\n any fiscal year pursuant to this section shall be at a rate\n of operations not in excess of the lower of--\n ``(i) 94 percent of the rate of operations provided for in\n the regular appropriation Act providing for such program,\n project, or activity for the preceding fiscal year;\n ``(ii) in the absence of such an Act, 94 percent of the\n rate of operations provided for such program, project, or\n activity pursuant to a law making continuing appropriations\n for such preceding fiscal year; or\n ``(iii) 94 percent of the annualized rate of operations\n provided for in the most recently enacted law making\n continuing appropriations for part of that fiscal year or any\n funding levels established under the provisions of this\n section,\n for the period of 90 days. After the first 90-day period\n during which this subsection is in effect for that fiscal\n year, the applicable rate of operations shall be reduced by 1\n percentage point. For each subsequent 90-day period during\n which this subsection is in effect for that fiscal year, the\n applicable rate of operations shall be reduced by 1\n percentage point. The 90-day period reductions shall extend\n beyond the last day of that fiscal year.\n ``(B) If this section is in effect at the end of a fiscal\n year, funding levels shall continue as provided in this\n section for the next fiscal year.\n ``(3) Appropriations and funds made available, and\n authority granted, for any fiscal year pursuant to this\n section for a program, project, or activity shall be\n available for the period beginning with the first day of a\n lapse in appropriations and ending with the date on which the\n applicable regular appropriation bill for such fiscal year\n becomes law (whether or not such law provides for such\n program, project, or activity) or a continuing resolution\n making appropriations becomes law, as the case may be.\n ``(b) An appropriation or funds made available, or\n authority granted, for a program, project, or activity for\n any fiscal year pursuant to this section shall be subject to\n the terms and conditions imposed with respect to the\n appropriation made or funds made available for the preceding\n fiscal year, or authority granted for such program, project,\n or activity under current law.\n ``(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section,\n for those programs, projects, or activities that would\n otherwise have high initial rates of operation or complete\n distribution of appropriations at the beginning of a fiscal\n year for which funding is made available under this section\n because of distributions of funding to States, foreign\n countries, grantees, or others, such high initial rates of\n operation or complete distribution shall not be made, and no\n grants shall be awarded for such programs, projects, or\n activities funded by this section that would impinge on final\n funding prerogatives.\n ``(d) Expenditures made for a program, project, or activity\n for any fiscal year pursuant to this section shall be charged\n to the applicable appropriation, fund, or authorization\n whenever a regular appropriation bill or a measure making\n continuing appropriations until the end of a fiscal year\n providing for such program, project, or activity for such\n period becomes law.\n ``(e) This section shall not apply to a program, project,\n or activity during a fiscal year if any other provision of\n law (other than an authorization of appropriations)--\n ``(1) makes an appropriation, makes funds available, or\n grants authority for such program, project, or activity to\n continue for such period; or\n ``(2) specifically provides that no appropriation shall be\n made, no funds shall be made available, or no authority shall\n be granted for such program, project, or activity to continue\n for such period.''.\n (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections of chapter\n 13 of title 31, United States Code, is amended by inserting\n after the item relating to section 1310 the following new\n item:\n\n``1311. Continuing appropriations.''.\n\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. There will now be up to 2 minutes for debate,\nequally divided.\n Mr. PAUL. I yield back.\n\n Vote on Amendment No. 3352\n\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there any debate?\n Hearing none, the question is on agreeing to the amendment.\n Mr. PAUL. I ask for the yeas and nays.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a sufficient second?\n There appears to be a sufficient second.\n The clerk will call the roll.\n The legislative clerk called the roll.\n Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Senator from Nevada (Ms. Cortez\nMasto), the Senator from West Virginia (Mr. Manchin), and the Senator\nfrom California (Mr. Schiff) are necessarily absent.\n Mr. THUNE. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator\nfrom Florida (Mr. Rubio) and the Senator from Ohio (Mr. Vance).\n The result was announced--yeas 28, nays 67, as follows:\n\n [Rollcall Vote No. 334 Leg.]\n\n YEAS--28\n\n Barrasso\n Blackburn\n Braun\n Budd\n Cassidy\n Cramer\n Crapo\n Cruz\n Daines\n Ernst\n Graham\n Grassley\n Hagerty\n Hoeven\n Johnson\n Lankford\n Lee\n Lummis\n Marshall\n Moran\n Paul\n Risch\n Romney\n Schmitt\n Scott (FL)\n Scott (SC)\n Thune\n Tuberville\n\n NAYS--67\n\n Baldwin\n Bennet\n Blumenthal\n Booker\n Boozman\n Britt\n Brown\n Cantwell\n Capito\n Cardin\n Carper\n Casey\n Collins\n Coons\n Cornyn\n Cotton\n Duckworth\n Durbin\n Fetterman\n Fischer\n Gillibrand\n Hassan\n Hawley\n Heinrich\n Hickenlooper\n Hirono\n Hyde-Smith\n Kaine\n Kelly\n Kennedy\n Kim\n King\n Klobuchar\n Lujan\n Markey\n McConnell\n Merkley\n Mullin\n Murkowski\n Murphy\n Murray\n Ossoff\n Padilla\n Peters\n Reed\n Ricketts\n Rosen\n Rounds\n Sanders\n Schatz\n Schumer\n Shaheen\n Sinema\n Smith\n Stabenow\n Sullivan\n Tester\n Tillis\n Van Hollen\n Warner\n Warnock\n Warren\n Welch\n Whitehouse\n Wicker\n Wyden\n Young\n\n NOT VOTING--5\n\n Cortez Masto\n Manchin\n Rubio\n Schiff\n Vance\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this vote, the yeas are 28, the nays are\n67.\n The 60-vote threshold having not been achieved, the amendment is not\nagreed to.\n The amendment (No. 3352) was rejected.\n Mr. SCHUMER. Please, Members, stay in your seats. Let's get this done\nquick.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Schatz). The Senator from Texas.\n\n Amendment No. 3360\n\n (Purpose: In the nature of a substitute.)\n\n Mr. CRUZ. Mr. President, I call up my amendment No. 3360 and ask that\nit be reported by number.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the amendment by number.\n The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:\n\n[[Page S7304]]\n\n The Senator from Texas [Mr. Cruz] proposes an amendment\n numbered 3360.\n\n The amendment is as follows:\n (The amendment is printed in today's Record (legislative day of\nDecember 16, 2024) under ``Text of Amendments.'')\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. There are now up to 2 minutes of debate,\nequally divided.\n Mr. CRUZ. Mr. President, everyone is here tonight voting on a\nprovision to treat fairly our retired police officers, firefighters,\nand teachers. We should do that. The windfall elimination provision\ntreated them unfairly. I have been fighting to correct this since 2017.\nWe can correct this. We can treat our retired cops and firefighters and\nteachers fairly.\n However, the provision on the floor of the Senate tonight would add\nto the Social Security trust fund $200 billion in debt. Every Member of\nthis Senate--Republican and Democrat--has promised to our voters we\nwill protect Social Security. The bill on the floor of the Senate\ntonight would accelerate the insolvency of Social Security by 6 months.\n My amendment fixes the inequity of the windfall elimination provision\nbut does so at a cost of only $25 billion instead of $200 billion. The\namendment on the floor accelerates the insolvency of Social Security;\nmy amendment has a negligible effect on Social Security.\n Let me urge everyone: Let's support our cops and firefighters and\nteachers, but let's also not throw our seniors down the river. I urge\nyou to vote yes.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Oregon.\n Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, just very briefly, the House rejected the\nCruz proposal by a wide margin. Voting for this amendment, sending it\nback to the House right before the 118th Congress adjourns is, in\neffect, a vote to kill the bill. I would urge the body to reject this\nHail Mary attempt to kill the bill.\n I yield back.\n\n Vote on Amendment No. 3360\n\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is on adoption of the amendment.\n Mr. CRUZ. I ask for the yeas and nays.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a sufficient second?\n There appears to be a sufficient second.\n The clerk will call the roll.\n The senior assistant legislative clerk called the roll.\n Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Senator from West Virginia (Mr.\nManchin) and the Senator from California (Mr. Schiff) are necessarily\nabsent.\n Mr. THUNE. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator\nfrom Florida (Mr. Rubio) and the Senator from Ohio (Mr. Vance).\n The result was announced--yeas 32, nays 64, as follows:\n\n [Rollcall Vote No. 335 Leg.]\n\n YEAS--32\n\n Barrasso\n Blackburn\n Britt\n Budd\n Cornyn\n Cramer\n Crapo\n Cruz\n Daines\n Ernst\n Graham\n Grassley\n Hagerty\n Hoeven\n Hyde-Smith\n Johnson\n Lee\n Lummis\n Marshall\n McConnell\n Paul\n Risch\n Romney\n Rounds\n Schmitt\n Scott (FL)\n Scott (SC)\n Thune\n Tillis\n Tuberville\n Wicker\n Young\n\n NAYS--64\n\n Baldwin\n Bennet\n Blumenthal\n Booker\n Boozman\n Braun\n Brown\n Cantwell\n Capito\n Cardin\n Carper\n Casey\n Cassidy\n Collins\n Coons\n Cortez Masto\n Cotton\n Duckworth\n Durbin\n Fetterman\n Fischer\n Gillibrand\n Hassan\n Hawley\n Heinrich\n Hickenlooper\n Hirono\n Kaine\n Kelly\n Kennedy\n Kim\n King\n Klobuchar\n Lankford\n Lujan\n Markey\n Merkley\n Moran\n Mullin\n Murkowski\n Murphy\n Murray\n Ossoff\n Padilla\n Peters\n Reed\n Ricketts\n Rosen\n Sanders\n Schatz\n Schumer\n Shaheen\n Sinema\n Smith\n Stabenow\n Sullivan\n Tester\n Van Hollen\n Warner\n Warnock\n Warren\n Welch\n Whitehouse\n Wyden\n\n NOT VOTING--4\n\n Manchin\n Rubio\n Schiff\n Vance\n The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms. Baldwin). On this vote, the yeas are 32,\nthe nays are 64.\n Under the previous order requiring 60 votes for the adoption of this\namendment, the amendment is not agreed to.\n The amendment (No. 3360) was rejected.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The senior Senator from Idaho.\n\n Amendment No. 3331\n\n Mr. CRAPO. Madam President, I call up my amendment No. 3331, and I\nask that it be reported by number.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, the clerk will report the\namendment by number.\n The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:\n\n The Senator from Idaho [Mr. Crapo] proposes an amendment\n numbered 3331.\n\n The amendment is as follows:\n\n (Purpose: To delay the repeal of the Government pension offset and\n windfall elimination provisions until additional changes are made to\n offset any negative impacts on the actuarial balance of the Social\n Security Trust Fund)\n\n Strike section 4 and insert the following:\n\n SEC. 4. EFFECTIVE DATE.\n\n (a) In General.--The amendments made by this Act shall take\n effect on the date on which the condition described in\n paragraph (1) of subsection (b) is met and shall apply with\n respect to monthly insurance benefits payable under title II\n of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.) for months\n beginning on or after such date.\n (b) Requirement to Offset GPO and WEP Repeal.--\n (1) In general.--The condition described in this paragraph\n is that there are enacted into law such changes to the Social\n Security program under title II of the Social Security Act\n (42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.) (or to any other provision of law) as\n are necessary to fully offset any negative impacts on the\n actuarial balance of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors\n Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance\n Trust established under such title that would result from the\n amendments made by this Act.\n (2) Determination that condition is met.--For purposes of\n subsection (a), the Board of Trustees of the Trust Funds\n established under section 201(c) of the Social Security Act\n (42 U.S.C. 401(c)) shall determine the date on which the\n condition described in paragraph (1) is met.\n (c) Recomputation of Primary Insurance Amounts Following\n Repeal of WEP.--Notwithstanding section 215(f) of the Social\n Security Act (42 U.S.C. 415(f)), the Commissioner of Social\n Security shall adjust primary insurance amounts to the extent\n necessary to take into account the amendments made by section\n 3.\n\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. There will now be 2 minutes for debate,\nequally divided.\n Mr. CRAPO. Madam President, throughout this entire debate, no one has\ndenied that this bill will raise the insolvency of the Social Security\ntrust fund and cost our hard-working Social Security recipients to lose\n$200 billion in Social Security benefits when it does go insolvent.\n My amendment simply would delay the implementation of the Social\nSecurity Fairness Act until changes are made that would offset the\nbill's negative effects on Social Security's actuarial balance as\ndetermined by the Social Security board of trustees.\n Let the Finance Committee fix this bill.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The senior Senator from Oregon.\n Mr. WYDEN. Madam President, the public should know that the Senator\nis raising concerns about the financial impact of this bill while he\nand other leaders in his party are vowing to use every budget gimmick\nunder the Sun next year to avoid paying for their tax bill.\n Second, we have long had a tale of two tax codes in America, where\nfirefighters and teachers pay with every check while the wealthy can\navoid taxes. Now we have the tale of two deficits, where deficits don't\nexist when it benefits the wealthy, but any changes benefiting\nfirefighters have to be paid for.\n I urge my colleagues to vote against this amendment.\n\n Vote on Amendment No. 3331\n\n =========================== NOTE ===========================\n\n On page S7304, December 20, 2024, the third column, the\nfollowing appears: Vote on Amendment No. 3361\n\n The online Record has been corrected to read: Vote on Amendment\nNo. 3331\n\n ========================= END NOTE =========================\n\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is on adoption of the amendment.\n Mr. CRAPO. I ask for the yeas and nays.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a sufficient second?\n There appears to be a sufficient second.\n The clerk will call the roll.\n The legislative clerk called the roll.\n Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Senator from West Virginia (Mr.\nManchin) and the Senator from California (Mr. Schiff) are necessarily\nabsent.\n Mr. THUNE. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator\n\n[[Page S7305]]\n\nfrom Florida (Mr. Rubio) and the Senator from Ohio (Mr. Vance).\n The result was announced--yeas 34, nays 62, as follows:\n\n [Rollcall Vote No. 336 Leg.]\n\n YEAS--34\n\n Barrasso\n Blackburn\n Britt\n Budd\n Carper\n Cornyn\n Cramer\n Crapo\n Cruz\n Daines\n Ernst\n Graham\n Grassley\n Hagerty\n Hoeven\n Hyde-Smith\n Johnson\n Lankford\n Lee\n Lummis\n Marshall\n McConnell\n Paul\n Risch\n Romney\n Rounds\n Schmitt\n Scott (FL)\n Scott (SC)\n Thune\n Tillis\n Tuberville\n Wicker\n Young\n\n NAYS--62\n\n Baldwin\n Bennet\n Blumenthal\n Booker\n Boozman\n Braun\n Brown\n Cantwell\n Capito\n Cardin\n Casey\n Cassidy\n Collins\n Coons\n Cortez Masto\n Cotton\n Duckworth\n Durbin\n Fetterman\n Fischer\n Gillibrand\n Hassan\n Hawley\n Heinrich\n Hickenlooper\n Hirono\n Kaine\n Kelly\n Kennedy\n Kim\n King\n Klobuchar\n Lujan\n Markey\n Merkley\n Moran\n Mullin\n Murkowski\n Murphy\n Murray\n Ossoff\n Padilla\n Peters\n Reed\n Ricketts\n Rosen\n Sanders\n Schatz\n Schumer\n Shaheen\n Sinema\n Smith\n Stabenow\n Sullivan\n Tester\n Van Hollen\n Warner\n Warnock\n Warren\n Welch\n Whitehouse\n Wyden\n\n NOT VOTING--4\n\n Manchin\n Rubio\n Schiff\n Vance\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this vote, the yeas are 34, the nays are\n62.\n The 60-vote threshold having not been achieved, the amendment is not\nagreed to.\n The amendment (No. 3331) was rejected.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Utah.\n\n Point of Order\n\n Mr. LEE. The economist Milton Friedman once said:\n\n Keep your eye on one thing and one thing only: how much the\n government is spending, because that is the true tax. . . .\n If you're not paying for it in the form of explicit taxes,\n you're paying for it indirectly in the form of inflation or\n in the form of borrowing.\n\n The Senate is poised to enact another tax on the American people this\nweek--tonight, in fact--a $200 billion tax that will leave a hole in\nthe Social Security trust fund. This tax will give extra Social\nSecurity benefits to just 4 percent of the American workforce at the\nexpense of the other 96 percent of hard-working Americans.\n We must be honest with ourselves in acknowledging that this bill is\nfiscally irresponsible. To make matters worse, it is entirely\nunnecessary at this moment in time. There is no reason why we have to\nbe pressed to pass it tonight. Congress is up against no particular\ndeadlines, nor is any program at risk of expiring.\n Social Security is already on a dangerously unsustainable path. The\ntrust fund is projected to run out of money in the next decade, which\nwould lead to an across-the-board benefit cut. This bill would\naccelerate that crisis. To tax the American people to the tune of\nanother $200 billion is ludicrous by itself, but to do so when there is\nno immediate need is nefarious.\n To that end, the pending measure, H.R. 82, would cause an increase of\n$197.81 billion in the level of Social Security deficit relative to the\nlevel deemed for budget enforcement.\n Therefore, I raise a point of order against this measure under\nsection 311(a)(3) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The junior Senator from Rhode Island.\n\n Motion to Waive\n\n Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Madam President, pursuant to section 904 of the\nCongressional Budget Act of 1974 and the waiver provisions of\napplicable budget resolutions, I move to waive all applicable sections\nof that act and applicable budget points of order for the purposes of\nthe pending measure.\n I ask for the yeas and nays, and for the sake of our retired police\nofficers, firefighters, and teachers, I would urge you to provide a lot\nmore yeas than nays.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a sufficient second?\n There appears to be a sufficient second.\n The clerk will call the roll.\n The senior assistant legislative clerk called the roll.\n Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Senator from West Virginia (Mr.\nManchin) and the Senator from California (Mr. Schiff) are necessarily\nabsent.\n Mr. THUNE. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator\nfrom Florida (Mr. Rubio) and the Senator from Ohio (Mr. Vance).\n The yeas and nays resulted--yeas 66, nays 30, as follows:\n\n [Rollcall Vote No. 337 Leg.]\n\n YEAS--66\n\n Baldwin\n Bennet\n Blumenthal\n Booker\n Boozman\n Braun\n Brown\n Cantwell\n Capito\n Cardin\n Carper\n Casey\n Cassidy\n Collins\n Coons\n Cortez Masto\n Cotton\n Duckworth\n Durbin\n Fetterman\n Fischer\n Gillibrand\n Graham\n Hagerty\n Hassan\n Hawley\n Heinrich\n Hickenlooper\n Hirono\n Kaine\n Kelly\n Kennedy\n Kim\n King\n Klobuchar\n Lujan\n Markey\n Merkley\n Moran\n Mullin\n Murkowski\n Murphy\n Murray\n Ossoff\n Padilla\n Peters\n Reed\n Ricketts\n Rosen\n Sanders\n Schatz\n Schumer\n Scott (SC)\n Shaheen\n Sinema\n Smith\n Stabenow\n Sullivan\n Tester\n Van Hollen\n Warner\n Warnock\n Warren\n Welch\n Whitehouse\n Wyden\n\n NAYS--30\n\n Barrasso\n Blackburn\n Britt\n Budd\n Cornyn\n Cramer\n Crapo\n Cruz\n Daines\n Ernst\n Grassley\n Hoeven\n Hyde-Smith\n Johnson\n Lankford\n Lee\n Lummis\n Marshall\n McConnell\n Paul\n Risch\n Romney\n Rounds\n Schmitt\n Scott (FL)\n Thune\n Tillis\n Tuberville\n Wicker\n Young\n\n NOT VOTING--4\n\n Manchin\n Rubio\n Schiff\n Vance\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this vote, the yeas are 66, the nays are\n30.\n Three-fifths of the Senators duly chosen and sworn having voted in\nthe affirmative, the motion is agreed to and the point of order falls.\n Under the previous order, the motion to commit and all pending\namendments are withdrawn. The bill is considered read a third time.\n The amendments were withdrawn.\n The bill was ordered to a third reading and was read the third time.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The bill having been read the third time, the\nquestion is, Shall the bill pass?\n Mr. TILLIS. I ask for the yeas and nays.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a sufficient second?\n There appears to be a sufficient second.\n The clerk will call the roll.\n The legislative clerk called the roll.\n Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Senator from West Virginia (Mr.\nManchin) and the Senator from California (Mr. Schiff) are necessarily\nabsent.\n Mr. THUNE. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator\nfrom Florida (Mr. Rubio) and the Senator from Ohio (Mr. Vance).