Tammy Baldwin

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the life and legacy of Tamara D. Grigsby, whose untimely passing at the age of 41 has left Wisconsin without one of its greatest champions for equality and justice. Tamara committed her life to public service and making a difference in the lives of others. She was known for her honesty, dedication, and ability to see beyond partisan posturing to become a voice for those too often forgotten. Growing up in Madison, WI, Tamara's path in life was shaped by her experiences confronting economic disparity and racial bias as a student in what is considered Wisconsin's most liberal city. When asked about the apparent dichotomy of this circumstance, she simply responded: ``I'm a liberal. But liberal doesn't mean enlightened, and it doesn't mean informed.'' That statement embodies the essence of who Tamara was. After earning a bachelor's degree at Howard University and a master's degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Tamara put her energy and skills to work as a social worker in the Milwaukee office of the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families. Upon seeing the impact she could have on individual lives, she became convinced of the need for effective advocacy on a larger scale. In 2004, she successfully ran for the Wisconsin Legislature. Her drive and passion to change the world around her led to her success in a three-way primary and an unopposed general election to represent the 18th Assembly District in Milwaukee. During her tenure in the assembly, Tamara was a strong advocate for disadvantaged families and at-risk children, who were too often overlooked and marginalized. Tamara quickly gained the respect of her colleagues as a passionate, strong voice for equity, fairness, and the expansion of opportunity. She immersed herself in the legislative process as a member of the joint finance committee and as chair of the assembly committee on children and families. She was an outspoken and effective advocate on critical issues such as access to scientifically based sex education and birth control, expansion of transitional jobs to connect unemployed individuals with work, examination of the State's disproportionate Black incarceration rate, and the collection of racial data in police traffic stops. She stood fast against opposition to low-income tax credits and quality health care for low-income Wisconsin residents. Although an unexpected illness ended her 8 years as a State representative in 2012, her public service continued. She worked in the Milwaukee Public School system and was tapped to lead Dane County's Department of Equity and Inclusion. It is in this role that Tamara's life came full circle. She was once again in Madison challenging the status quo on the issues that inspired her to become a fierce advocate for the poor and underrepresented. Although Tamara's time with us was too short, she leaves behind a legacy for future leaders to emulate. She will always be remembered for having the courage to speak for those who didn't have a voice.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam President, I rise today to speak about something that guides the work of each and every one of us--the U.S. Constitution. Each and every one of us has taken an oath of office to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. We all solemnly swear that we will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution and that we will faithfully discharge the duties of our office. Have some of the Senate Republicans forgotten this? Last week a colleague was asked in a radio interview on a Wisconsin radio station if Republicans would be more likely to advance a Supreme Court nomination had a Republican been elected President in 2012. He said: ``Generally, and this is the way it works out politically, if you're replacing--if a conservative president's replacing a conservative justice, there's a little more accommodation to it.'' Do Senate Republicans really believe that they need a Republican President simply to do their jobs? I would like to remind my colleagues that President Obama was elected to a 4-year term in 2012 with over 65 million votes. The American people decided who our President is, and according to the Constitution, the term the President earned has more than 300 days remaining. The voices of those 65 million Americans need to be heard and respected despite how much some people want to silence them, disrespect them, and ignore them. On Supreme Court vacancies, the Constitution is also clear. Under article II of the Constitution, the President shall appoint judges to the Supreme Court and the Senate's role is to provide advice and consent. It is the constitutional duty of the President to select a Supreme Court nominee, and the Senate has the responsibility to give that nominee fair consideration with a timely hearing and a timely vote. It is deeply troubling to me and the people for whom I work in Wisconsin that the Republican majority would choose not to fulfill their constitutional duty. Before the President has even made a nomination to fill the current vacancy, a number of Senators have announced that they will not perform their constitutional duty. This not only runs contrary to the process that the Framers envisioned in article II, but it runs counter to our Nation's history. Now, some of my colleagues have claimed that the Senate history supports their historic obstruction. This is simply false. In fact, six Justices have been confirmed in Presidential election years since 1900, including Louis Brandeis, Benjamin Cardozo, and Republican appointee Anthony Kennedy, who was confirmed by a Democratic-controlled Senate during President Ronald Reagan's last year in office. Recently, one of my colleagues on the other side suggested that the nomination and confirmation process for a Supreme Court Justice-- perhaps just this impending Supreme Court nomination--would be nothing more than playing pinata. I would like to point out that when playing pinata, children are typically blindfolded, spun around in circles, and then they take a whack at the pinata with either a bat or stick. It