\n The result was announced--yeas 76, nays 20, as follows:\n\n [Rollcall Vote No. 338 Leg.]\n\n YEAS--76\n\n Baldwin\n Bennet\n Blackburn\n Blumenthal\n Booker\n Boozman\n Braun\n Brown\n Cantwell\n Capito\n Cardin\n Carper\n Casey\n Cassidy\n Collins\n Coons\n Cornyn\n Cortez Masto\n Cotton\n Cramer\n Duckworth\n Durbin\n Fetterman\n Fischer\n Gillibrand\n Graham\n Hagerty\n Hassan\n Hawley\n Heinrich\n Hickenlooper\n Hirono\n Hoeven\n Hyde-Smith\n Kaine\n Kelly\n Kennedy\n Kim\n King\n Klobuchar\n Lankford\n Lujan\n Markey\n Marshall\n Merkley\n Moran\n Mullin\n Murkowski\n Murphy\n Murray\n Ossoff\n Padilla\n Peters\n Reed\n Ricketts\n Risch\n Rosen\n Sanders\n Schatz\n Schmitt\n Schumer\n Scott (FL)\n Scott (SC)\n Shaheen\n Sinema\n Smith\n Stabenow\n Sullivan\n Tester\n Van Hollen\n Warner\n Warnock\n Warren\n Welch\n Whitehouse\n Wyden\n\n NAYS--20\n\n Barrasso\n Britt\n Budd\n Crapo\n Cruz\n Daines\n Ernst\n Grassley\n Johnson\n Lee\n Lummis\n McConnell\n Paul\n Romney\n Rounds\n Thune\n Tillis\n Tuberville\n Wicker\n Young\n\n NOT VOTING--4\n\n Manchin\n Rubio\n Schiff\n Vance\n The bill (H.R. 82) passed.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this vote, the yeas are 76, the nays are\n20.\n The 60-vote threshold having been achieved, the bill is passed.\n The bill (H.R. 82) was passed.\n\n[[Page S7306]]\n\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Democratic leader.\n Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, tonight, the Senate finally corrects a\n50-year mistake by passing the Social Security Fairness Act. Millions\nof retired teachers and firefighters and letter carriers and State and\nlocal workers have waited decades for this moment. No longer will\npublic retirees see their hard-earned Social Security benefits robbed\nfrom them, thanks to this bill. It is a very good thing that one of the\nfinal acts of the 118th Congress is delivering a huge win for working\nAmericans.\n I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their\noutstanding work, particularly Senators Brown, Collins, and Cassidy,\nwho led the way, and all those who relentlessly, across the country,\ncalled their Senators and got this done.\n\n American Relief Act of 2025\n\n Madam President, tonight, the Senate delivers more good news for\nAmerica. Tonight, the Senate delivers good news for America. There will\nbe no government shutdown right before Christmas.\n (Applause.)\n This is a good bill. It will keep the government open and funded, and\nit helps Americans affected by hurricanes and natural disasters. It\nhelps our farmers and avoids harmful cuts. After a chaotic few days in\nthe House, it is good news that the bipartisan approach, in the end,\nprevailed. It is a good lesson for next year. Both sides have to work\ntogether.\n By dealing with people who have had trouble with disasters, by\nhelping our farmers, and avoiding harmful cuts, this is a good bill,\nand I am glad we are passing it.\n I thank my Republican colleagues for working with us to move this\nbill quickly through the Senate. It is a good outcome for America and\nthe American people.\n I yield the floor.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7306", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "AMERICAN RELIEF ACT, 2025", "SENATE", "SENATE", "ALLOTHER", "S7306", "S7307", "[{\"name\": \"Patty Murray\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Susan M. Collins\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Charles E. Schumer\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Richard J. Durbin\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"John Thune\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", "[{\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"10545\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"10545\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"10545\"}]", "170 Cong. Rec. S7306", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Pages S7306-S7307]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n AMERICAN RELIEF ACT, 2025\n\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the previous order, the Senate will\nproceed to the consideration of H.R. 10545, which the clerk will\nreport.\n The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:\n\n A bill (H.R. 10545) making further continuing\n appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025,\n and for other purposes.\n\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. There will now be up to 30 minutes for debate,\nequally divided.\n The senior Senator from Washington.\n Mrs. MURRAY. Madam President, I will not use 15 minutes, but I do\nwant to just let our colleagues know that I am very pleased that we are\non the verge of passing long overdue relief desperately needed by\ncommunities that are recovering from disaster, as well as avoiding a\ndamaging shutdown.\n The only reason it took so long and this much chaos to get here is\nthat House Republicans chose chaos and chose to follow the whims of the\nrichest man in the world. Needless to say, that is not how this should\nwork.\n But I am glad that at the end of the day, we will avoid a shutdown\nand get disaster relief out to families and communities that are\nstruggling after being hit by hurricanes and fires and floods and so\nmuch more.\n I worked hard with Members on both sides of the aisle to finally get\nthis aid across the line and to make sure we did so in a comprehensive\nway that meets the wide range of critical needs in the country, because\nit is painfully clear there are so many communities that are still\nreeling from hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, flooding, and more that\nreally do need this support.\n So, despite all the unnecessary chaos and delay, I am glad we are\nfinally here, getting this done. This relief will make a critical\ndifference for folks who have lost it all and are simply working to get\ntheir feet back underneath them.\n I urge all of my colleagues to join me in passing this package so we\ncan get this over the line and avoid a needless shutdown as we head\ninto the holidays.\n Finally, one last important thing. I want to recognize my colleagues\nwho helped pull this relief package together, especially my vice chair\non Appropriations, Senator Collins, who has been a critical partner,\nand our House counterparts, Congresswoman DeLauro and Congressman Cole,\nwho have pushed so hard to get this disaster relief done.\n Of course, I want to thank all of our staff, especially Evan Schatz,\nour staff director, who worked so hard around the clock to pull\ntogether not just the disaster relief in this package but so many other\ncritical funding packages and proposals over the last 2 years I have\nbeen chair of the Appropriations Committee. The work is never easy, and\nI am incredibly grateful to our entire team and to all of our\ncolleagues who have been working so hard.\n I yield the floor.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The senior Senator from Maine.\n Ms. COLLINS. Madam President, I rise to urge the passage of the\nAmerican Relief Act. This bill will avert a costly government shutdown.\nAlthough it is after 12 midnight, we are going to avert it. It will\ndeliver much needed assistance to individuals, small businesses, and\ncommunities working to rebuild and repair in the wake of natural\ndisasters. It provides much needed aid to our farmers across the\ncountry, who have been hit by a tidal wave of harmful economic\nconditions.\n I want to thank the many Senators who have contributed to this\nlegislation. In particular, I want to recognize Chair Murray for her\nleadership of the Appropriations Committee during this Congress.\n I hope that in the next Congress, we can bring appropriations bills\nto the Senate floor in a timely fashion to avoid this kind of end-of-\nthe-year pile-up.\n I do urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I, too, want to\nrecognize and thank my outstanding staff for their hard work.\n\n Social Security Fairness Act\n\n Finally, Madam President, I do want to say that it is a great\naccomplishment that tonight the Senate passed the Social Security\nFairness Act, which will be sent to the President for his signature.\nThis is long overdue.\n I want to share with my colleagues one really important fact, and\nthat is that 83 percent of those who are affected by the government\npension offset, which we repealed tonight, are lower income women. So\nthis is a great accomplishment to eliminate these two inequitable,\nunfair provisions of the Social Security Act. It is going to make a big\ndifference.\n I yield the floor.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Democratic leader.\n Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, this is the last vote not only of this\nevening but of the 118th Congress.\n We yield back all time.\n (Applause.)\n\n Vote on H.R. 10545\n\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. All time is yielded back.\n The bill was ordered to a third reading and was read the third time.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The bill having been read the third time, the\nquestion is, Shall the bill pass?\n Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, I ask for the yeas and nays.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a sufficient second?\n There is a sufficient second.\n The clerk will call the roll.\n The senior assistant legislative clerk called the roll.\n Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Senator from West Virginia (Mr.\nManchin) and the Senator from California (Mr. Schiff) are necessarily\nabsent.\n Mr. THUNE. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator\nfrom Florida (Mr. Rubio) and the Senator from Ohio (Mr. Vance).\n The result was announced--yeas 85, nays 11, as follows:\n\n [Rollcall Vote No. 339 Leg.]\n\n YEAS--85\n\n Baldwin\n Barrasso\n Bennet\n Blackburn\n Blumenthal\n Booker\n Boozman\n Britt\n Brown\n Budd\n Cantwell\n Capito\n Cardin\n Carper\n Casey\n Cassidy\n Collins\n Coons\n Cornyn\n Cortez Masto\n Cotton\n Cramer\n Cruz\n Daines\n Duckworth\n Durbin\n Ernst\n Fetterman\n Fischer\n Gillibrand\n Graham\n Grassley\n Hagerty\n Hassan\n Heinrich\n Hickenlooper\n Hirono\n Hoeven\n Hyde-Smith\n Kaine\n Kelly\n Kim\n King\n Klobuchar\n Lankford\n Lujan\n Lummis\n Markey\n Marshall\n McConnell\n Merkley\n Moran\n Mullin\n Murkowski\n Murphy\n Murray\n Ossoff\n Padilla\n Peters\n Reed\n Ricketts\n Rosen\n Rounds\n\n[[Page S7307]]\n\n Schatz\n Schumer\n Scott (FL)\n Scott (SC)\n Shaheen\n Sinema\n Smith\n Stabenow\n Sullivan\n Tester\n Thune\n Tillis\n Tuberville\n Van Hollen\n Warner\n Warnock\n Warren\n Welch\n Whitehouse\n Wicker\n Wyden\n Young\n\n NAYS--11\n\n Braun\n Crapo\n Hawley\n Johnson\n Kennedy\n Lee\n Paul\n Risch\n Romney\n Sanders\n Schmitt\n\n NOT VOTING--4\n\n Manchin\n Rubio\n Schiff\n Vance\n The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Kaine). On this vote, the yeas are 85, the\nnays are 11.\n The 60-vote threshold having been achieved, the bill is passed.\n The bill (H.R. 10545) was passed.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7307-2", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "Unanimous Consent Request--H.R. 3433 (Executive Session)", "SENATE", "SENATE", "SCONSENTREQUEST", "S7307", "S7307", "[{\"name\": \"Michael F. Bennet\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Rand Paul\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", "[{\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"3433\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"3433\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"3433\"}]", "170 Cong. Rec. S7307", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7307]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n Unanimous Consent Request--H.R. 3433\n\n Mr. BENNET. Mr. President, in a moment, I will ask for unanimous\nconsent to pass H.R. 3433, the bipartisan Give Kids a Chance Act. I\nwould like to highlight how important this legislation is for children\nwith cancer all across this country.\n The Give Kids a Chance Act finally authorizes the FDA to direct\ncompanies who are conducting research for adult cancer drugs to study\nthose drugs in combination with others to see whether they also can\nwork well for kids who have cancer.\n The bill continues the work that Senator Rubio and I started in 2017,\nwhen we worked together to pass the RACE for Children Act, which\nrequired sponsors of certain adult cancer drugs to study the benefits\nor the effects and their use in children.\n Since then, Senator Rubio and I have both learned that combination\ntherapies can be effective treatments and reduce the risk of side\neffects significantly, both for adults and for kids. That is why this\nlegislation is so important.\n This bill can help save the lives of children all over our country\nwho have the most aggressive forms of cancer. It would ensure that\npharmaceutical companies are being held accountable to study how their\ndrugs affect children who may have the same kind of cancer as adults\nbut who need more tailored treatment in combination with other drugs.\n I know Senator Rubio and I have both heard numerous stories from\npatients who have asked for themselves and parents who have asked on\nbehalf of their children and who have advocated on behalf of children\nwho have passed away.\n This bill also authorizes the FDA to take enforcement action against\ncompanies that do not conduct the pediatric trials that are required\nunder the Pediatric Research Equity Act and requires the FDA to report\non enforcement of this act.\n Additionally, the bill reauthorizes the FDA rare pediatric disease\npriority review voucher program through fiscal year 2029, which\nincentivizes drug development for rare pediatric diseases.\n This bill has the support of dozens and dozens of organizations that\nrepresent kids and parents all across our country. I ask unanimous\nconsent that their names be printed in the Record. In the interest of\ntime this evening, I won't read them on the floor, although I want to\nsay how deeply I appreciate their efforts.\n There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in\nthe Record, as follows:\n\n Kids v Cancer, Arms Wide Open, Christina Renna Foundation\n Inc, Curing Kids Cancer, DADA2 Foundation, Elevate Childhood\n Cancer, End Kids Cancer, EVAN Foundation, Gabriella's Smile\n Foundation, Give Kids The World, just to name a few.\n\n Mr. BENNET. I would also like to highlight the bipartisan nature of\nthis work--Senator Rubio, as a cosponsor, with Senators Casey and\nMullin, who cosponsored provisions of this House bill as well.\n This bill has passed unanimously out of the House Energy and Commerce\nCommittee. It has passed the House by voice vote.\n Now is the time to pass this bill. If we pass it tonight, it will go\nto the President for his signature.\n Mr. President, as if in legislative session, I ask unanimous consent\nthat the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions be\ndischarged from further consideration of and that the Senate proceed to\nH.R. 3433; further, that the bill be considered read a third time and\npassed; and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid\nupon the table.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?\n The Senator from Kentucky.\n Mr. PAUL. Mr. President, I object.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.\n The Senator from Colorado.\n Mr. BENNET. Mr. President, I just want to say how deeply I regret the\nobjection of the Senator from Kentucky. That is, of course, his right.\nI gather that he is objecting because he objects to the lateness of the\nhour and the time with which this request was made. At least, that is\nwhat I was told earlier tonight.\n I think after we have been held here in place for hours and hours and\nhours, the idea that we are not going to be able to pass this\nlegislation is deeply, deeply disappointing to the people who have\nadvocated for this for all of these years. It is a reflection, I think,\nof how broken this place is in the way that it puts its own interests\nahead of the interests of the people who we represent. But we will be\nback to fight another day.\n Mr. President, I wish you and the staff here in the Senate at this\nlate hour, and my colleagues who are here as well, happy holidays and\nMerry Christmas. We will see you in the new year.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from New Hampshire."], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7307-3", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "Unanimous Consent Request--H.R. 4531 (Executive Session)", "SENATE", "SENATE", "SCONSENTREQUEST", "S7307", "S7308", "[{\"name\": \"Margaret Wood Hassan\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Rand Paul\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Michael F. Bennet\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}, {\"name\": \"Charles E. Schumer\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", "[{\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"4531\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"4531\"}]", "170 Cong. Rec. S7307", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Pages S7307-S7308]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n Unanimous Consent Request--H.R. 4531\n\n Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I rise today to urge my colleagues to pass\ninto law lifesaving, bipartisan legislation that will enable us to keep\nfighting the opioid and fentanyl epidemic that has destroyed families\nand devastated communities across our country.\n New data from just this week found that drug overdose deaths dropped\n17 percent from last summer to this summer. We now have a much better\nsense of what works to prevent and treat addiction, the resources we\nneed to do so, and the light that exists on the other end of this\nterrible, terrible tunnel. But we can only get there if we keep up the\nfight.\n The SUPPORT Act of 2018 established vital addiction treatment\ninfrastructure. Reauthorizing this law is essential to our addiction\nprevention, treatment, and recovery efforts. Just two of many examples\ninclude funding addiction treatment for pregnant women and supporting\nfirst responders.\n The original SUPPORT Act passed the Senate with 98 votes, and the\nbipartisan reauthorization passed the House with 386 votes. Now the\nSenate must send it to the President's desk before we adjourn for the\nyear. This is not the time for complacency, nor is it time for despair.\nNothing less than people's lives depend on us acting.\n So, Mr. President, as if in legislative session, I ask unanimous\nconsent that the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions be\ndischarged from further consideration of H.R. 4531 and the Senate\nproceed to its immediate consideration; further, that the bill be\nconsidered read a third time and\n\n[[Page S7308]]\n\npassed; and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid\nupon the table.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?\n The Senator from Kentucky.\n Mr. PAUL. I object.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.\n The Senator from New Hampshire.\n Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I will just say that I regret the\nobjection. A Senate version of the reauthorization was, of course,\nincluded in the package that we all agreed on--bipartisan agreement in\nboth the Senate and the House, after months and months of work,\nreauthorized through our committee process--and was stripped out, of\ncourse, on Wednesday at the instruction of Mr. Musk. So the House had\nalready passed this bipartisan bill. It had huge and overwhelming\nbipartisan support there, and this is really unfortunate because, of\ncourse, the opioid epidemic--especially the fentanyl epidemic--\ncontinues to devastate our communities, and it is truly unfortunate\nthat the objection was made tonight.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Colorado.\n Mr. BENNET. I suggest the absence of a quorum.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.\n The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.\n Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order\nfor the quorum call be rescinded.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered."], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7307", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "EXECUTIVE CALENDAR (Executive Session)", "SENATE", "SENATE", "SEXECCAL", "S7307", "S7307", null, null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7307", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7307]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n EXECUTIVE CALENDAR\n\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the previous order, the Senate will\nresume executive session to consider the following nominations, en\nbloc: Calendar Nos. 851, 853, 854, and 857.\n The question is, Will the Senate advise and consent to the nomination\nof David Michael Capozzi, of Maryland, to be a Director of the Amtrak\nBoard of Directors for a term of five years (New Position); Ronald L.\nBatory, of New Mexico, to be a Director of the Amtrak Board of\nDirectors for a term of five years; Elaine Marie Clegg, of Idaho, to be\na Director of the Amtrak Board of Directors for a term of five years;\nand Lanhee J. Chen, of California, to be a Director of the Amtrak Board\nof Directors for a term of five years?\n The nominations are confirmed en bloc.\n Under the previous order, the motion to reconsider is considered made\nand laid upon the table, and the President will be immediately notified\nof the Senate's actions.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Colorado."], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7308-2", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "EXECUTIVE CALENDAR", "SENATE", "SENATE", "SEXECCAL", "S7308", "S7312", "[{\"name\": \"Charles E. Schumer\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7308", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Pages S7308-S7312]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n EXECUTIVE CALENDAR\n\n Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate\nproceed to executive session and the Committee on Foreign Relations be\ndischarged from further consideration of PN Nos. 794; 795; 796,\nexcepting Peter Gauthier, Mark Gray, Steven Rynecki, Lori Du Trieuille;\n898, excepting Kenneth MacLean, Amanda Van den Dool, Adriana Harvey;\n1535; 1536; 1538; 1539, excepting Sean Jones, Karl Fickenscher; 1540\nexcepting Kenneth MacLean; 1975; 2031; 2146; 2148; 2233; 2234; 2235;\n2004; 1537 excepting Janee P. Pierre-Louis; 1978; and 2147; that the\nSenate proceed to their en bloc consideration and vote without\nintervening action or debate; that if confirmed, the motion to\nreconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no\nintervening action or debate and the President be immediately notified\nof the Senate's action and the Senate resume legislative session.\n There being no objection, the committee was discharged, and the\nSenate proceeded to consider the nominations en bloc.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is, Will the Senate advise and\nconsent to the nominations of PN Nos. 794; 795; 796, excepting Peter\nGauthier, Mark Gray, Steven Rynecki, Lori Du Trieuille; 898, excepting\nKenneth MacLean, Amanda Van den Dool, Adriana Harvey; 1535; 1536; 1538;\n1539, excepting Sean Jones, Karl Fickenscher; 1540 excepting Kenneth\n\n[[Page S7309]]\n\nMacLean; 1975; 2031; 2146; 2148; 2233; 2234; 2235; 2004; 1537 excepting\nJanee P. Pierre-Louis; 1978; and 2147, en bloc?\n The nominations were confirmed en bloc, as follows:\n\n PN794\n\n The following-named Members of the Foreign Service of the\n Department of Commerce to be a Consular Officer and a\n Secretary in the Diplomatic Service of the United States of\n America:\n George A. Ayache, of Texas; Scott A. Bennett, of Missouri:\n Syeda S. Borchmeyer, of New York; Thomas S. Clever, of Texas;\n Erin M. Cole, of Iowa; Ja'Nel M. Edens, of Virginia; Durra R.\n Elmaki, of Virginia; Scot B. Gonzales, of Virginia; Clinton\n L. Harper, of Virginia; Matthew J. Kohner, of Virginia; John\n P. Kim, of Texas; Kerry F. LePain, of Alaska; Annette K.\n Lipp, of Idaho; Cara L. Lofaro, of Maryland; Debra K. Martin,\n of West Virginia; John P. McCadams, of Tennessee; John C,\n Mueller, of Florida; Sichao Ni, of Florida; Sarah E. Nickel,\n of the District of Columbia; Lawrence T. Outlaw, of\n Louisiana; David A. Pasquini, of California; Christopher D.\n Priddy, of Virginia; Aisha N. Salem-Howey, of Florida; Robert\n E. Scully III, of Virginia; Thomas A. Strauss, of Missouri;\n Haley M. Sund, of California; Donald E. Townsend. Jr., of\n Florida; Justin D. Tapp, of Tennessee; Nathan C. Traurig, of\n the District of Columbia; Matthew T. Westerberg, of South\n Carolina.\n\n PN795\n\n The following-named Members of the Foreign Service of the\n Department of Commerce to be a Foreign Service Officer, a\n Consular Officer, and a Secretary in the Diplomatic Service\n of the United States of America:\n Santiago Davila, of California; Frederick Helfrich, of\n Pennsylvania; Melissa Hill, of California; Seth Oppenheim, of\n the District of Columbia; Irwin Roberts, of North Carolina.\n\n PN796-1\n\n The following-named Career Members of the Foreign Service\n of the United States Agency for International Development to\n be a Foreign Service Officer, a Consular Officer, and a\n Secretary in the Diplomatic Service of the United States of\n America:\n Alula Abera, of Nevada; Stephanie L. Altman, of Maryland;\n Ann Bacon, of Ohio; Mustansir Barma, of Nebraska; Jennifer\n Bergeson-Lockwood, of the District of Columbia; Chad\n Berkowitz, of New York; Amanda Boachie, of Maryland; Danielle\n Brooks, of Texas; Jolisa Brooks, of Michigan; Jeanne\n Choquehuanca, of Texas; Lea Claye, of the District of\n Columbia; Marylin Coicou, of Hawaii; Sarah Cooper, of\n California; Nathan Cutler, of Texas; Jacqueline Schumacher\n Cutten, of Washington; Dennis E. Foster, of Texas; Brian\n Friedman, of Alaska; Berhan Hagos, of the District of\n Columbia; Francis A. Hall, of Texas; Faye E. Haselkorn, of\n California.\n Keisha Herbert, of Ohio; David Howlett, of Nevada; Farida\n Ibrahim, of Florida; Henock Kewendbelay, of Colorado; Peter\n Khaemba. of Florida; Joyce Kim, of California; Julie M.\n Lamadrid, of New Mexico; Benjamin Lawrence, of Pennsylvania;\n Brian Lecuyer, of the District of Columbia; Angelique Mahal,\n of New York; Kareem Mansour, of Florida; David Martz, of\n Florida; Mariela Medina Castellanos, of California; Timothy\n Melvin, of Florida; Alina Menicucci, of the District of\n Columbia; Bryan Moody, of Nevada; Brian Murphy, of Florida;\n Ceara O'Carroll, of Wisconsin; Cory O'Hara, of Wyoming;\n Jazmian Allen Ohanyere, of California.\n Krina Patel, of Virginia; Meron Paulos, of the District of\n Columbia; Andrea Pavlick, of Pennsylvania; Nathan Piper, of\n the District of Columbia; David Rawson, of New Hampshire;\n Vann Rolfson, of Maryland; Kristopher Rowell, of Missouri;\n Kevin Sampson, of the District of Columbia; Aaron Schubert,\n of Alaska; Bryce S. Smedley, of Ohio; Noah Sprafkin, of\n Nevada; Sara Suliman, of Florida; Andreea Surdu, of the\n District of Columbia; Michael O. Tauras, of California;\n Summer Tucker, of Michigan; Kion Turner, of the District of\n Columbia; Stephanie M. Ullrich, of Washington; Patricia A.\n Viala, of Virginia; Meghan E. Waters, of Colorado; Howard M.\n Weston, of the District of Columbia; Vanessa Wilks, of\n Florida.\n\n PN898-1\n\n The following-named Career Members of the Foreign Service\n of the United States Agency for International Development to\n be a Foreign Service Officer, a Consular Officer, and a\n Secretary in the Diplomatic Service of the United States of\n America:\n Kyle L. Abbattista, of New York; Taylor Jade Adams, of\n Maryland; Mohib Ullah Ahmed, of Virginia; David M. Arnett, of\n Florida; Jennifer A. Baldwin, of the District of Columbia;\n Margaret Rose Benavente, of Hawaii; Beth A. Brownson, of\n Virginia; Brian Yung-Pau Chang, of California; Marvin\n Crespin-Gamez, of California; Sarah Jane Crites, of\n California; Emma Henriette Din, of Georgia; Stephanie Dorman,\n of Wisconsin; Anne A. Flaker, of Missouri; Arvil Antonio\n Gonzalez, of New York; Eli David Groener, of Massachusetts;\n Parker Bennett Gueye, of Maryland; Maria Delores (Lola)\n Hermosillo, of California; Che-Ling Maureen Hsia, of\n Washington; David Samuel Jackson, of Maryland; Matthew D.\n Jira, of Arkansas.\n Regina S. Jun, of California; Yoel Kirschner, of\n California; Lisa Welsh Kovack, of New Hampshire; Amita A.\n Kulkarni, of California; Jennifer Laakso, of Florida; Tracey\n Lam, of California; Cicely Cornelia Lewis, of Virginia; Kelly\n Koeppl Mack, of Wisconsin; David Ricardo Mann, of Florida; D.\n Bruce McPherson, of Virginia; Jeremy Daniel Meadows, of\n Virginia; Anthony Medeiros III, of Massachusetts; Jeffrey\n Allen Meyers, of Florida; Nyalambi Derek Mulwanda, of Alaska;\n Elizabeth (Liz) Nyaga, of Minnesota; Anne Judith Ongono\n Bisso, of Florida; April L. Peetz, of the District of\n Columbia; Kevin David Pieters, of Florida; Barton McLain\n Pogue, of Illinois; Matthew Francis Protacio, of Montana;\n Sofia E. Quesada, of Washington; Douglas W. Quiggle, of\n Minnesota.\n Rasa Siminkas Kent, of Florida; Robert E. Reno, of\n Washington; Melinda Ann Roberts, of California; Dennis Ryan\n Russell, of Utah; Brianne Brown Sanford, of Texas; Justin\n Louis Selb, of Texas; -Nadia Adeel Shah, of Texas; Rabab\n Shamayleh, of Virginia; Michelle J. Shirley, of Michigan;\n Kristin Nicholson Shouba, of Maine; Susan E. B. Skolnik, of\n Maryland; Nathan K. Strand, of West Virginia; Rodney Joel\n Stubina, of Florida; Jason Swantek, of the District of\n Columbia; Carrie Teiken, of Illinois; Christopher Charles\n Thurlow, of Rhode Island; Caitlin M. Unites, of the District\n of Columbia; Michael T. Weaver, of Illinois.\n\n PN1535\n\n The following-named Career Members of the Foreign Service\n of the Department of State to be a Foreign Service Officer, a\n Consular Officer, and a Secretary in the Diplomatic Service\n of the United States of America:\n Cori A. Alston, of Texas; Elizabeth Louise Altmaier, of\n Virginia; Todd Paul Anderson, of Virginia; Debra Ann\n Barbessi, of Virginia; Alyssa Nicole Barcenas, of Virginia;\n Erin Kathleen Barrett, of Virginia; Alexandra Lee Brandon\n Bernardo, of Florida; Eric J. Bernau, of Virginia; Jessica L.\n Bigknife, of Virginia; Eric Anderson Bishop, of Virginia;\n William Tyler Brent, of the District of Columbia; Sue S.\n Chaisone, of Virginia; Adrienne M. Crozat, of Virginia; Casey\n A. Driscoll, of Virginia; Joyce E. Dudley, of Maryland;\n Tamara L. Edmonston, of Virginia; Heidi L. Elkins, of\n Virginia; Marcus B. Ferguson, of Virginia; William J. Geis,\n of Virginia; Jacob Eric Gjesdahl, of Washington.\n Alfredo L. Gonzalez, of Florida; Adam Richard Hall, of\n Illinois; Jason Willis Hickman, of Virginia; Grant A.\n Holyoak, of Virginia; Richard A. Houston, of Virginia; Dylan\n Simon Hunziker, of Washington; Jonathan Martin Ishee, of\n Virginia; Paulette Kay Janus, of Illinois; Alexandra K.\n Johnson, of Hawaii; Julie Marie Kauffman, of Virginia; Amanda\n E. Kefalas, of Virginia; Cristin Michelle Kirschner, of\n Virginia; James O. Knable, of Maryland; Beth A. Kuch, of\n Hawaii; Vanessa D. Lewis, of Virginia; Julian H. Lipscomb, of\n Pennsylvania; Matthew Theodore Lowe, of Virginia; Erica L.\n Magnusson, of Virginia; Robert T. McNeary, of Arkansas;\n Chikondi O. Mseka, of Virginia; Kathleen P. Murphy, of\n Virginia.\n Aseebulla A. Niazi, of New Hampshire; Brandon Paladino, of\n Virginia; Edgar R. Paredes, of Virginia; Thomas M. Phelan, of\n Virginia; Jennifer Ann Pierson, of Texas; Zachary David\n Pozun, of Virginia; Daniel K. Raynes, of Virginia; Andrew M.\n Reeves, of Virginia; John Eric Ries, of Virginia; James E.\n Robbins, of Texas; Joseph Sands, of Virginia; Cierra Geneva\n Saylor, of Florida; Cedar Imboden Simmers, of Florida;\n Matthew S. Simon Bartholomaus, of Virginia; Sarah Kim Song,\n of Virginia; Jason J. Stephenson, of Virginia; Margaret\n Hillmann Walrod, of Florida; James J. Wickersham, of\n Virginia; Mark A. Wilson, of Virginia; Robert Wimberley, of\n Virginia; Jordan E. Younes, of Virginia.\n The following-named Career Member of the Foreign Service\n for promotion into the Senior Foreign Service, Class of\n Counselor:\n Jamie Martin, of Rhode Island\n The following-named Career Members of the Foreign Service\n for promotion into the Senior Foreign Service, Class of\n Counselor, and a Foreign Service Officer, a Consular Officer,\n and a Secretary in the Diplomatic Service of the United\n States of America:\n Vasilli A. Alafogiannis, of Pennsylvania; Michael T.\n McMahon, of Virginia; James T. Suor, of Maryland.\n\n PN1536\n\n The following-named Members of the Foreign Service of the\n Department of Commerce to be a Foreign Service Officer, a\n Consular Officer, and a Secretary in the Diplomatic Service\n of the United States of America:\n Careylou S. Arun, of Maryland; Ross R. Belliveau, of\n Florida; Cody Alan Dietrich, of Virginia; Robert D. Gaines,\n of Arizona; Andrew J. Glass, of California; Bryan J.\n Goldfinger, of California; Antonios Louloudakis, of Virginia;\n Kolbjorn T. Nelson, of Minnesota; Daniel T. Pint, of New\n York.\n\n PN1538\n\n The following-named Members of the Foreign Service of the\n Department of Commerce to be a Consular Officer, and a\n Secretary in the Diplomatic Service of the United States of\n America:\n Stephanie Riche Boles, of Oregon; David Joshua Bolton, of\n Texas; Anne Marie Brooks, of Vermont; Roger William\n Calderone, of Illinois; Matthew Lent Case, of Maine; Jennifer\n Dawn Chicoski, of Florida; Michael Ryan Erickson, of\n Virginia; Garrett Martin Gehrer, of Virginia; Michael David\n Godley, of Virginia; Jessica Monique Gordon, of Texas; Lewis\n Aaron Jones, of South Dakota; Shanah Seyun Lee, of the\n District of Columbia; Michael Evan Mangelson, of Utah;\n Anastasia Feofanova Mukherjee, of South Carolina; Charles\n Blakesley Murray, of the District of Columbia; Nathaniel\n Leland Sears, of New\n\n[[Page S7310]]\n\n York; Michael Abram Shvartsman, of Florida; Ruth Patricia\n Soberanes, of Arizona; Nathan Samuel Stickney, of Oregon;\n Brendon Hahns Thomas, of Michigan; Elisabeth Ann Urfer, of\n the District of Columbia.\n\n PN1539-1\n\n The following-named Career Members of the Senior Foreign\n Service of the United States Agency for International\n Development for promotion within the Senior Foreign Service\n of the United States of America, Class of Career-Minister:\n Stephanie A. Funk, of Florida; Clinton David White, of\n Maryland.\n\n PN1540\n\n The following-named Career Members of the Senior Foreign\n Service of the United States Agency for International\n Development for promotion within the Senior Foreign Service\n of the United States of America, Class of Minister-Counselor:\n Elizabeth Arleva Chambers, of Virginia; Sheri-Nouane B.\n Duncan-Jones, of Washington; John L. Dunlop, of Virginia;\n Michael J. Eddy, of North Carolina; Gabriel F. Grau, of\n Florida; Rebecca A. Latorraca, of Virginia; Maria Lisa Rose\n P. Magno, of Virginia; Richard L. Nelson, of Texas; Anupama\n Spatika Rajaraman, of Texas; Joel Sandefur, of Maryland;\n Matthew D. Rees, of Maryland; V. Kate Somvongsiri, of\n Washington; Margaret Elizabeth Enis Spears, of Maryland.\n The following-named Career Members of the Foreign Service\n of the United States Agency for International Development for\n promotion into the Senior Foreign Service, Class of\n Counselor:\n Christopher W. Abrams, of New York; Randy Ali, of Florida;\n Jorge Marcelo Arellano, of New York; Michael Thomas Behan, of\n California; Kimberlee Bell, of Nevada; Richard A. Burns, of\n North Carolina; Scott S. Cameron, of Virginia; Mark Joseph\n Carrato, of Oregon; Matthew Evan Cohen, of California;\n Michael Joseph Desisti, of the District of Columbia; Jeri L.\n Dible, of Washington; Rebekah R. Eubanks, of Illinois; Brian\n A. Frantz, of Washington; Farhad Ghaussy, of California;\n Jennifer A. Graetz, of Virginia; John F. Hansen, of Montana;\n Daniel Eliot Harter, of Virginia; Gregory G. Howell, of\n Arizona; Mark K. Hyland, of California; Christopher Michael\n Kelly, of Missouri; Emily Coffman Krunic, of Florida; Ted\n Lawrence, of California; LeAnna L. Marr, of the District of\n Columbia; Kevin David McGlothlin, of Florida; Andrew J.\n McKim, of California; Edward R. Michalski, of Ohio; Erin\n Nicholson, of Virginia; Laura Palmer Pavlovic, of Virginia;\n Peter Riley, of California; Heather Ann Schildge, of\n Virginia; Adam Phineas Schmidt, of Connecticut; Todd M.\n Sorenson, of Texas; Shanda L. Steimer, of the District of\n Columbia; Eleanor Marie TanPiengco, of Virginia; Ritu K.\n Tariyal, of Florida; David J. Thompson, of Virginia.\n\n PN1975\n\n The following-named Career Member of the Foreign Service of\n the United States Department of Agriculture to be a Foreign\n Service Officer, a Consular Officer, and a Secretary in the\n Diplomatic Service of the United States of America:\n Apryl Ann Pagliaro, of Rhode Island.\n\n PN2031\n\n The following-named Career Members of the Foreign Service\n of the Department of State to be a Foreign Service Officer, a\n Consular Officer, and a Secretary in the Diplomatic Service\n of the United States of America:\n Didier Jordan Ahimera, of Virginia; Caleb Cullen Ballard,\n of Virginia; Richard Young Beckman, of Virginia; Kerry W.\n Bell, of Virginia; Nicole Louise Bermudez, of California;\n Marques M. Bigelow, of Virginia; Rausan Borujerdi, of New\n York; Jennifer Lee Brodie, of Virginia; Natalie Bronson, of\n Virginia; Nancy Hess Buckheit, of Nevada; Tiina Burgin, of\n Virginia; Anastasia G. Burnett, of North Carolina; Tanya\n Carrie, of Virginia; Dwight M. Chambers, of Virginia; Julie\n A. Chambers, of Virginia; Andrew Galbraith Chatzky, of New\n Jersey; Eric Chu, of Minnesota.\n Jomo A, Claiborne, of Virginia; William Peter Clark, of\n Texas; Wade Conrad Cleland, of Virginia; Jennifer Ruth\n Clemente, of Florida; Justin James Coburn, of Florida;\n Jennifer Elizabeth Cole, of Wisconsin; Clayton A. Cook, of\n Virginia; David Clayton Covey, of Virginia; Brittani Mae\n Dipaolo, of Florida; Tailor S. Dortona, of New Hampshire;\n Afaf Elaffas, of Virginia; Luke Alan Falkenburg, of Virginia;\n Kite S. Faulkner, of Virginia; Kevin Michael Fechser, of\n Virginia; Elizabeth Kiely Folkestad, of Virginia; Hannah\n Murphy Fowler, of Virginia; Eric S. Frenkil, of the District\n of Columbia; Blaine Ian Frogget, of Virginia; Adam John Frye,\n of Virginia; Adam John Gallagher, of California; Alexandra\n Giacalone, of Virginia; Timothy J. Giangarlo, of Virginia;\n Gloria M. Glaubman, of Virginia; Mackenzie W. Guido, of\n Virginia; Lindsay Marie Heebner, of the District of\n Columbia; Charles Haines Heilman, of Texas; Cara Lon\n Iavarone, of Virginia; Benjamin Houston Jackson, of\n Virginia; Christina Lucia James, of Illinois; Ashley D.\n Jones-Quaidoo, of Florida; Benjamin Scott King, of\n Arizona; Ethan N. Kinney, of Alabama; Elizabeth Ann\n Kokemoor, of Virginia; Mark C. Konold, of Virginia;\n Michael Lambert, of Virginia; Caroline Virginia Lanford-\n Meek, of Mississippi; Jason Taehee Lee, of California;\n Jakob Johannes Lengacher, of California.\n Cecil R. Macpherson, of Arizona; Sean R. Madden, of\n Virginia; Michael B. Malloy, of Massachusetts; Danielle C.\n Marrero, of Virginia; Christopher Alan Marsh, of New\n Hampshire; Jazmin Lair McGhee, of Virginia; Benjamin R.\n McIntosh, of Florida; Marcos L. Mercado, of Virginia; Sophia\n D. Meulenberg, of Idaho; Allison M. Miller, of Florida; Sean\n K. Miller, of New Jersey; Liana V. Mitlyng Day, of the\n District of Columbia; Mary Lynn Montgomery, of Minnesota;\n Agnee Whitney Nadle, of Virginia; Andrew P. Navarra, of\n Virginia; Daniel Rene O'Quinn, of Florida; Briana Marie\n Olson, of Wisconsin; Lydia Pacheco, of Virginia; Anthony\n Palmer, of South Carolina; Lance Erich Peterson, of Virginia;\n David Stewart Poage, of Texas.\n Matthew Bruce Poulsen, of Virginia; Sergio Ramirez, of\n Virginia; Deborah J, Repass, of Virginia; Rianne L. Rustin,\n of Virginia; John M. Sabin, of Virginia; Barbara Kristine\n Salvador, of Virginia; Rodrigo Hernan Sanchez-Yevenes, of\n Washington; Aleksandra Maria Sandstrom, of Virginia; Hannah\n Patricia Saperstein, of Virginia; Brian Scarborough, of\n Virginia; Hidayet Schwartz, of Virginia; Jared Michael\n Seifter, of Virginia; Manna Selassie, of Pennsylvania; Susan\n A, Shelton, of Virginia; Hainer E. Sibrian, of Tennessee;\n Michael Joseph Sieja, of Virginia; Deandre D. Smith, of\n Maryland; Charles Smith, of Virginia; Rachel Smith, of\n Virginia; Michael David Stefantz, of Virginia; Alexandra Beth\n Stein, of Florida.\n Kevin Michael Szczepanski, of Virginia; Owen L. Thomas, of\n Virginia; Ashley R. Tikkanen, of Virginia; Benjamin H.\n Troupe, of Pennsylvania; Susan M. Valant, of Virginia; Sean\n David Varner, of Virginia; John Stanley Vrolyk, of Virginia;\n Grayson M. Walker, of Virginia; Sara Elizabeth Warynovich, of\n Virginia; Jeffrey Whiting, of Virginia; Sarah Maria Wilson,\n of Virginia; Juwan A. Woods, of Texas; Justin Cardaleen\n Young, of California; Yang Qiu Zhou, of New York.\n The following-named Career Member of the Senior Foreign\n Service for promotion within the Senior Foreign Service,\n Class of Minister-Counselor, effective May 29, 2024:\n Jeffrey J. Anderson, of the District of Columbia.\n The following-named Career Members of the Senior Foreign\n Service for promotion within the Senior Foreign Service,\n Class of Minister-Counselor:\n Jayne A. Howell, of South Carolina; David Muniz, of Oregon;\n George A. Noll, of Pennsylvania; Thad Osterhout, of Virginia;\n Nicole Dawn Theriot, of Louisiana; Frank J. Wierichs, of\n Florida.\n The following-named Career Members of the Foreign Service\n for promotion into the Senior Foreign Service, Class of\n Counselor, and a Foreign Service Officer, a Consular Officer,\n and a Secretary in the Diplomatic Service of the United\n States of America, effective May 29, 2024:\n David W. Howell, of Florida; Nicolas P. Keefe, of Virginia;\n Matthew J. Perlman, of Virginia.\n The following-named Career Member of the Foreign Service\n for promotion into the Senior Foreign Service, Class of\n Counselor, effective May 4, 2023:\n Michelle Marie Yerkin, of Maryland.\n\n PN2146\n\n The following-named Career Members of the Foreign Service\n of the Department of State to be a Foreign Service Officer, a\n Consular Officer, and a Secretary in the Diplomatic Service\n of the United States of America:\n Georgina Rita Benjamin, of Virginia; Lindsey T. Bird, of\n Virginia; Patrick Francis Breen, of Calfornia; Adam M. Brock,\n of Washington; Emma M. Browning, of South Dakota; Jeremy\n Allen Bulgrien, of Pennsylvania; Anthony R. Byrd, of Georgia;\n Michael G. Calabrese, of Louisiana; Rafael Jose Cerame\n Guillen, of Virginia; April N. Chappelle, of Maryland; Manuel\n A. Chavez Ayala, of Virginia; Jason Michael Chin, of\n Virginia; Sehee Chung, of Florida; Caroline Elizabeth\n Corcoran, of Texas; Kristine D'Alesandro, of the District of\n Columbia; Cassidy F. Dauby, of Virginia; Michelle D. Davis,\n of Virginia; Jacob E. Dietrich, of Kentucky; Nicholas James\n Dramby, of Virginia.