is as if my Republican colleagues have become dizzied by what they are hearing around them--perhaps Donald Trump's divisive rhetoric. Do they see a Supreme Court nominee as nothing more than something to whack over and over, like a pinata? The violence of the metaphor is problematic. Have they lost faith and allegiance in their constitutional duties? Today, the American people deserve a full and functioning Supreme Court, not an empty seat on the highest Court in the land. The American people cannot afford partisan obstruction that threatens the integrity of our democracy and the functioning of our constitutional government. In my home State of Wisconsin, people get it. A recent poll there done by Marquette University showed a majority of the people believe that the Senate should hold hearings and a vote on a nominee this year. A majority of Wisconsinites also said they believe that leaving this seat on our highest Court vacant for more than a year will hurt the U.S. Supreme Court's ability to do its job. They are right, and their message to Washington and the Republican majority is simple: Do your job so the Supreme Court can do its job on behalf of all of the American people. The American people deserve better than a long-term vacancy that could jeopardize the administration of justice across our whole country. So I call on my colleagues to join together on behalf of the American people to fulfill our constitutional obligation of restoring the U.S. Supreme Court to its full strength. In the spirit of cooperation, in the spirit of bipartisanship, I call on Senate Republicans to end their partisan obstruction and do their jobs. Madam President, I yield the floor.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, today I wish to honor John Matthews on his recent retirement from Madison Teachers Incorporated, MTI, after serving the local teachers union for an impressive 48 years as executive director. Hired in 1968 as MTI's first executive secretary, a title subsequently changed to executive director, it is believed that John is one of the longest serving full-time heads of a teachers' union in the country. Formed as the Madison Education Association, MEA, in the 1930s, MTI served as a predominantly professional organization until 1964 when it became certified as the exclusive collective bargaining agent for teachers serving in the Madison Metropolitan School District, MMSD. In rapid succession, the first professional negotiations committee, PNC, was elected in 1965, followed by a name change to Madison Teachers Incorporated, MTI, in 1966. With an expanding membership of approximately 1,125, MTI realized the need for professional staff, hiring John to lead their efforts in June of 1968. Growing up in Billings, MT, as the son of the State budget director and the grandson of a Montana Supreme Court justice, John began to develop his passion for fighting injustice within his grandfather's chambers, as well as in and around the Montana State Capitol. In 1968, as a high school history and English teacher, John almost immediately found himself involved in negotiations regarding health care coverage for teachers. It was a path that would define both the man and his career in a profound way. His almost five decades as MTI executive director have been dedicated to protecting MTI's employees and the teachers of Madison's public schools. His strong belief in the power of contracts, especially in a school district where contracts govern schools, has guided his every decision. Under his leadership, MTI has negotiated for the enforcement of strong contracts that uphold and strengthen the rights of teachers. His undeniable dedication to the teachers' union has been demonstrated in his fiery leadership style and tenacity to speak out and protect workers' rights to collectively bargain. Described by others as engaged, insightful, and ever ready to not only listen to teachers' concerns but act on them, John's leadership exemplifies an unwavering dedication to the rights of public school teachers and public workers. His success in leading MTI is evidenced by the positive actions and outcomes achieved by organized labor, particularly in a State where the role of unions has recently been challenged. Over the years, I have been honored to stand in solidarity with John on the issues and am proud to call him my friend. On the occasion of his retirement, I am pleased to recognize John Matthew's longstanding dedication to Madison Teachers Incorporated and his fight to protect the rights and personal livelihood of the Madison teachers he served. He has impacted lives through his constant engagement, personal kindness, and fiery leadership. I wish John and his family all the best in his retirement and happiness for many years to come.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I come to the floor today because I think that higher education should be a path to prosperity, not a path to suffocating debt; however, today in America we have a student debt crisis that demands action from Washington because it is holding back an entire generation and creating an economic drag on the growth of our country. Unfortunately, the Republican majority here in the Senate continues to ignore this crisis at a time when we really should be working across the party aisle to put in reforms that make college more affordable for students and their families who are struggling and in desperate need of action. That is why last week Senate Democrats officially launched our ``In the Red'' campaign in order to confront the student debt crisis and address college affordability. Our legislative reform package includes three commonsense initiatives that deserve to be debated and deserve a vote. First, we are calling for action to address the significant loss in value of Pell grants by adjusting them for inflation; second, we are pushing to allow borrowers to refinance their existing student loans at lower rates; and third, we are making 2 years of community college or technical school free for students who are willing to work for it. In his State of the Union Address--not the one he gave a couple of weeks ago but the one he gave