\n Dana Kristen Drecksel, of Utah; Emily C. Eller, of Maine;\n Stephen S. Ellsesser, of Texas; Brian Edward Engel, of\n Virginia; Gregory J. Everett, of Tennessee; Eric A. Franqui,\n of Arizona; Go Funai, of Virginia; Bradley E. Geer, of\n Virginia; Elizabeth Gesson, of California; Gian Michael Palma\n Gozum, of Tennessee; Kristen C. Gray, of Maine; Connor Joseph\n Hagan, of Georgia; Rebecca Breanna Haggard, of Florida;\n Paulette L. Hardin, of Virginia; Samuel James Horstmeier, of\n Virginia; Anna S. Horvath, of Virginia; Benjamin S. Hulefeld,\n of Massachusetts; Kaija Jean Hurlburt, of Washington; Anders\n Stensrud Imboden, of Minnesota; Melissa A. Jones, of\n Virginia; Anna W. Jozwik, of Virginia; Benjamin D. Krueger,\n of Minnesota; Zachary Michael Laudi, of Virginia; Quinn Asti\n Lorenz, of North Carolina; Sara Ashley Lueking, of the\n District of Columbia; Charlie T. Luong, of Virginia; Kimberly\n Josephine MacFarlane, of Virginia; Justin Michael Mallard, of\n Virginia; Adam R. Martin, of Virginia; Melissa Sue McCauley,\n of Arizona; Philip J. Menzner, of Wisconsin; John Leslie\n Steven Milicevich, Jr., of Virginia.\n Christopher A. Mirabello, of Virginia; Khadija H. Mohamud,\n of Maryland; David Nicholas Morgan, of Texas; Erika Lynn\n Nutting, of Virginia; Maura O'Brien-Ali, of Virginia; Jordan\n Mark O'Reilly, of Virginia; Daniella Manera ONeill, of\n Virginia; Flory Y. Ore, of Utah; Mauricio Parra, of Texas;\n Manuel I. Peralta, of Virginia; Carly J.\n\n[[Page S7311]]\n\n Puzniak, of Michigan; Justin Michael Rivera, of Tennessee;\n William Fitler Robertson, of California; David G. Rogge, of\n Maryland; Jasmine Katherina Rohwedder, of Virginia; Kenneth\n D. Rooney, of the District of Columbia; Benjamin Leif Rowles,\n of Pennsylvania; Jessica Renee Schrimp, of Minnesota;\n Michelle P. Schuette, of Wisconsin; Michael Llop Scott, of\n Virginia; Nadia Sheikh, of the District of Columbia; Julie M.\n Sherbill, of Maryland; Tian Song, of Virginia; Sandra Lyn\n Spadoni, of Washington; Nathan B. Stackpoole, of Washington;\n Bernadette A. Stadler, of Maine; Andrew J. Steele, of\n Virginia; John Steele, of Virginia; Alexander Leslie Straus,\n of Montana; Sarah Elizabeth Lucille Stricker, of Oregon.\n Nicole A. Summerlin, of Colorado; Sean D. Sumner, of Ohio;\n Erin E. Sutherland, of Ohio; Camille Z. Swinson, of\n Massachusetts; Kevin C. Todd, of Utah; Alexander Josiah\n Troup, of Virginia; Andrew Morris Tucker, of Maryland;\n Chelsea Brint Tucker, of the District of Columbia; Anastasia\n E. Turosky, of the District of Columbia; Dominic Andrew Vena,\n of Virginia; Holly K. Vineyard, of Virginia; Kelly Elizabeth\n Walden, of Texas; Glenda Monique Wallace, of Florida; Clinton\n T. Walls, of Florida; Karisa Leigh Werner, of South Carolina.\n The following-named Career Member of the Foreign Service\n for promotion into the Senior Foreign Service. Class of\n Counselor, effective July 7, 2020:\n Jennifer L. Davis, of Virginia.\n\n PN2148\n\n The following-named Career Member of the Senior Foreign\n Service of the United States Department of Agriculture for\n promotion within the Senior Foreign Service of the United\n States of America, Class of Career Minister:\n Robert Hanson, of Wisconsin\n\n PN2233\n\n The following-named Career Members of the Senior Foreign\n Service of the Department of State for promotion within the\n Senior Foreign Service of the United States of America, Class\n of Minister-Counselor:\n Christina J. Agor, of New York; Darion K. Akins, of Texas;\n Geoffrey J. Anisman, of the District of Columbia; Susan E.\n Astley-Cass, of California; Chelsea M.H. Bakken, of Virginia;\n John A. Ballard, of Maryland; Manu Bhalla, of Virginia;\n Katelyn S. Choe, of Florida; Nicholas A. Collura, of Florida;\n Sonata N. Coulter, of Virginia; Martin A. Dale, of the\n District of Columbia; Jessica L. Davis Ba, of the District of\n Columbia; Peter A. Dinoia, of Virginia; Julie A. Eadeh, of\n Virginia; Fiona Scholand Evans, of Connecticut; Mark Robert\n Evans, of Virginia.\n Tressa R. Finerty, of the District of Columbia; Jonathan S.\n Fischer, of Washington; Michael Flores, of Virginia; Aaron P.\n Forsberg, of Washington; Ralph A. Gaspard II, of Virginia;\n Eric Vincent Gaudiosi, of South Carolina; Jeffrey G. Giauque,\n of Virginia; Silvio I. Gonzalez, of Texas; Robert J. Greenan,\n of South Dakota; Brian M. Grimm, of Virginia; Stephanie L.\n Hallett, of Virginia; Leslie M. Hayden, of Virginia; James\n Denver Herren, of Arkansas; Andrew R. Herrup, of the District\n of Columbia; Catherine E. Holt, of California; Joshua R.\n Huck, of New York.\n Suzanne M. Inzerillo, of Virginia; Rahima Kandahari, of\n Virginia; Sherry C. Keneson-Hall, of Virginia; Jennifer R.\n Littlejohn, of Virginia; Jessica Patterson Long, of Virginia;\n Charles Kent May, of Texas; Gregory C. May, of Virginia;\n Richard C. Michaels, of the District of Columbia; David Jose\n Mico, of Virginia; Shante Moore, of Florida; Junaid M. Munir,\n of Michigan; Kevin T. Murakami, of Virginia; Shane I. Myers,\n of Washington; Paul F. Narain, of Virginia.\n Jennifer Davis Paguada, of Virginia; Richard J. Peterson,\n of Virginia; Shane C. Pierce, of Virginia; Amanda C. Pilz, of\n California; Jason P. Rebholz, of the District of Columbia;\n Tracy E. Roberts-Pounds, of Virginia; Catherine Rodriguez, of\n Florida; Michael Stuart Ross, of Maryland; Gregory K.\n Schiffer, of Virginia; Michael B. Schooling, of California;\n Andrew K. Sherr, of Colorado; William B. Stevens, of\n Virginia; Andrew D. Stowe, of Virginia; Karin B. Sullivan, of\n Virginia; Victoria J. Taylor, of the District of Columbia;\n Kevin L. Wagganer, of Missouri.\n\n PN2234\n\n The following-named Career Members of the Senior Foreign\n Service of the Department of State for promotion within the\n Senior Foreign Service of the United States of America, Class\n of Career Minister:\n Julie J. Chung, of California; Dereck J. Hogan, of\n Virginia; Joey R. Hood, of Virginia; Lisa A. Johnson, of\n Virginia; Yael Lempert, of the District of Columbia; William\n W. Popp, of Virginia.\n\n PN2235\n\n The following-named Career Members of the Foreign Service\n of the Department of State for promotion into the Senior\n Foreign Service, Class of Counselor:\n Ory S. Abramowicz, of lllinois; James D. Applegate, of the\n District of Columbia; David Raymon Atkinson, of Virginia;\n Kimberly K. Atkinson, of South Dakota; Jonathan T. Austin, of\n Minnesota; Alexander N. AveLallemant, of Texas; Joshua N.\n Baker, of Tennessee; Zoja D. Bazarnic, of Arizona; Carla A.\n Benini, of Washington; Brett Blackshaw, of Virginia; Susan E.\n Bridenstine, of Rhode Island; Karen L. Bronson, of\n Washington; Robin S. Brooks, of the District of Columbia; Amy\n Christine Carlon, of Virginia; Amy Anne Carnie, of Virginia;\n Lyra Sharon Carr, of Nevada; Eric Catalfamo, of the District\n of Columbia; John E. Caveness, of Texas; Farah N. Chery-\n Medor, of Maryland; Ann Marie Chiappetta, of California.\n Michael D, Clausen, of the District of Columbia; Mikael\n Cleverley, of Virginia; William P. Cobb, of the District of\n Columbia; Robert Allyn Collins, of Virginia; Michael P.\n Cragun, of Oregon; Roberto Custodio, of Florida; Jennifer J.\n Danover, of Florida; Hadi K. Deeb, of Maryland; Dion Shannon\n Dorsey, of Virginia; Ana M. Duque-Higgins, of Virginia;\n Brinille E, Ellis, of Florida; Erin K. Eussen, of Washington;\n Yuriy R. Fedkiw, of South Dakota; Nathan D. Flook, of\n Pennsylvania; Elizabeth Marie Franolich, of Ohio; Elaine\n French, of New York; Leslie D. Freriksen, of Texas; Daniel T.\n Froats, of Florida; Adrienne M. Galanek, of New York; Steven\n G.M. Gillen, of Virginia.\n Charles R. Goodman III, of Florida; JoEllen Gorg, of\n Oregon; John R. Groch, of the District of Columbia;\n Christopher C. Guest, of Virginia; Hugo A. Guevara, of\n Virginia; Gabrielle J. Guimond, of Massachusetts; Jonathan A.\n Habjan, of Virginia; Alexander K. Hardin, of the District of\n Columbia; Danielle A. Harms, of Virginia; Ruben Harutunian,\n of Virginia; Inga Heemink, of Texas; Lance K. Hegerle, of the\n District of Columbia; Paul J. Herman, of New York; Justin\n Higgins, of the District of Columbia; Laura L. Hochla, of New\n Mexico; Jerome P. Hohman, of the District of Columbia; David\n I. Hopper, of Pennsylvania; Jessica M. F. Huaracayo, of\n Maryland; Julia I. Jacoby, of the District of Columbia; Jason\n Douglas Kalbfleisch, of Alaska.\n Jeremiah A. Knight, of Connecticut; Kevin Kreutner, of the\n District of Columbia; Richard N. Larsen, of Virginia; Lisa S.\n Liao, of New York; Genevieve Libonati, of Maryland; Yagnya V.\n Limaye, of Nevada; Adham Z. Loutfi, of California; Hagen D.\n Maroney, of Rhode Island; Ellen Bienstock Masi, of\n Pennsylvania; Danielle H. Monosson, of Virginia; Edward J.\n Monster, of Virginia; Kristian G. Moore, of Vermont; Charles\n H. Morrill, of Maine; James M. Morris, of the District of\n Columbia; Siriana K. Nair, of the District of Columbia;\n Nicholas S. Namba, of Virginia; Jenifer Lynn Neidhart de\n Ortiz, of Florida; Aaron A. Nuutinen, of Virginia; Douglas S.\n O'Neill, of Virginia; Adedeji E. Okediji, of the District of\n Columbia.\n Nicole I. Otallah, of Virginia; Kari A. Paetzold, of\n Virginia; Robert C. Palmer, of California; John B. Parker, of\n Maryland; Leah M. Pease, of Virginia; Rafael A. Perez, of\n Virginia; Jay R. Raman, of Virginia; Christopher R. Reynolds,\n of Virginia; Steven Bailey Royster, of Virginia; Erin A.\n Sawyer, of Maryland; Julie M, Schohn, of Maryland; Gregory J.\n Shaw, of Virginia; John H. Silson, of the District of\n Columbia; Christopher K. Snipes, of California; Jonas D.\n Stewart, of Washington; Kristin M. Stewart, of Virginia;\n Richard E, Swart III, of Maryland; Melissa A. Sweeney, of\n Washington; Catherine E. Sweet, of Maryland; Zia S. Syed, of\n Texas.\n Michael P. Taylor, of Virginia; Erica Nicole Thibault, of\n the District of Columbia; Nathaniel Turner, of Maryland; Anny\n Lam Vu, of the District of Columbia; Jonathan K. Webster, of\n Virginia; Todd R. Whatley, of Minnesota; Deborah D. Winters,\n of Virginia; David G. Wisner, of the District of Columbia;\n Scott E. Woodard, of Virginia; Jennifer Yang, of California;\n Sara S. Yun, of Virginia; Elisabeth F. Zentos, of Virginia.\n The following-named Career Members of the Foreign Service\n for promotion into the Senior Foreign Service, Class of\n Counselor, and a Foreign Service Officer, a Consular Officer,\n and a Secretary in the Diplomatic Service of the United\n States of America\n Alexandra Stephanie Aitken, of Virginia; Gregory C. Batman,\n of Texas; Christopher R. Belmonti, of Virginia; Barrett J.\n Bishop, of Virginia; Ryan M. Boera, of Virginia; David J.\n Bright, of Maryland; Rodney D. Burney, of Florida; John Bush,\n of Virginia; Peter Chordas, of California; Paul A. Comforti,\n of Virginia; Silvia Maria Dipaolo-Singh, of Virginia;\n Jacqueline Fields, of Florida; Pamela E. Ganz, of Washington;\n Zachary N. Gernes, of Wisconsin; Barry S. Hale, of Texas;\n David F. Haydter, of Virginia; Daniel P. Hess, of Florida;\n Meredith S. Hiemstra, of Virginia; Noriko Horiuchi, of\n Virginia; Wagih H. Ibrahim, of South Carolina.\n Scott P. Kim, of Virginia; Margaret C. Kosnar, of Montana;\n Timothy P. Leeds, of Virginia; Ummi M. Myelle, of Virginia;\n Justin L. Nicholson, of Virginia; David M. Richeson, of\n Virginia; Michael Edward Rudisile, of Oregon; Gregory Eugene\n Sanford, of Texas; Catherine Gennings Saxbe, of\n Massachusetts; Jaime R. Scarpatti, of Florida; David R.\n Shamber, of Virginia; Daniel J. Smith, of Kentucky; Corynn L.\n Stratton, of Florida; Kevin G. Tehan, of Virginia; Daniel J.\n Wilhelm, of Maryland; Michael B. Wofford, of Texas.\n\n PN2004\n\n The following-named Career Members of the Foreign Service\n of the Department of State to be a Foreign Service Officer, a\n Consular Officer, and a Secretary in the Diplomatic Service\n of the United States of America:\n Andray Abrahamian, of California; Jason Sloane Adams, of\n Virginia; Jaime Alpaugh, of Virginia; Richard Clark Anderson,\n of Virginia; Jacqueline Leigh Andros, of Virginia; Thomas\n Macaulay Babington, of Maryland; James Landern Barker, of\n Virginia; James J. Barnes, of South Dakota; Kathryn Griess\n Baruja, of New Mexico; Amanda R. Belkin, of Virginia; Nancy\n M. Bellino, of Texas; Lauren Bene, of Virginia; Mara Nielle\n Bird, of California; Jeffrey L.\n\n[[Page S7312]]\n\n Birschbach, of Illinois; Trace A. Biskin, of Virginia; Sarah\n Louise Blanchard, of Florida; Forest L. Boles, of Oregon;\n Clara Hilary Engle Boley, of Texas; Emily E. Brehob, of\n Michigan; Charles B. Brockner, of Virginia.\n Katherine S. Bunney, of Virginia; Sarah Whitney Felch\n Burke, of Virginia; Levi Jesse Burkett, of Oregon; Justin\n Bernard Campbell, of Virginia; David Michael Cardwell, of\n Virginia; Aja Alianna Carter, of Virginia; Stephen Y. Chen,\n of Washington; Mohmoud Chikh-Ali, of Virginia; Taylor Fonte\n Cofield, of Colorado; Ryan Matthew Cooper, of Virginia;\n Robert Benjamin Copper, of Virginia; Cody Jesse Craig, of\n Virginia; Gavin Davis Cronkrite, of Virginia; Kevin R.\n Crookshank, of Illinois; Sarah M. Davis, of Tennessee; Pietro\n C. Disciascio, of Virginia; Kevin Paul Dolliver, of South\n Carolina; James T. Duke, of New Jersey; Dana Durkee, of\n Minnesota; Jeremy Orland Evans, of Idaho.\n Joel L. Fernandez, of Virginia; Rachael Marie Finley, of\n North Carolina; Aurelie Florian, of Washington; John W.\n Foster, of Pennsylvania; Sydney L. Freeman, of New Jersey;\n Gideon M. French, of the District of Columbia; Colleen\n French, of Virginia; John Benjamin Gallagher, of the District\n of Columbia; Devon M. Gan, of Colorado; William Todd\n Garrison, of Florida; Kelly L. Geoghegan, of Virginia; Brent\n George Gibbons, of Virginia; Douglas M. Grane, of\n Pennsylvania; Chanel G. Grice, of Hawaii; Karrie A. Gurbacki,\n of the District of Columbia; Caitlin J. Gustafson, of\n Virginia; Peter F. Hamm, of Virginia; David J. Hammond, of\n Arizona; Hassan Y. Hassen, of Georgia; Emily Margaret Ward\n Hoffman, of Virginia.\n Aaron Huang, of California; Gustavus Manfred Hulin, of\n Florida; Quinn C. Hunter, of Virginia; Ashley T. Inman, of\n Florida; Michael J. Irvine, of Virginia; Diana L. Johnson, of\n Virginia; Jennifer M. Johnson, of Virginia; Clinton D.\n Johnson, of Virginia; Matthew Ryan Jones, of Virginia; Leah\n Jordano-Kudalis, of Minnesota; Abbey Lynn Jorstad-Cannata, of\n the District of Columbia; Kelly Diiro Juarez, of Iowa; Trisha\n Kay Juh, of the District of Columbia; Matthew Miles Katsuki,\n of Virginia; Sara Anne Kauffman, of Texas; Thanva\n Khouvongsavanh, of Virginia; Dana Lee Kilian, of Virginia;\n Clell Knight, of Virginia; Jeffrey William Knoke, of\n Virginia; Christopher N. Kooy, of Illinois.\n Shobhit Kumar, of Florida; Jason S. Kumar, of Virginia;\n Peter Edwin Laffoon, of Washington; Michael Gregory Larocque,\n of Rhode lsland; Joy Hong-May Lin, of Indiana; Ming-Hun Liu,\n of Florida; Kristofer Andrew Lofgren, of Virginia; Evan W.\n Lord, of Virginia; Alexander Reid Macintosh, of Virginia;\n Olivia Puaipu Maigret, of Hawaii; Daniel Lawrence Martello,\n of Virginia; Lucy A. Mason, of the District of Columbia;\n Phillip John Matias, of Connecticut; Maher K. Matta, of\n Virginia; Benjamin David May, of Utah; Rebecca E. Mccall, of\n Virginia; Stephanie M. Mendoza Agatic, of Virginia; Mark C.\n Meyer, of Virginia; Kira R. Michelson, of Virginia; Anna\n Waterfield Miller, of Maryland.\n Elizabeth A. Mina, of Pennsylvania; Mark Aaron Mitchell, of\n Virginia; Geraldine L. Montesinos, of New York; John James\n Mooney, of Virginia; Rebecca Elizabeth Moore, of North\n Carolina; Katherine Murphy, of Virginia; Andrew C. Murray, of\n Virginia; Chaniqua Darnae Nelson, of Maryland; Kaitlin E.\n Nitta, of Virginia; Samuel M. Northrup, of Kentucky; Michelle\n Kate Olivier, of Virginia; Patrick Thomas O'Neill, of\n Michigan; Rebecca-Jane R. Ortiz, of Virginia; Rachel V.\n Patton-Molitors, of Wyoming; Scott Pecoraro, of Virginia;\n Cristine M. Pedersen, of the District of Columbia; Katherine\n Lee Plemons, of Virginia; Colleen E. Quigley, of Arizona;\n John C. Quinn, of Virginia.\n Michael Davis Riedell, of Virginia; Victoria Z. Rindone, of\n Virginia; Nigel H. Robinson, of Massachusetts;\n\n =========================== NOTE ===========================\n\n On page S7312, December 20, 2024, the second column, the\nfollowing appears: Michael Davis Riedell, of Virginia; Victoira Z.\nRIndone, of Virginia; Nigel H. Robinson. of Massachusetts\n\n The online Record has been corrected to read: Michael Davis\nRiedell, of Virginia; Victoira Z. RIndone, of Virginia; Nigel H.\nRobinson of Massachusetts\n\n ========================= END NOTE =========================\n\n La Toya A. Robinson, of Virginia; William H. Roeting, of Virginia;\n Alyssa J. Roland, of Minnesota; Timothy Alan Russell, of Tennessee;\n Nicholas Robert Sachanda, of Virginia; Jessica Marie Santos, of\nVirginia; Justin M. Scarr, of Virginia; Jan Krystian Scislowicz, of the\n District of Columbia; William Paul Sefcik, of South Carolina; Andrew\nJoseph Shinn, of California; Leanne Marie Shott, of Virginia; Katherine\nK. Smith, of Delaware; Tarina Joan Speidel, of Tennessee; Sean Patrick\n Srichankij, of Arizona; Phillip J. Sticha, of Virginia; Lana Alaine\n Surface, of Indiana; David G. Tagle, of New York.Peter W.\n Taves, of Virginia; Elisabeth Louise Thoreson-Green, of\n Nebraska; Hawi T. Tilahune, of Minnesota; Charles H. Tisdale,\n of Washington; Dante Renato Toppo, of Oregon; Darrah Lane\n Treleaven, of Virginia; Christophe M. Triplett, of Arizona;\n Megan E. Truxillo, of Washington; Melia Claire Ungson, of\n Virginia; Robert A. Villar, of Virginia; Catherine Dakshina\n Voetsch, of the District of Columbia; Kent Vos, of Virginia.\n Johnathan A. Wallis, of Virginia; Jiro R. Waters, of South\n Dakota; Jeffrey Lee Watts, of Texas; Katharine M. Watts, of\n Hawaii; Raymond Charles Whitney, of Virginia; Marc D.\n Williams, of Washington; William Chester Wojnarowski, of\n Illinois; Taryn Elizabeth Wolf, of Virginia; Thomas Francis\n Woods, of Virginia; Mariam M. Yaqub, of Washington; Sarah\n Samantha Yee, of California; Bo-Moon Yee, of Virginia.\n The following-named Career Members of the Foreign Service\n for promotion into the Senior Foreign Service Class of\n Counselor:\n Holly Kirking Loomis, of Louisiana; Thomas T. Jung, of\n Virginia.\n The following-named Career Member of the Foreign Service\n for promotion into the Senior Foreign Service, Class of\n Counselor, and a Foreign Service Officer, a Consular Officer,\n and a Secretary in the Diplomatic Service of the United\n States of America:\n Zack T. Kendall, of Virginia\n The following-named Career Member of the Foreign Service\n for promotion into the Senior Foreign Service, Class of\n Counselor, and a Foreign Service Officer, a Consular Officer,\n and a Secretary in the Diplomatic Service of the United\n States of America, effective July 7, 2020:\n Katherine L. Meredith, of Ohio\n The following-named Career Member of the Foreign Service\n for promotion into the Senior Foreign Service, Class of\n Counselor, and a Foreign Service Officer, a Consular Officer,\n and a Secretary in the Diplomatic Service of the United\n States of America, effective June 30, 2021:\n Thomas W. Eckert, of Virginia\n The following-named Career Member of the Foreign Service\n for promotion into the Senior Foreign Service, Class of\n Counselor, and a Foreign Service Officer, a Consular Officer,\n and a Secretary in the Diplomatic Service of the United\n States of America, effective August 8, 2023:\n William P. Ferrari, of Virginia\n\n =========================== NOTE ===========================\n\n On page S7312, December 20, 2024, the second column, the\nfollowing appears: The following-named Career Member of the\nForeign Service for promotion into the Senior Foreign Service,\nClass of Counselor, and a Foreign Service Officer, a Consular\nOfficer, and a Secretary in the Diplomatic Service of the United\nStates of America, effective July 7, 2020: Katherine L. Meredith,\nof Ohio; Thomas W. Eckert, of Virginia; William P. Ferrari, of\nVirginia.\n\n The online Record has been corrected to read: The following-\nnamed Career Member of the Foreign Service for promotion into the\nSenior Foreign Service, Class of Counselor, and a Foreign Service\nOfficer, a Consular Officer, and a Secretary in the Diplomatic\nService of the United States of America, effective July 7, 2020:\nKatherine L. Meredith, of Ohio The following-named Career Member\nof the Foreign Service for promotion into the Senior Foreign\nService, Class of Counselor, and a Foreign Service Officer, a\nConsular Officer, and a Secretary in the Diplomatic Service of the\nUnited States of America, effective June 30, 2021: Thomas W.\nEckert, of Virginia The following-named Career Member of the\nForeign Service for promotion into the Senior Foreign Service,\nClass of Counselor, and a Foreign Service Officer, a Consular\nOfficer, and a Secretary in the Diplomatic Service of the United\nStates of America, effective August 8, 2023: William P. Ferrari,\nof Virginia\n\n ========================= END NOTE =========================\n\n PN1537-1\n\n The following-named Career Member of the Senior Foreign\n Service of the Department of Commerce for promotion into the\n Senior Foreign Service of the United States of America, Class\n of Counselor:\n Stephen L. Green, of Texas; Megan A. Schildgen, of\n Virginia; llona L. Shtrom, of Virginia; Michele Renee Smith,\n of Virginia.\n Alexandra Baych, of New York; Zeke Bryant, of Georgia;\n Elisa Fertig, of New Hampshire; Andrew Hochhalter, of\n Maryland; Adam Klein, of Virginia; Mark Rosmann, of Iowa;\n Erik Syngle, of California.\n\n PN2147\n\n The following-named Career Members of the Senior Foreign\n Service of the United States Department of Agriculture for\n promotion within the Senior Foreign Service, Class of\n Minister-Counselor:\n Valerie Brown, of Maryland; Cynthia Guven, of Virginia;\n Morgan Perkins, of Maryland.\n The following-named Career Members of the Foreign Service\n for promotion into the Senior Foreign Service, Class of\n Counselor:\n Lisa Anderson, of Virginia; Oliver Flake, of Maryland;\n Frederick Giles, of the District of Columbia; Anita Katial,\n of Florida; Rachel Nelson, of Washington; Kelly Stange, of\n Missouri.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7308", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "Senate Accomplishments (Executive Session)", "SENATE", "SENATE", "SEXECSESSION", "S7308", "S7308", "[{\"name\": \"Charles E. Schumer\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7308", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7308]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n Senate Accomplishments\n\n Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, the work of the 118th Congress comes to\nan end. The majority in this Chamber will soon change hands.\n Tonight, I would like to take a moment to thank my colleagues for\ntheir outstanding work over the past 4 years. This was the most\nproductive, ambitious, and historic 4 years the Senate has seen in\ndecades. I am proud that many of our biggest accomplishments were\nbipartisan--something I hope the incoming majority embraces as a model.\nAnd the accomplishments speak for themselves. They are enormous. I was\nso proud to lead the Senate when we did so much for so many people--\nand, as I said, so much of it bipartisan.\n It started at the beginning in 2020, when COVID was at its worst. We\npassed the American Rescue Plan, sending checks to every mailbox and\nshots in every arm. It helped reduce the problems with COVID so\nquickly--more quickly than people ever felt.\n We passed a once-in-a-generation bipartisan infrastructure law. You\nsee the effects of it all over America right now. Infrastructure is\nbeing rebuilt. People are being employed. Our country is getting more\nefficient, which it always does when we have better infrastructure. It\nrebuilt America's roads, bridges, and highways. It provided kids with\nsafe drinking water. Rural communities and urban communities got access\nto broadband, which they had never had before--so essential in the 21st\ncentury.\n We brought manufacturing jobs back to our shores and revitalized\nAmerican innovation through the Chips and Science Act.\n We took on the NRA and won by passing the first gun safety law in 30\nyears.\n We passed the greatest expansion of veterans care in a generation to\nensure that no veteran is denied treatment related to toxic exposure\nand burn pits.\n On this and almost every one of these issues, it was the Senate that\nled the way; bipartisan--Senators got together with one another and\npassed legislation that then the House followed and the President\nsigned. But make no mistake about it, we were the cauldron; we were the\nplace where it all got put together and melded together. And I am proud\nof the job, frankly, that I did as majority leader, but I am so proud\nof our Senators on both sides of the aisle who got so much done.\n There were other things we did as well. We stood with our friends in\nUkraine as they defend their country against the brutality of Vladimir\nPutin.\n We took a stand to protect marriage equality.\n Through the Inflation Reduction Act, we made insulin $35 a month for\nmillions of seniors.\n We empowered Medicare to negotiate with drug companies for the first\ntime.\n The IRA was also the most ambitious clean energy bill in American\nhistory. The effects are happening all over the country. Our kids are\ngoing to breathe cleaner air. Our communities will see less pollution.\nFuture generations are going to see millions of new, good-paying jobs\nas we complete the wind and solar and nuclear and all the other parts\nof the bill.\n Again, it made us so proud of what we were able to do. It was\nincredible. The list goes on and on. Our legacy in these past 4 years\nwhen we were in the majority is just large. It is grand. I am proud of\nit.\n We also, let's not forget, confirmed 235 highly qualified and\nhistoric judges to the bench--more than a quarter of all active judges.\nWe are so proud of this ambitious record.\n Years from now, when Americans drive on better roads, buy cleaner\ncars, make faster chips, have better paying jobs, save on prescription\ndrugs, it will be the work of this majority.\n In conclusion, I want to thank the staff here in the Senate who work\nbehind the scenes and make this Chamber come to life, the incredible\nfloor staff sitting here who do incredible work. Thank you to the\nmiracle workers in the cloakroom. They always find everybody, wherever\nthey are. If you say someone is missing, there they are. Thank you to\nthe Senate doorkeepers, to the Secretary of the Senate, and the Senate\nSergeant at Arms, to the pages and support staff, and to all of those\nwho make this place function.\n A special thanks to my staff. What an amazing, hard-working,\ndedicated, smart, passionate, and caring group of people they are. I\nknow this for sure: Without my staff, none of this would have been\naccomplished. They keep me going. Sometimes when I veer off course,\nthey get me back on course. Sometimes when I am doing too much, they\nsort of limit me. Oftentimes, when I want to do something that is a\nyes, they sometimes say no, but all too often, they find a better way\nto do yes. So they are great. I love them, and I am grateful to them as\nwell.\n There will be much to do in the year to come. The work will continue.\nThe challenges will be great. And we will no longer be in the majority;\nwe will be in the minority. But our North Star will not change: working\nevery single day to serve the American people and reward the trust they\nhave placed in us.\n I yield the floor.\n I suggest the absence of a quorum.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.\n The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.\n Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order\nfor the quorum call be rescinded.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7312-2", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "APPOINTMENTS", "SENATE", "SENATE", "ALLOTHER", "S7312", "S7312", null, null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7312", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7312]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n APPOINTMENTS\n\n PRESIDING OFFICER. The Chair announces, on behalf of the Republican\nLeader, pursuant to the provisions of Public Law 106-398, as amended by\nPublic Law 108-7, and in consultation with the Ranking Members of the\nSenate Committee on Armed Services and the Senate Committee on Finance,\nthe appointment of the following individual to serve as a member of the\nUnited States-China Economic and Security Review Commission: Hal Brands\nof Maryland Vice Robin Cleveland of Virginia (term ends 12/31/24).\n The Chair, on behalf of the President pro tempore, pursuant to Public\nLaw 110-315, announces the appointment of the following individual to\nbe a member of the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality\nand Integrity: Dr. Gary Ransdell of Kentucky.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7312-3", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "SIGNING AUTHORITY", "SENATE", "SENATE", "ALLOTHER", "S7312", "S7312", "[{\"name\": \"Charles E. Schumer\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7312", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7312]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n SIGNING AUTHORITY\n\n Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the junior\nSenator from Virginia, the senior Senator from Ohio, and the senior\nSenator from Maryland be authorized to sign duly enrolled bills or\njoint resolutions from December 20, 2024, through January 3, 2025.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7312-4", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "APPOINTMENTS AUTHORITY", "SENATE", "SENATE", "ALLOTHER", "S7312", "S7312", "[{\"name\": \"Charles E. Schumer\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7312", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7312]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n APPOINTMENTS AUTHORITY\n\n Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that\nnotwithstanding the upcoming adjournment of the Senate, the President\nof the Senate, the President pro tempore, and the majority and minority\nleaders be authorized to make appointments to commissions, committees,\nboards, conferences, or interparliamentary conferences authorized by\nlaw, by concurrent action of the two Houses, or by order of the Senate.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7312-5", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "D.C. ROBERT F. KENNEDY MEMORIAL STADIUM CAMPUS REVITALIZATION ACT", "SENATE", "SENATE", "ALLOTHER", "S7312", "S7313", "[{\"name\": \"Charles E. Schumer\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", "[{\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"4984\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"4984\"}]", "170 Cong. Rec. S7312", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Pages S7312-S7313]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n D.C. ROBERT F. KENNEDY MEMORIAL STADIUM CAMPUS REVITALIZATION ACT\n\n Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate\nproceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 648, H.R. 4984.\n\n[[Page S7313]]\n\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title.\n The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:\n\n A bill (H.R. 4984) to direct the Secretary of the Interior\n to transfer administrative jurisdiction over the Robert F.\n Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus to the District of Columbia\n so that the District may use the Campus for purposes\n including residential and commercial development, and for\n other purposes.\n\n There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill,\nwhich had been reported from the Committee on Energy and Natural\nResources.\n Mr. SCHUMER. I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read\na third time.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.\n The bill was ordered to a third reading and was read the third time.\n Mr. SCHUMER. I know of no further debate on the bill.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. If there is no further debate on the bill, the\nbill having been read the third time, the question is, Shall the bill\npass?\n The bill (H.R. 4984) was passed.\n Mr. SCHUMER. I ask unanimous consent that the motion to reconsider be\nconsidered made and laid upon the table.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7312", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "LEGISLATIVE SESSION", "SENATE", "SENATE", "SLEGISLATIVE", "S7312", "S7312", null, null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7312", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7312]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n LEGISLATIVE SESSION\n\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senate will now resume legislative\nsession.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7313-2", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "GOVERNMENT SERVICE DELIVERY IMPROVEMENT ACT", "SENATE", "SENATE", "ALLOTHER", "S7313", "S7313", "[{\"name\": \"Charles E. Schumer\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", "[{\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"5887\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"5887\"}]", "170 Cong. Rec. S7313", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7313]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n GOVERNMENT SERVICE DELIVERY IMPROVEMENT ACT\n\n Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the Senate\nproceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 686, H.R. 5887.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title.\n The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:\n\n A bill (H.R. 5887) to amend chapter 3 of title 5, United\n States Code, to improve Government service delivery, and\n build related capacity for the Federal Government, and for\n other purposes.\n\n There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill,\nwhich had been reported from the Committee on Homeland Security and\nGovernmental Affairs.\n Mr. SCHUMER. I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read\na third time and passed and the motion to reconsider be considered made\nand laid upon the table.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.\n The bill (H.R. 5887) was ordered to a third reading, was read the\nthird time, and passed.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7313-3", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "KEEPING MILITARY FAMILIES TOGETHER ACT OF 2024", "SENATE", "SENATE", "ALLOTHER", "S7313", "S7314", "[{\"name\": \"Charles E. Schumer\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", "[{\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"S\", \"number\": \"2181\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"S\", \"number\": \"2181\"}]", "170 Cong. Rec. S7313", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Pages S7313-S7314]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n KEEPING MILITARY FAMILIES TOGETHER ACT OF 2024\n\n Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask that the Chair lay before the\nSenate the message to accompany S. 2181.\n The Presiding Officer laid before the Senate the following message\nfrom the House of Representatives:\n\n Resolved, That the bill from the Senate (S. 2181) entitled\n ``An Act to amend title 38, United States Code, to repeal the\n sunset on entitlement to memorial headstones and markers for\n commemoration of veterans and certain individuals and to\n repeal the sunset on authority to bury remains of certain\n spouses and children in national cemeteries, and for other\n purposes.'', do pass with amendments.\n\n Motion to Concur\n\n Mr. SCHUMER. I move to concur in the House amendment, and I ask\nunanimous consent that the motion be agreed to.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.\n The motion was agreed to.\n\n Motion to Concur\n\n Mr. SCHUMER. I move to concur in the House amendment to the title and\nask unanimous consent the motion be agreed to.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection it is so ordered.\n The motion was agreed to.\n Mr. SCHUMER. I ask unanimous consent that the motions to reconsider\nbe considered made and laid upon the table.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection it is so ordered.\n\n[[Page S7314]]\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7313", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "TAXPAYER RESOURCES USED IN EMERGENCIES ACCOUNTABILITY ACT", "SENATE", "SENATE", "ALLOTHER", "S7313", "S7313", "[{\"name\": \"Charles E. Schumer\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", "[{\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"S\", \"number\": \"5098\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"S\", \"number\": \"5098\"}]", "170 Cong. Rec. S7313", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7313]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n TAXPAYER RESOURCES USED IN EMERGENCIES ACCOUNTABILITY ACT\n\n Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate\nproceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 685, S. 5098.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title.\n The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:\n\n A bill (S. 5098) to require certain agencies to develop\n plans for internal control in the event of an emergency or\n crisis, and for other purposes.\n\n There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill,\nwhich had been reported from the Committee on Homeland Security and\nGovernmental Affairs with an amendment to strike all after the enacting\nclause and insert in lieu thereof the following:\n\n SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.\n\n This Act may be cited as the ``Taxpayer Resources Used in\n Emergencies Accountability Act'' or the ``TRUE Accountability\n Act''.\n\n SEC. 2. OMB GUIDANCE.\n\n (a) Definitions.--In this section:\n (1) Covered agency.--The term ``covered agency'' means an\n agency described in section 901(b) of title 31, United States\n Code.\n (2) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of\n the Office of Management and Budget.\n (3) Internal control.--The term ``internal control'' means\n a process that is--\n (A) effected by the management and other personnel of an\n entity; and\n (B) designed to provide reasonable assurance with respect\n to the achievement of objectives relating to--\n (i) effectiveness and efficiency of operations;\n (ii) reliability of financial reporting; and\n (iii) compliance with applicable law.\n (b) Guidance.--\n (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of\n enactment of this Act, the Director shall issue guidance to\n covered agencies for the development of plans for internal\n control that are ready or adaptable for immediate use in\n future emergencies or crises.\n (2) Contents.--The guidance issued under paragraph (1)\n shall--\n (A) be in alignment with the documents of the Government\n Accountability Office entitled ``A Framework for Managing\n Improper Payments in Emergency Assistance Programs'' and ``A\n Framework for Managing Fraud Risks in Federal Programs''; and\n (B) require plans for internal control of covered agencies\n to include--\n (i) the identification of a senior official of the covered\n agency to be responsible and accountable for the\n implementation of the plan; and\n (ii) policies and procedures to timely--\n\n (I) assess the risks of improper payments and fraud\n relating to the implementation of any supplemental\n appropriation, or other increase in budget authority, that\n may be made available to the covered agency for a purpose\n relating to disaster relief or response to a public health or\n other emergency; and\n (II) develop and implement appropriate responses to the\n risks described in subclause (I), including any changes to\n internal controls, to ensure that, to the greatest extent\n possible, appropriate controls are in place prior to the\n expenditure of funds.\n\n (3) Review.--Not later than 3 years after the date on which\n guidance is issued under paragraph (1), and not less\n frequently than once every 3 years thereafter, the Director\n shall review and, as necessary, revise the guidance.\n (c) Plan Submission.--\n (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of\n enactment of this Act, the head of each covered agency head\n shall submit to the Director the plan of the covered agency\n required under the guidance issued under subsection (b)(1).\n (2) Revisions.--Not later than 3 years after the date on\n which the head of a covered agency submits a plan under\n paragraph (1), and not less frequently than once every 3\n years thereafter, the head of each covered agency shall--\n (A) review and, if necessary, revise the plan of the\n covered agency; and\n (B) submit to the Director any revised plan of the covered\n agency.\n (3) Submission to congress.--Not later than 1 year after\n the date of the enactment of this Act, and not less\n frequently than annually thereafter, the Director shall\n submit to Congress, the Committee on Homeland Security and\n Governmental Affairs of the Senate, and the Committee on\n Oversight and Accountability of the House of Representatives\n the plans submitted by covered agencies under this\n subsection.\n (d) Unavailability of Judicial Review.--A determination,\n finding, action, or omission under this section by the\n Director or the head of a covered agency shall not be subject\n to judicial review.\n (e) No Additional Funds.--No additional funds are\n authorized to be appropriated for the purpose of carrying out\n this Act.\n\n Mr. SCHUMER. I ask unanimous consent that the committee-reported\nsubstitute amendment be agreed to; that the bill, as amended, be\nconsidered read a third time and passed; and that the motion to\nreconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.\n The committee-reported amendment in the nature of a substitute was\nagreed to.\n The bill (S. 5098), as amended, was ordered to be engrossed for a\nthird reading, was read the third time, and passed.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7314", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "SITUATIONAL AWARENESS OF FLYING ELEMENTS IN ORBIT ACT", "SENATE", "SENATE", "ALLOTHER", "S7314", "S7315", "[{\"name\": \"Charles E. Schumer\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", "[{\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"S\", \"number\": \"3658\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"S\", \"number\": \"3658\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"S\", \"number\": \"3658\"}]", "170 Cong. Rec. S7314", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Pages S7314-S7315]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n SITUATIONAL AWARENESS OF FLYING ELEMENTS IN ORBIT ACT\n\n Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the\nCommittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation be discharged from\nfurther consideration of S. 3658 and the Senate proceed to its\nimmediate consideration.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title.\n The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:\n\n A bill (S. 3658) to promote space situational awareness and\n space traffic coordination and to modify the functions and\n leadership of the Office of Space Commerce, and for other\n purposes.\n\n There being no objection, the committee was discharged, and the\nSenate proceeded to consider the bill.\n Mr. SCHUMER. I ask unanimous consent that the Cornyn substitute\namendment at the desk be considered and agreed to; that the bill, as\namended, be considered read a third time and passed; and that the\nmotion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.\n The amendment (No. 3362) was agreed to.\n (The amendment is printed in today's Record under ``Text of\nAmendments.'')\n The bill (S. 3658), as amended, was ordered to be engrossed for a\nthird reading, was read the third time, and passed.\n\n S. 3658\n\n Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of\n the United States of America in Congress assembled,\n\n SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.\n\n This Act may be cited as the ``Situational Awareness of\n Flying Elements in Orbit Act'' or the ``SAFE Orbit Act''.\n\n SEC. 2. SPACE SITUATIONAL AWARENESS AND SPACE TRAFFIC\n COORDINATION.\n\n (a) In General.--The Secretary of Commerce shall facilitate\n safe operations in space and encourage the development of\n commercial space capabilities by acquiring and disseminating\n unclassified data, analytics, information, and services on\n space activities.\n (b) Immunity.--The United States, any agencies and\n instrumentalities thereof, and any individuals, firms,\n corporations, and other persons acting for the United States,\n including nongovernmental entities, shall be immune from any\n suit in any court for any cause of action arising from the\n provision or receipt of space situational awareness services\n or information, whether or not provided in accordance with\n this section, or any related action or omission.\n (c) Acquisition of Data.--The Assistant Secretary of\n Commerce for Space Commerce (established under section\n 50702(b) of title 51, United States Code, as amended by\n section 3) is authorized to acquire--\n (1) data, analytics, information, and services, including\n with respect to--\n (A) location tracking data;\n (B) positional and orbit determination information; and\n (C) conjunction data messages; and\n (2) such other data, analytics, information, and services\n as the Secretary of Commerce determines necessary to avoid\n collisions of space objects.\n (d) Database on Satellite Location and Behavior.--The\n Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Space Commerce shall\n provide access for the public, at no charge, a fully updated,\n unclassified database of information concerning space objects\n and behavior that includes--\n (1) the data and information acquired under subsection (c),\n except to the extent that such data or information is\n classified or a trade secret (as defined in section 1839 of\n title 18, United States Code); and\n (2) the provision of basic space situational awareness\n services and space traffic coordination based on the data\n referred to in paragraph (1), including basic analytics,\n tracking calculations, and conjunction data messages.\n (e) Basic Space Situational Awareness Services.--The\n Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Space Commerce--\n (1) shall provide to satellite operators, at no charge,\n basic space situational awareness services, including the\n data, analytics, information, and services described in\n subsection (c);\n (2) in carrying out paragraph (1), may not compete with\n private sector space situational awareness products, to the\n maximum extent practicable; and\n (3) not less frequently than every 3 years, shall review\n the basic space situational awareness services described in\n paragraph (1) to ensure that such services provided by the\n Federal Government do not compete with space situational\n awareness services offered by the private sector.\n (f) Requirements for Data Acquisition and Dissemination.--\n In acquiring data, analytics, information, and services under\n subsection (c) and disseminating data, analytics,\n information, and services under subsections (d) and (e), the\n Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Space Commerce shall--\n (1) leverage commercial capabilities to the maximum extent\n practicable;\n (2) prioritize the acquisition of data, analytics,\n information, and services from commercial industry located in\n or licensed in the United States to supplement data collected\n by United States Government agencies, including the\n Department of Defense and the National Aeronautics and Space\n Administration;\n (3) appropriately protect proprietary data, information,\n and systems of firms located in the United States, including\n by using appropriate infrastructure and cybersecurity\n measures, including measures set forth in the most recent\n version of the Cybersecurity Framework, or successor\n document, maintained by the National Institute of Standards\n and Technology;\n (4) facilitate the development of standardization and\n consistency in data reporting, in collaboration with\n satellite owners and operators, commercial space situational\n awareness data and service providers, the academic community,\n nonprofit organizations, and the Director of the National\n Institute of Standards and Technology; and\n (5) encourage foreign governments to participate in\n unclassified data sharing arrangements for space situational\n awareness and space traffic coordination.\n (g) Other Transaction Authority.--In carrying out the\n activities required by this section, the Secretary of\n Commerce shall enter into such contracts, leases, cooperative\n agreements, or other transactions as may be necessary.\n (h) Space Object Defined.--In this section, the term\n ``space object'' means any object launched into space, or\n created in space, robotically or by humans, including an\n object's component parts.\n\n SEC. 3. OFFICE OF SPACE COMMERCE.\n\n (a) Definitions.--\n (1) In general.--Section 50701 of title 51, United States\n Code, is amended to read as follows:\n\n ``Sec. 50701. Definitions\n\n ``In this chapter:\n ``(1) Assistant secretary.--The term `Assistant Secretary'\n means the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Space Commerce.\n ``(2) Bureau.--The term `Bureau' means the Bureau of Space\n Commerce established under section 50702.\n ``(3) Orbital debris.--The term `orbital debris'--\n ``(A) means--\n ``(i) any human-made space object orbiting Earth that--\n\n ``(I) no longer serves an intended purpose;\n ``(II) has reached the end of its mission; or\n ``(III) is incapable of safe maneuver or operation; and\n\n ``(ii) a rocket body and other hardware left in orbit as a\n result of normal launch and operational activities; and\n ``(B) includes fragmentation debris produced by failure or\n collision of human-made space objects.\n ``(4) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary\n of Commerce.\n ``(5) Space object.--The term `space object' means any\n object launched into space or created in space robotically or\n by humans, including the component parts of such an object.\n ``(6) Space situational awareness.--The term `space\n situational awareness' means--\n ``(A) the identification, characterization, tracking, and\n the predicted movement and behavior of space objects and\n orbital debris; and\n ``(B) the understanding of the space operational\n environment.\n ``(7) Space traffic coordination.--The term `space traffic\n coordination' means the planning, assessment, and\n coordination of activities to enhance the safety, stability,\n and sustainability of operations in the space environment.''.\n (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections for chapter\n 507 of title 51, United States Code, is amended by striking\n the item relating to section 50701 and inserting the\n following:\n\n``50701. Definitions.''.\n (b) Transition of Office to Bureau.--Subsection (a) of\n section 50702 of title 51, United States Code, is amended by\n inserting before the period at the end the following: ``,\n which, not later than 5 years after the date of the enactment\n of this Act, shall be elevated by the Secretary of Commerce\n from an office within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric\n Administration to a bureau reporting directly to the Office\n of the Secretary of Commerce''.\n (c) Additional Functions of Bureau.--Subsection (c) of such\n section is amended--\n (1) in paragraph (4), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a\n semicolon;\n (2) in paragraph (5), by striking the period at the end and\n inserting ``; and''; and\n (3) by adding at the end the following:\n ``(6) to perform space situational awareness and space\n traffic management duties pursuant to the SAFE Orbit Act.''.\n (d) Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Space Commerce.--\n (1) In general.--Subsection (b) of such section is amended\n to read as follows:\n ``(b) Assistant Secretary.--The Bureau shall be headed by\n the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Space Commerce, who\n shall--\n ``(1) be appointed by the President, by and with the advice\n and consent of the Senate;\n ``(2) report directly to the Secretary of Commerce; and\n ``(3) have a rate of pay that is equal to the rate payable\n for level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of\n title 5.''.\n\n[[Page S7315]]\n\n (2) Conforming amendments.--\n (A) Section 50702(d) of title 51, United States Code, is\n amended--\n (i) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Director'' and\n inserting ``Assistant Secretary''; and\n (ii) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking\n ``Director'' and inserting ``Assistant Secretary''.\n (B) Section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, is amended\n by striking ``Assistant Secretaries of Commerce (11)'' and\n inserting ``Assistant Secretaries of Commerce (12)''.\n (3) References.--On and after the date of the enactment of\n this Act, any reference in any law or regulation to the\n Director of the Office of Space Commerce shall be deemed to\n be a reference to the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for\n Space Commerce.\n (e) Transition Report.--\n (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of\n the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce shall\n submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report\n that sets forth transition and continuity of operations plans\n for the functional and administrative transfer of the Office\n of Space Commerce from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric\n Administration to a bureau reporting to the Office of the\n Secretary of Commerce.\n (2) Goal.--The goal of transition and continuity of\n operations planning shall be to minimize the cost and\n administrative burden of establishing the Bureau of Space\n Commerce while maximizing the efficiency and effectiveness of\n the functions and responsibilities of the Bureau of Space\n Commerce, in accordance with this section and the amendments\n made by this section.\n (3) Appropriate committees of congress defined.--In this\n subsection, the term ``appropriate committees of Congress''\n means--\n (A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation\n and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and\n (B) the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the\n Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7315", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "SAVE OUR SEAS 2.0 AMENDMENTS ACTS", "SENATE", "SENATE", "ALLOTHER", "S7315", "S7316", "[{\"name\": \"Charles E. Schumer\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", "[{\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"S\", \"number\": \"5649\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"S\", \"number\": \"5649\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"S\", \"number\": \"5649\"}]", "170 Cong. Rec. S7315", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Pages S7315-S7316]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n SAVE OUR SEAS 2.0 AMENDMENTS ACTS\n\n Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate\nproceed to the immediate consideration of S. 5649, which is at the\ndesk.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title.\n The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:\n\n A bill (S. 5649) to amend the Marine Debris Act to improve\n the administration of the Marine Debris Program of the\n National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to improve\n the administration of the Marine Debris Foundation, and for\n other purposes.\n\n There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill.\n Mr. SCHUMER. I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read\na third time and passed; and that the motion to reconsider be\nconsidered made and laid upon the table.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.\n The bill (S. 5649) was ordered to be engrossed for a third reading,\nwas read the third time, and passed, as follows:\n\n S. 5649\n\n Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of\n the United States of America in Congress assembled,\n\n SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.\n\n This Act may be cited as the ``Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments\n Act''.\n\n SEC. 2. MODIFICATIONS TO THE MARINE DEBRIS PROGRAM OF THE\n NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC\n ADMINISTRATION.\n\n Section 3(d) of the Marine Debris Act (33 U.S.C. 1952(d))\n is amended--\n (1) in the subsection heading, by striking ``and\n Contracts'' and inserting ``Contracts, and Other\n Agreements'';\n (2) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and contracts'' and\n inserting ``, contracts, and other agreements'';\n (3) in paragraph (2)--\n (A) in subparagraph (B)--\n (i) by striking ``part of the'' and inserting ``part of\n a''; and\n (ii) by inserting ``or (C)'' after ``subparagraph (A)'';\n and\n (B) in subparagraph (C), in the matter preceding clause\n (i), by inserting ``and except as provided in subparagraph\n (B)'' after ``subparagraph (A)''; and\n (4) by adding at the end the following:\n ``(7) In-kind contributions.--With respect to any project\n carried out pursuant to a contract or other agreement entered\n into under paragraph (1) that is not a cooperative agreement\n or an agreement to provide financial assistance in the form\n of a grant, the Under Secretary may contribute on an in-kind\n basis the portion of the costs of the project that the Under\n Secretary determines represents the amount of benefit the\n National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration derives from\n the project.''.\n\n SEC. 3. MODIFICATIONS TO THE MARINE DEBRIS FOUNDATION.\n\n (a) Status of Foundation.--Section 111(a) of the Save Our\n Seas 2.0 Act (33 U.S.C. 4211(a)) is amended, in the second\n sentence, by striking ``organization'' and inserting\n ``corporation''.\n (b) Purposes.--Section 111(b)(3) of the Save Our Seas 2.0\n Act (33 U.S.C. 4211(b)(3)) is amended by inserting ``Indian\n Tribes,'' after ``Tribal governments,''.\n (c) Board of Directors.--\n (1) Appointment, vacancies, and removal.--Section 112(b) of\n the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act (33 U.S.C. 4212(b)) is amended--\n (A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (5) as\n paragraphs (2) through (6), respectively;\n (B) by inserting before paragraph (2) the following:\n ``(1) Recommendations of board regarding appointments.--For\n appointments made under paragraph (2), the Board shall submit\n to the Under Secretary recommendations on candidates for\n appointment.'';\n (C) in paragraph (2), as redesignated by subparagraph (A),\n in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)--\n (i) by striking ``paragraph (2)'' and inserting ``paragraph\n (3)'';\n (ii) by striking ``and considering'' and inserting\n ``considering''; and\n (iii) by inserting ``under paragraph (1), and with the\n approval of the Secretary of Commerce'' after ``by the\n Board'';\n (D) by amending paragraph (3), as so redesignated, to read\n as follows:\n ``(3) Terms.--Any Director appointed under paragraph (2)\n shall be appointed for a term of 6 years.'';\n (E) in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (4), as so\n redesignated, by inserting ``with the approval of the\n Secretary of Commerce'' after ``the Board''; and\n (F) in paragraph (6), as so redesignated--\n (i) by inserting ``the Administrator of the United States\n Agency for International Development,'' after ``Service,'';\n and\n (ii) by inserting ``, and with the approval of the\n Secretary of Commerce'' after ``EPA Administrator''.\n (2) General powers.--Section 112(g) of the Save Our Seas\n 2.0 Act (33 U.S.C. 4212(g)) is amended--\n (A) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``officers and\n employees'' and inserting ``the initial officers and\n employees''; and\n (B) in paragraph (2)(B)(i), by striking ``its chief\n operating officer'' and inserting ``the chief executive\n officer of the Foundation''.\n (3) Chief executive officer.--Section 112 of the Save Our\n Seas 2.0 Act (33 U.S.C. 4212) is amended by adding at the end\n the following:\n ``(h) Chief Executive Officer.--\n ``(1) Appointment; removal; review.--The Board shall\n appoint and review the performance of, and may remove, the\n chief executive officer of the Foundation.\n ``(2) Powers.--The chief executive officer of the\n Foundation may appoint, remove, and review the performance of\n any officer or employee of the Foundation.''.\n (d) Powers of Foundation.--Section 113(c)(1) of the Save\n Our Seas 2.0 Act (33 U.S.C. 4213(c)(1)) is amended, in the\n matter preceding subparagraph (A)--\n (1) by inserting ``nonprofit'' before ``corporation''; and\n (2) by striking ``acting as a trustee'' and inserting\n ``formed''.\n (e) Principal Office.--Section 113 of the Save Our Seas 2.0\n Act (33 U.S.C. 4213) is amended by adding at the end the\n following:\n ``(g) Principal Office.--The Board may locate the principal\n office of the Foundation in the National Capital Region, as\n such term is defined in section 2674(f)(2) of title 10,\n United States Code, or a coastal shoreline community.''.\n (f) Best Practices; Rule of Construction.--Section 113 of\n the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act (33 U.S.C. 4213), as amended by\n subsection (e), is further amended by adding at the end the\n following:\n ``(h) Best Practices for Outreach to Indian Tribes.--\n ``(1) In general.--The Foundation shall develop and\n implement best practices for conducting outreach to Indian\n Tribes.\n ``(2) Requirements.--The best practices developed under\n paragraph (1) shall--\n ``(A) include a process to support technical assistance and\n capacity building to improve outcomes; and\n ``(B) promote an awareness of programs and grants available\n under this Act.\n ``(i) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this Act may be\n construed--\n ``(1) to satisfy any requirement for government-to-\n government consultation with Tribal governments; or\n ``(2) to affect or modify any treaty or other right of any\n Tribal government.''.\n (g) Use of Funds.--Section 118(a)(2) of the Save Our Seas\n 2.0 Act (33 U.S.C. 4218(a)(2)) is amended by striking ``and\n State and local government agencies'' and inserting ``, State\n and local government agencies, United States and\n international nongovernmental organizations, regional\n organizations, Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and\n foreign government entities''.\n\n SEC. 4. ORGANIZATION OF MARINE DEBRIS ACT.\n\n (a) In General.--The Marine Debris Act (33 U.S.C. 1951 et\n seq.) is amended--\n (1) by inserting before section 3 the following:\n\n``Subtitle A--National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Coast\n Guard Programs'';\n\n (2) by redesignating sections 3 through 6 as sections 101\n through 104, respectively;\n (3) by redesignating sections 7 through 10 as sections 131\n through 134, respectively; and\n (4) by inserting before section 131, as redesignated by\n paragraph (3), the following:\n\n[[Page S7316]]\n\n ``Subtitle D--Administration''.\n\n (b) Marine Debris Foundation.--Subtitle B of title I of the\n Save Our Seas 2.0 Act (33 U.S.C. 4211 et seq.) is--\n (1) transferred to the Marine Debris Act; and\n (2) inserted after section 104 of the Marine Debris Act, as\n redesignated by subsection (a)(2).\n (c) Genius Prize for Save Our Seas Innovations.--Subtitle C\n of title I of the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act (33 U.S.C. 4231 et\n seq.) is--\n (1) transferred to the Marine Debris Act; and\n (2) inserted after section 119 of the Marine Debris Act, as\n transferred and inserted by subsection (b).\n\n SEC. 5. DEFINITIONS.\n\n Section 131 of the Marine Debris Act, as redesignated by\n section 4(a)(3), is amended--\n (1) by redesignating paragraphs (2), (3), (4), (5), (6),\n and (7) as paragraphs (4), (5), (6), (10), (11), and (12),\n respectively;\n (2) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:\n ``(1) Circular economy.--The term `circular economy' has\n the meaning given such term in section 2 of the Save Our Seas\n 2.0 Act (Public Law 116-224; 33 U.S.C. 4201 note).\n ``(2) Coastal shoreline community.--The term `coastal\n shoreline community' means a city or county directly adjacent\n to the open ocean, a major estuary, or one of the Great\n Lakes.\n ``(3) EPA administrator.--The term `EPA Administrator'\n means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection\n Agency.'';\n (3) by inserting after paragraph (6), as redesignated by\n paragraph (1), the following:\n ``(7) Non-federal funds.--The term `non-Federal funds'\n means funds provided by--\n ``(A) a State;\n ``(B) an Indian Tribe;\n ``(C) a territory of the United States;\n ``(D) one or more units of local governments or Tribal\n organizations;\n ``(E) a foreign government;\n ``(F) a private for-profit entity;\n ``(G) a nonprofit organization; or\n ``(H) a private individual.\n ``(8) Nonprofit.--The term `nonprofit', with respect to a\n corporation or other organization, means the corporation or\n other organization is described in section 501(c) of the\n Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from tax under\n section 501(a) of such Code.\n ``(9) Post-consumer materials management.--The term `post-\n consumer materials management' has the meaning given such\n term in section 2 of the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act (Public Law\n 116-224; 33 U.S.C. 4201 note).'';\n (4) in paragraph (12), as so redesignated--\n (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (B), (C), and (D) as\n subparagraphs (C), (D), and (E), respectively; and\n (B) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:\n ``(B) Indian Tribe;''; and\n (5) by adding after paragraph (12), as so redesignated, the\n following:\n ``(13) Tribal government.--The term `Tribal government'\n means the recognized governing body of any Indian or Alaska\n Native Tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, community,\n component band, or component reservation, individually\n identified (including parenthetically) in the list published\n most recently as of the date of the enactment of the Save Our\n Seas 2.0 Amendments Act pursuant to section 104 of the\n Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C.\n 5131).\n ``(14) Tribal organization.--The term `Tribal organization'\n has the meaning given that term in section 4 of the Indian\n Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C.\n 5304).\n ``(15) Under secretary.--The term `Under Secretary' means\n the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and\n Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric\n Administration.''.\n\n SEC. 6. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.\n\n (a) Marine Debris Act.--The Marine Debris Act (33 U.S.C.\n 1951 et seq.), as amended by this Act, is further amended--\n (1) in section 103, as redesignated by section 4(a)(2)--\n (A) in subsection (d), in the matter preceding paragraph\n (1)--\n (i) by striking ``Administrator of the National Oceanic and\n Atmospheric Administration'' and inserting ``Under\n Secretary''; and\n (ii) by striking ``Administrator of the Environmental\n Protection Agency'' and insert ``EPA Administrator''; and\n (B) in subsection (e)(3), by striking ``section 3'' and\n inserting ``section 101'';\n (2) in subsection (b)(4) of section 111, as transferred by\n section 4(b), by striking ``title III'' and inserting\n ``subtitle C'';\n (3) in subsection (a) of section 123, as transferred by\n section 4(c), by striking ``title I'' and inserting\n ``subtitle B'';\n (4) in section 134, as redesignated by section 4(a)(3), by\n striking ``Administrator of the Environmental Protection\n Agency'' and inserting ``EPA Administrator''; and\n (5) by striking ``Administrator'' each place it appears\n (other than in section 103(d)), 131, or 134, as redesignated\n by section 4(a)) and inserting ``Under Secretary''.\n (b) Save Our Seas 2.0 Act.--Section 2 of the Save Our Seas\n 2.0 Act (Public Law 116-224; 33 U.S.C. 4201 note) is\n amended--\n (1) by striking paragraph (7); and\n (2) by redesignating paragraphs (8) through (11) as\n paragraphs (7) through (10), respectively.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7316-2", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "HOUSE BILLS", "SENATE", "SENATE", "ALLOTHER", "S7316", "S7316", "[{\"name\": \"Charles E. Schumer\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", "[{\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"4955\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"4955\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"8667\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"8667\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"9124\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"9124\"}]", "170 Cong. Rec. S7316", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7316]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n HOUSE BILLS\n\n Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the\nCommittee on Veterans' Affairs be discharged and the Senate proceed to\nthe immediate consideration of the following bills en bloc: H.R. 4955,\nH.R. 8667, and H.R. 9124.\n There being no objection, the committee was discharged, and the\nSenate proceeded to consider the bills en bloc.\n Mr. SCHUMER. I ask unanimous consent that the bills be considered\nread a third time and passed and that the motions to reconsider be\nconsidered made and laid upon the table, all en bloc.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.\n The bills were passed, en bloc, as follows:\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7316-3", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "HENRY PARHAM VA CLINIC", "SENATE", "SENATE", "ALLOTHER", "S7316", "S7316", null, "[{\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"4955\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"4955\"}]", "170 Cong. Rec. S7316", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7316]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n HENRY PARHAM VA CLINIC\n\n The bill (H.R. 4955) to name the community-based outpatient clinic of\nthe Department of Veterans Affairs in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, as the\n``Henry Parham VA Clinic'' was ordered to third reading, was read the\nthird time, and passed.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7316-4", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "DUANE E. DEWEY VA CLINIC", "SENATE", "SENATE", "ALLOTHER", "S7316", "S7316", null, "[{\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"8667\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"8667\"}]", "170 Cong. Rec. S7316", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7316]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n DUANE E. DEWEY VA CLINIC\n\n The bill (H.R. 8667) to rename the community-based outpatient clinic\nof the Department of Veterans Affairs in Cadillac, Michigan, as the\n``Duane E. Dewey VA Clinic'' was ordered to third reading, was read the\nthird time, and passed.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7316-5", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "LOUIS A. CONTER VA CLINIC", "SENATE", "SENATE", "ALLOTHER", "S7316", "S7316", null, "[{\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"9124\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"9124\"}]", "170 Cong. Rec. S7316", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7316]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n LOUIS A. CONTER VA CLINIC\n\n The bill (H.R. 9124) to name the Department of Veterans Affairs\ncommunity-based outpatient clinic in Auburn, California, as the ``Louis\nA. Conter VA Clinic'' was ordered to third reading, was read the third\ntime, and passed.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7316-6", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "U.S. CONGRESSMAN SAM JOHNSON MEMORIAL VA CLINIC ACT", "SENATE", "SENATE", "ALLOTHER", "S7316", "S7317", "[{\"name\": \"Charles E. Schumer\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", "[{\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"4136\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"4136\"}]", "170 Cong. Rec. S7316", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Pages S7316-S7317]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n U.S. CONGRESSMAN SAM JOHNSON MEMORIAL VA CLINIC ACT\n\n Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the\nCommittee on Veterans' Affairs be discharged from further consideration\nof H.R. 4136 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title.\n The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:\n\n A bill (H.R. 4136) to name the Department of Veterans\n Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Plano, Texas, as\n the ``U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson Memorial VA Clinic''.\n\n There being no objection, the committee was discharged, and the\nSenate proceeded to consider the bill.\n Mr. SCHUMER. I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read\na third time and passed and that the motion to reconsider be considered\nmade and laid upon the table.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.\n The bill (H.R. 4136) was ordered to a third reading, was read the\nthird time, and passed.\n\n[[Page S7317]]\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7316", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "THINK DIFFERENTLY DATABASE ACT", "SENATE", "SENATE", "ALLOTHER", "S7316", "S7316", "[{\"name\": \"Charles E. Schumer\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", "[{\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"670\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"670\"}]", "170 Cong. Rec. S7316", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7316]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n THINK DIFFERENTLY DATABASE ACT\n\n Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate\nproceed to the immediate consideration of H.R. 670, which was received\nfrom the House.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title.\n The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:\n\n A bill (H.R. 670) to direct the Secretary of Health and\n Human Services to establish a website to promote awareness of\n available resources for individuals with disabilities, and\n for other purposes.\n\n There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill.\n Mr. SCHUMER. I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read\na third time and passed; and that the motion to reconsider be\nconsidered made and laid upon the table.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.\n The bill (H.R. 670) was ordered to a third reading, was read the\nthird time, and passed.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7317-2", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "FISHERY IMPROVEMENT TO STREAMLINE UNTIMELY REGULATORY HURDLES POST EMERGENCY SITUATION ACT", "SENATE", "SENATE", "ALLOTHER", "S7317", "S7317", "[{\"name\": \"Charles E. Schumer\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", "[{\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"5103\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"5103\"}]", "170 Cong. Rec. S7317", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7317]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n FISHERY IMPROVEMENT TO STREAMLINE UNTIMELY REGULATORY HURDLES POST\n EMERGENCY SITUATION ACT\n\n Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the\nCommittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation be discharged from\nfurther consideration of H.R. 5103 and the Senate proceed to its\nimmediate consideration.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title.\n The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:\n\n A bill (H.R. 5103) to require the Director of the Office of\n Management and Budget to approve or deny spend plans within a\n certain amount of time, and for other purposes.\n\n There being no objection, the committee was discharged, and the\nSenate proceeded to consider the bill.\n Mr. SCHUMER. I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read\na third time and passed and that the motion to reconsider be considered\nmade and laid upon the table.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.\n The bill (H.R. 5103) was ordered to a third reading, was read the\nthird time, and passed.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7317-3", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "MORNING BUSINESS", "SENATE", "SENATE", "SMBUSINESS", "S7317", "S7317", "[{\"name\": \"Amy Klobuchar\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", "[{\"congress\": \"99\", \"type\": \"SRES\", \"number\": \"28\"}]", "170 Cong. Rec. S7317", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7317]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n MORNING BUSINESS\n\n ______\n\n REGULATIONS FOR RECORDINGS OF SENATE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS\n\n Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to have printed\nin the Congressional Record updated ``Regulations for Recordings of\nSenate Floor Proceedings.''\n There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in\nthe Record, as follows:\n\n Regulations for Recordings of Senate Floor Proceedings Adopted by the\n Senate Committee on Rules and Administration on December 20, 2024\n\n 1.0 Scope--S. Res. 28 (99th Congress) authorized broadcast\n coverage and recordings of proceedings in the Senate Chamber.\n These regulations describe the procedures for preparation,\n transfer, and distribution of such recordings.\n 2.0 Definitions--For purposes of these regulations, the\n following terms shall have the meaning specified.\n 2.1 Depository means the Library of Congress or the U.S.\n National Archives and Records Administration.\n 2.2 Recording means an audio and color video recording of\n proceedings in the Senate Chamber.\n 2.3 Recording Studio means the Senate Recording Studio\n operated by the Senate Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the\n Senate.\n 2.4 Rules Committee means the Senate Committee on Rules and\n Administration.\n 2.5 Secretary means the Secretary of the Senate.\n 3.0 Preparation of Recordings--\n 3.1 The Recording Studio shall make at least two archival-\n quality audio and color video recordings of proceedings in\n the Senate Chamber.\n 3.2 The Recording Studio may, upon request, make additional\n recordings for Members. Members who receive recordings shall\n pay the fee set by Rules and accept the recordings on the\n condition that the recordings will not be used for political\n campaign purposes.\n 4.0 Transfer of Recordings--\n 4.1 As soon as possible, the Recording Studio shall\n transfer the two archival-quality recordings to the Secretary\n of the Senate, who shall transfer one to the Library of\n Congress and one to the U.S. National Archives and Records\n Administration.\n 4.2 Recordings may be made by depositories and distributed\n to any person or organization upon payment of such fee as the\n depository may set to recover the cost of copying, subject to\n the following conditions:\n 4.2.1 Any person or representative of any organization who\n receives a recording may not use the recording, or permit the\n recording to be used by any other party, for political\n campaign purposes.\n 4.2.2 Any person requesting a recording who is not\n representing a public or commercial news organization must\n agree in writing, as a condition of receiving a recording,\n that the recording will not be used for political campaign\n purposes. Each depository is responsible for securing such a\n written agreement for all recordings distributed by it.\n Signed agreements shall be retained for a period of at least\n two years and, upon request, copies of the agreements shall\n be delivered to the Secretary of the Senate or to the Rules\n Committee. A suggested form of agreement is attached.\n 5.0 Property Rights and Agreements with Depositories--The\n Senate retains all property rights to the recordings of\n proceedings in the Senate Chamber transferred to the Library\n of Congress and the U.S. National Archives and Records\n Administration and those depositories shall hold such\n recordings in accordance with the terms of an agreement to be\n entered into with the Secretary of the Senate, subject to the\n approval of the Rules Committee.\n Pursuant to S. Res. 28 (99th Congress):\n ``Sec. 5. (a) The use of any recording of Senate\n proceedings for political campaign purposes is strictly\n prohibited.\n (b)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), any recording\n of Senate proceedings furnished to any person or organization\n shall be made on the condition, agreed to in writing, that\n the recording shall not be used for political campaign\n purposes.\n (2) Any public or commercial news organization furnished a\n recording described in paragraph (1) shall be subject to the\n provisions of paragraph (1) but shall not be required to\n enter into a written agreement.''\n I have been advised of the condition set forth in the above\n resolution and agree that I, and the organization I\n represent, will not use, nor permit any other person to use,\n the recording received by me for political campaign purposes.\n Furthermore, in signing below, I do so with the\n understanding that copies of this agreement are available to\n the Secretary of the Senate and the Senate Committee on Rules\n and Administration upon request, pursuant to regulations and\n procedures issued by the Committee on Rules and\n Administration.\n Date:\n Signature:\n Name:\n Address:\n Organization:\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7317-4", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "THOMAS R. CARPER WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT", "SENATE", "SENATE", "ALLOTHER", "S7317", "S7318", "[{\"name\": \"Jeff Merkley\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7317", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Pages S7317-S7318]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n THOMAS R. CARPER WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT\n\n Mr. MERKLEY. Mr. President, this week, the Senate passed important\nlegislation to Oregon's ports and waterways, the backbone of our\nregional economy. This legislation includes key provisions that I\nfought for to ensure the safe navigation of the Lower Columbia River's\ndeep draft channel, which connects the Pacific Northwest and much of\nthe country to the world.\n According to the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association, the channel\nsupports more than 49 million metric tons of international trade cargo,\naccounting for over $31 billion in value and supporting at least 40,000\nlocal jobs. The benefits of ensuring clear passage along the channel\nreach well beyond the region. The channel is the country's top wheat\nexport gateway, the second largest U.S. soy export gateway, and the\nthird largest grain export gateway in the world, as well as the top\nWest Coast exporter for cars.\n Since 1891, through authorizations in a patchwork of Federal laws and\nagreements, the Port of Portland--and later along with the Ports of\nVancouver, Woodland, Kalama, and Longview, WA--has assisted in dredging\nand maintaining the channel. For the last 60 years, this work has been\ndone by the Dredge Oregon, on behalf of the U.S. Army Corps of\nEngineers, a dredge owned by the Port of Portland and used exclusively\nfor Columbia River channel maintenance. While the dredge has performed\nextremely well on demand and often under difficult circumstances, the\nvessel is now nearly 60 years old and in desperate need of replacement.\n I am pleased that section 1325 of this year's Water Resources\nDevelopment Act will clearly authorize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers\nto replace Dredge Oregon with a more modern vessel. This language makes\nit clear that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can reimburse the Port\nof Portland for financial costs incurred to replace Dredge Oregon,\nwhich exclusively\n\n[[Page S7318]]\n\nworks to fulfil the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers responsibilities in\nthe Lower Columbia Channel.\n This authorization is critical toward ensuring that the Lower\nColumbia River will continue to be dredged and maintained with the same\nreliability as it has been for decades. I once again thank my\ncolleagues and staff for their hard work on this legislation.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7317", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "SUPPORTING AMERICA'S CHILDREN AND FAMILIES ACT", "SENATE", "SENATE", "ALLOTHER", "S7317", "S7317", "[{\"name\": \"Charles E. Schumer\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", "[{\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"9076\"}, {\"congress\": \"118\", \"type\": \"HR\", \"number\": \"9076\"}]", "170 Cong. Rec. S7317", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7317]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n SUPPORTING AMERICA'S CHILDREN AND FAMILIES ACT\n\n Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the\nCommittee on Finance be discharged from further consideration of H.R.\n9076 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title.\n The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:\n\n A bill (H.R. 9076) to reauthorize child welfare programs\n under part B of title IV of the Social Security Act and\n strengthen the State and tribal child support enforcement\n program under part D of such title, and for other purposes.\n\n There being no objection, the committee was discharged, and the\nSenate proceeded to consider the bill.\n Mr. SCHUMER. I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read\na third time and passed and that the motion to reconsider be considered\nmade and laid upon the table.\n The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.\n The bill (H.R. 9076) was ordered to a third reading, was read the\nthird time, and passed.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7318-2", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "VOTE EXPLANATION", "SENATE", "SENATE", "VOTEEXPLAIN", "S7318", "S7318", "[{\"name\": \"Josh Hawley\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7318", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7318]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n VOTE EXPLANATION\n\n Mr. HAWLEY. Mr. President, had there been a recorded vote, I would\nhave voted ``no'' on the en bloc confirmation of Executive Calendar\nNos. 851, 853, 854, and 857.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7318-3", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENERGY STUDY INSTITUTE", "SENATE", "SENATE", "ALLOTHER", "S7318", "S7318", "[{\"name\": \"Chris Van Hollen\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7318", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7318]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENERGY STUDY INSTITUTE\n\n Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate the\nEnvironmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) on its 40th\nanniversary.\n Since its founding four decades ago by members of Congress from both\nsides of the aisle, EESI has steadfastly pursued its vision of a\nsustainable, resilient, and equitable world--a vision I share. EESI's\nwork is a reminder that there is considerable common ground if we work\ntogether to find it. For the sake of our planet, our economy, our\nhealth, and our children's future, I hope we have the strength to do\njust that.\n EESI plays a key role as it informs Congress of developments in the\nenergy, environmental, and climate space. Every year, EESI convenes\ndozens of congressional briefings, publishes white papers, releases\nnewsletters, and hosts a podcast. All of this science-based,\nnonpartisan information--clearly explained and synthesized--helps us\ndevelop good policy.\n EESI has also been one of the driving forces behind the annual\nCongressional Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency EXPO and Policy\nForum. I have the privilege of serving as a deputy cochair of the\nSenate Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus, which showcases,\non a bipartisan basis, the many benefits of clean energy and helps\ncohost the EXPO. I am very proud to have participated in almost every\nEXPO since 2003. At these EXPOs, clean energy leaders convene and share\nwhat their organizations are doing to advance renewable energy and\nenergy efficiency. They describe how clean energy and energy efficiency\nare creating good-paying jobs in their communities, expanding economic\ndevelopment in rural areas, helping families and businesses become more\nresilient to extreme weather and climate impacts, contributing to\nnational security, and ensuring that all communities have access to\nclean air and water.\n I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize the many\naccomplishments of former Representative Richard L. ``Dick'' Ottinger.\nHe cofounded the Environmental and Energy Study Conference when he\nrepresented New York in Congress in the 1970s. Under Mr. Ottinger's\nleadership, the conference later evolved into the independent nonprofit\nwe are celebrating today, EESI.\n We are in the middle of a decisive decade for climate action. What we\nchoose to do now--or fatefully, choose not to do--will affect future\ngenerations in profound ways. As we seek bipartisan agreement to\nachieve our climate goals, I know we can count on EESI and its\nremarkable resources to help guide the way.\n Congratulations again to EESI and its 40 years of advancing climate\nsolutions on Capitol Hill. I look forward to working with EESI for many\nyears to come as we strive together to achieve a sustainable,\nresilient, and equitable world.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7318-4", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "TRIBUTE TO SARAH BENEDICT ANSTAETT", "SENATE", "SENATE", "TRIBUTETO", "S7318", "S7319", "[{\"name\": \"Tammy Baldwin\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7318", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Pages S7318-S7319]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n TRIBUTE TO SARAH BENEDICT ANSTAETT\n\n Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate and honor the\nservice of Sarah Benedict Anstaett, my State director. Soon, Sarah will\nretire from the U.S. Senate after a lengthy career serving the people\nof Wisconsin and our Nation.\n Sarah's steadfast dedication to constituent services has set a high\nstandard for our office that will have a lasting impact. With over 25\nyears of Federal experience, Sarah's mentorship and willingness to pass\non her wealth of knowledge to junior staffers is not only a testament\nto her rare style of leadership, but to her belief in the importance of\nquality public service. Sarah holds a BA in psychology and a masters in\nsocial work from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, making her\nexceptionally well qualified to handle any constituent service concern.\n\n[[Page S7319]]\n\nUnder Sarah's guidance, my office has assisted thousands of\nWisconsinites and their families who were confronted with urgent and\noften very serious challenges.\n Sarah joined our Madison area House of Representatives staff as a\ncaseworker. Constituents coming to our office with concerns were met\nwith Sarah's capable and calm approach to problem solving. She was\nincredibly effective in addressing all manner of issues and quickly\nbecame an indispensable part of the team. She traveled throughout our\ndistrict, meeting constituents where they were--especially our\nseniors--in places that allowed them to interact directly with the\nFederal Government. During this time, Sarah and her husband Dave\nwelcomed two children, which spurred our office to embrace family-\nforward work policies and practices.\n When I took my seat in the Senate, I was delighted that Sarah chose\nto continue with our team. In my Senate office, Sarah became our\ndirector of constituent services, working with a team to address\nFederal issues from constituents around the State. She developed\neffective processes and guides for our caseworkers, shared her wealth\nof experience and best practices, and was always ready to step in and\nhelp on the trickiest and stickiest of concerns.\n She also created one of our favorite reports: a weekly roundup of\ncasework successes, concerns and trends. Each week, the report of Sarah\nand her team's exceptional work was filled with stories ranging from\nexpeditious replacement of lost passports to saving small businesses\nthat were facing existential challenges with Federal Agencies.\n In 2021, Sarah assumed the role of my State director, overseeing and\nguiding our outstanding team of outreach staff, caseworkers, and other\nsupport staff. Her leadership in this new role was pragmatic, focused,\nand inclusive. She kept our priorities at the forefront and guided\nstaff to make the best decisions.\n In her new role, Sarah immediately hit the ground running and refined\nand established new processes for our outreach team, in-state\nscheduling and travel, and continued to support our casework team. My\nstaff often reported to me that she managed to do the impossible: make\ntheir jobs less stressful. As State director, Sarah set high standards\nfor our staff, inspiring and bringing out the best in each of them. She\nled by example and demonstrated the importance and value of having\nwomen in senior leadership roles.\n She traveled the State both with and without me, continually\ndeveloping and cultivating important relationships with constituents\nand organizations throughout Wisconsin. She has been a constant\npresence at events around the State and always actively pursued\nopportunities to strengthen ties between our office and the communities\nwe serve. My staff and I will miss the kindness, humility, good humor,\nand grace that she brings each day to our team.\n Outside of the office, Sarah's an avid traveler and explorer, with a\nwide group of friends and interests. I am sure that her retirement will\nbring her more opportunities to travel with her husband Dave and their\nchildren Henry and Ursula.\n Sarah, thank you for your service to the people of Wisconsin and to\nour Nation.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7318", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "McALESTER ARMY AMMUNITION PLANT", "SENATE", "SENATE", "ALLOTHER", "S7318", "S7318", "[{\"name\": \"James Lankford\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7318", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7318]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n McALESTER ARMY AMMUNITION PLANT\n\n Mr. LANKFORD. Mr. President, I rise today to express my gratitude to\nthe Armed Services Committee and Energy and Natural Resources Committee\nfor working to include an important provision that passed as part of\nthe fiscal year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (FY25 NDAA).\nThe provision is in section 1706, titled ``Use of royalty gas at\nMcAlester Army Ammunition Plant.''\n The Department of Defense has issued a charge to ensure that all U.S.\nmilitary installations are energy resilient by 2035. Under 10 U.S.C.\nSec. 2911, the Secretary of Defense is responsible for ``ensur[ing] the\nreadiness of the armed forces for their military missions by pursuing\nenergy security and energy resilience.'' In implementing this section\nof the U.S. Code, the Department of Defense has pursued a plan to\nestablish microgrids at all military installations, utilizing a diverse\narray of energy sources to be energy resilient. In FY 2022, the\nDepartment of Defense consumed $4.2 billion in fuel for installation\nenergy. Further, natural gas was the largest nonelectric fuel source,\nused in almost 75 percent of installation energy consumption. As my\ncolleagues know, the purpose of energy resilience is to ensure our\nmilitary installations are able to continue operations in the event of\na local, gridwide, or national energy supply disruption.\n In 2021, Senate Report 117-39, which accompanied the National Defense\nAuthorization Act of 2016, requested that the Department of Defense\nreview a 2016 analysis of installations with likely gas and oil\nreserves to provide a recommendation for a pilot site to initiate use\nof on-site mineral reserves for energy resilience and security\npurposes. The program aimed to provide the installation with onsite\nenergy production, light refining, storage, and onsite generation to\nmaintain critical operations during grid outages. The report stated\nthat the Department of Defense had an absence of general statutory\nauthority for the Department of Defense to extract and use minerals at\ninstallations. The report also includes a list of nearly 150 military\ninstallations that are located within 25 miles of the top 100 most\nproductive natural gas and oil reserves in the United States, of which\nMcAlester is one.\n In order to clarify the authorities necessary for the deployment of\nnatural gas resources for the use of military energy resilience and\nsecurity, I worked with the Senate Armed Services Committee and Energy\nand Natural Resources Committee to include section 1706 of the FY25\nNDAA. This provision would provide the appropriate authorities for\nMcAlester Army Ammunition Plant in McAlester, OK, to develop natural\ngas on the installation for energy resilience purposes. This language\nwould require coordination between the Department of Defense and\nDepartment of the Interior to allow McAlester Army Ammunition Plant to\nproduce, treat, manage, and use national gas by contracting with\nappropriate entities to meet directives from the Department of Defense\nfor energy resiliency.\n This authority has been years in the making starting from efforts led\nby Oklahoma's former senior Senator and my friend, the late Jim Inhofe.\nThe language also includes feedback and technical assistance from the\nDepartment of Defense, the Bureau of Land Management, multiple\ncommittees in the House and Senate, and Senate leadership. There is\nalready precedent for the production and use of natural gas on military\ninstallations, as is the case with Fort Knox in Kentucky. The strategic\nuse of energy such as natural gas promotes the readiness of the Armed\nForces for their military mission. I urge the Department of Defense to\nswiftly implement this authority, and I congratulate McAlester on the\nopportunity to reach energy resiliency and continue the great work they\ndo for our national security.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7319-2", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "TRIBUTE TO CHRISTINE RAHLF", "SENATE", "SENATE", "TRIBUTETO", "S7319", "S7320", "[{\"name\": \"Tammy Baldwin\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7319", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Pages S7319-S7320]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n TRIBUTE TO CHRISTINE RAHLF\n\n Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate and honor the\nservice of Christine ``Chris'' Rahlf, my veterans services\nrepresentative. Soon, Chris will retire from the U.S. Senate after a\nlengthy career serving the people of Wisconsin and our Nation.\n Chris began her career as an officer in the Navy Civil Engineer\nCorps. Equipped with a BS in Civil Engineering from Marquette\nUniversity in Milwaukee, Chris began her Federal service managing\nconstruction projects at the Naval Training Center in Newport, RI. She\nlater moved to California, where she directed the quality assurance\nprogram and supervised more than 100 evaluators at Diego Garcia. She\nfinished her Active service in the Navy as the course director for the\nNaval Facilities Contracts Training Center, improving both course pass\nrates and test scores, as well as developing models for future course\ncurricula.\n Following her time in the Navy, Chris received an MBA at San Diego\nState University and worked in project management at several large\ncorporations based in California. Upon her return to Wisconsin, she\njoined Faith Technologies located in Menasha and held a variety of\nleadership positions during her time on their team. She developed\nstrong relationships in her local community, later running for a seat\nin the Wisconsin State Assembly to serve Northern Ozaukee County and\nWashington County.\n In early 2019, we were fortunate to have Chris join our staff. Her\ntireless work ethic and commitment to public service were evident from\nthe moment we met. Chris fully dedicated herself to supporting,\nuplifting, and communicating with veterans across Wisconsin something\nyou could say she has spent her entire life doing. As the daughter of a\n100 percent disabled veteran, wife of a veteran, mother of two\nservicemembers, and as a veteran herself, Chris brought the perspective\nand\n\n[[Page S7320]]\n\ncandor of all these different facets of her life experience together to\naddress the specific needs of veterans and their families.\n Chris immediately continued to build strong relationships with\nveterans and veteran's organizations across the State, demonstrating\ntime and time again to Wisconsin's veteran community that our team\nworks hard and gets results. She was recognized as being tough but fair\nin her work, holding Agencies accountable and garnering respect and\ntrust throughout the State by her approach. She has helped veterans and\ntheir families establish closure through obtaining missing service\nrecords and medals, fought for pay and services owed to them, and\ntackled systemic problems in the VA medical system to address incorrect\ndiagnoses and quality of care issues. Her efforts have made a lasting\nand positive impact on both individual veterans and the wider veterans\ncommunity in Wisconsin.\n When news spread about Chris's upcoming retirement, I heard from many\nWisconsin veterans about the quality of her work, her compassion, and\nher dedication to service. To have earned that kind of respect says all\nthat needs to be said for what Chris means to our office and the work\nshe has done. We will miss her leadership, enthusiasm, and steadfast\ncommitment to service.\n Chris, thank you for your service to our nation. And thank you for\nyour service to the veterans of Wisconsin.\n\n ____________________"], ["CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7319", "2024-12-20", 118, 2, "170", null, "TRIBUTE TO JENNIFER GARNER", "SENATE", "SENATE", "TRIBUTETO", "S7319", "S7319", "[{\"name\": \"Tammy Baldwin\", \"role\": \"speaking\"}]", null, "170 Cong. Rec. S7319", "Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)\n\n[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]\n[Senate]\n[Page S7319]\nFrom the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]\n\n TRIBUTE TO JENNIFER GARNER\n\n Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate and honor the\nservice of Jennifer ``Jen'' Garner, my northeastern Wisconsin regional\nrepresentative. Soon, Jen will retire from the U.S. Senate after a\nlengthy career serving the people of Wisconsin and our Nation.\n Jen's well-deserved retirement comes after 46 years of working in the\npolitical sphere in some form or another. She graduated from Northern\nMichigan University with a BS in public administration and hit the\nground running. She has worked on political campaigns large and small,\nfor and with local union members and leaders, in community and\nstatewide organizations, local government, and finally on our Senate\nteam. Her more than 40-year commitment to public service is evidenced\nby her strong connections to labor and manufacturing communities in the\nregion that she serves.\n I first met Jen many years ago when I was seeking a seat in the U.S.\nHouse of Representatives and she was working with AFSCME. She will\nregularly share that I ``knocked her socks off'' in our initial\nmeeting. But really, I was the one impressed with Jen's strategic\napproach and tenacity. And I never forgot that during our many\ninteractions throughout my time in the House. When the opportunity came\nfor her to join our staff, it was an easy decision for both of us.\n During her time on our staff, Jen has continually developed and\nstrengthened relationships across her service area. Jen serves the\npeople of Wisconsin in 11 counties--Marinette, Oconto, Waupaca,\nOutagamie, Winnebago, Calumet, Brown, Sheboygan, Manitowoc, Kewaunee,\nand Door--on my behalf. When we travel around together, Jen is an\ninstant ambassador and magnet at gatherings large and small. She is\nrecognized and welcomed warmly in every room, and I know the reaction\nto her work is authentic and appreciated.\n My staff fondly refers to Jen as the unofficial ``Dean'' of our\noutreach team. Jen knows all the intricacies on how best to interact\nwith various groups, organizations, and stakeholders. She is a wealth\nof knowledge and is always available to share context, history, and\nrecommendations on the best way to engage. She is always ready for a\ngut-check or to share an excellent scene-setting story and knows that\ndetails and history matter when it comes to relationship building and\nserving constituents. She is also game for a challenge, usually brought\non by our team's insistence on the adoption of new technologies and\nsystems.\n As Jen begins this new chapter of her life, I know she will not stray\nfar from engagement in her local community and causes dear to her\nheart. I am delighted that she will be able to spend more time with her\nfamily and friends, especially her grandchildren, who are the lights of\nher life. My staff and I will miss Jen's camaraderie, friendship, and\nleadership through action. We wish her all the best in her retirement,\nand I am pleased to officially designate her as dean emerita of our\noutreach team.\n Jen, thank you for your service to the people of Wisconsin and our\nNation.\n\n ____________________"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 17961, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["granule_id", "date", "congress", "session", "volume", "issue", "title", "chamber", "granule_class", "sub_granule_class", "page_start", "page_end", "speakers", "bills", "citation", "full_text"], "primary_keys": ["granule_id"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select granule_id, date, congress, session, volume, issue, title, chamber, granule_class, sub_granule_class, page_start, page_end, speakers, bills, citation, full_text from congressional_record where \"congress\" = :p0 and \"granule_class\" = :p1 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "118", "p1": "SENATE"}}, "facet_results": {"chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/openregs/congressional_record.json?congress=118&granule_class=SENATE", "results": [{"value": "SENATE", "label": "SENATE", "count": 17932, "toggle_url": "https://regs.datadawn.org/openregs/congressional_record.json?congress=118&granule_class=SENATE&chamber=SENATE", "selected": false}, {"value": "HOUSE", "label": "HOUSE", "count": 29, "toggle_url": "https://regs.datadawn.org/openregs/congressional_record.json?congress=118&granule_class=SENATE&chamber=HOUSE", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "granule_class": {"name": "granule_class", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/openregs/congressional_record.json?congress=118&granule_class=SENATE", "results": [{"value": "SENATE", "label": "SENATE", "count": 17961, "toggle_url": "https://regs.datadawn.org/openregs/congressional_record.json?congress=118", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "congress": {"name": "congress", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/openregs/congressional_record.json?congress=118&granule_class=SENATE", "results": [{"value": 118, "label": 118, "count": 17961, "toggle_url": "https://regs.datadawn.org/openregs/congressional_record.json?granule_class=SENATE", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2024-12-20,CREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7319", "next_url": "https://regs.datadawn.org/openregs/congressional_record.json?congress=118&granule_class=SENATE&_next=2024-12-20%2CCREC-2024-12-20-pt1-PgS7319&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 234.8479789943667, "source": "Federal Register API & Regulations.gov API", "source_url": "https://www.federalregister.gov/developers/api/v1", "license": "Public Domain (U.S. Government data)", "license_url": "https://www.regulations.gov/faq"}