last January in 2015--President Obama called on us here in Congress to make a bold investment in our Nation's students, in our Nation's workforce, and in the future of our economy by making 2 years of community college free. In July, I answered that call and introduced legislation, the America's College Promise Act, aimed at providing students with a stronger and more affordable opportunity to gain the skills they need to compete, succeed, and prosper by making an investment in our workforce readiness, our economy, and our future. I am proud that this legislation is a pillar of the Senate Democrats' effort to reduce student debt in 2016 and to put our country on a path toward debt-free college. Learning from successes in States such as Tennessee and Oregon, the America's College Promise Act will create a new partnership between the Federal Government and States to help them waive resident tuition for 2 years of community or technical college programs for eligible students. This new partnership will provide a Federal match of $3 for every $1 invested by the State to waive community college tuition and fees for eligible students. With this legislation, a full- time community college student could save an average of around $3,800 in tuition per year. As cochair of the Senate's career and technical education caucus, I am especially proud that this reform takes a critical step to strengthen workforce readiness at a time when America needs to out educate and compete with the rest of the world in a 21st century skills-based economy. The idea that the next generation will be able to go further and do better than the last is at the heart of the American dream, and the solutions that we are offering today deserve a vote in this Congress. It is my hope that our colleagues on the other side of the aisle will join us in confronting the student debt crisis and supporting these commonsense reforms that not only make higher education affordable but can help give more Americans a fair shot at pursuing their dreams. I thank the Presiding Officer, and I yield back my time.

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that following my remarks, Senator Brown of Ohio be permitted to speak.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. I thank the chairman for this colloquy and for the moment at which we have now arrived. Mr. President, I rise to speak about the Perkins Loan Program--a vital investment in students that has been successful in helping Americans access affordable higher education and pursue their dreams. Due to Senate inaction, the Perkins Loan Program lapsed at the end of September. I have twice come to the floor to urge my colleagues to take action and extend this critical student loan program which has helped literally millions of America's low-income students for more than half a century. I am proud to have earned the support of a strong bipartisan majority in the Senate to continue this investment. Since the program's expiration, a growing chorus of advocates, students, and colleges and universities have joined our bipartisan coalition in calling on the Senate to act. As has been well documented, my friend Chairman Alexander and I have had our differences on this issue. As he just shared, he has objected to my previous efforts to revive the Perkins Loan Program due to his concerns with the program that he wanted to address as a part of the discussion about reauthorizing the Higher Education Act--a discussion, by the way, I very much look forward to. But despite his prior objections, I have certainly remained firm in the belief that we must act now to help students, even as we look toward that future conversation on higher education starting at the education committee and then proceeding through the Congress. I continue to work with my Republican colleagues and Democratic colleagues--especially those Republican colleagues who had concerns with the program--in order to find an interim path forward. I am so pleased that we are here today with a bipartisan compromise that provides a 2-year extension of the Perkins Loan Program. The compromise before us today is not perfect, and this is not the legislation I would have written on my own. However, today we have found a bipartisan solution that breaks the gridlock and will revive the Perkins Loan Program, providing critical support to students across America who were left in the lurch when the program expired this fall. This extension provides current and new undergraduate borrowers with access to Perkins loans through September 30 of the year 2017, allowing them to complete both the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 academic years with the support of this important program. In addition, it provides current graduate students with a Perkins loan an additional year of eligibility through September 30, 2016, allowing them to complete the 2016-2017 academic year with the support of Perkins. Like the 1-year extension measure which the House adopted by voice vote earlier this fall, this 2-year extension is fully paid for. I thank Chairman Alexander for working with me and Ranking Member Murray to address his concerns and to reach this compromise which we expect the Senate to pass in short order. I also thank my strong allies in this fight: Senator Murray, Senator Casey, Senator Portman, Senator Ayotte, Senator Collins, and many other supporters of the Perkins Loan Program in the Senate. I also thank our partners on the House Education and the Workforce Committee, Chairman Kline and Ranking Member Scott, who supported extending the Perkins Program. I am hopeful they will push this legislation across the finish line before Congress leaves for the year. Since 1958, the Federal Perkins Loan Program has been successfully helping Americans access affordable higher education with low-interest loans for students who cannot borrow or afford more expensive private student loans. In Wisconsin, the program provides more than 20,000 low-income students with more than $41 million in aid, students such as Andrew, a current student at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point campus. Without the support of his Perkins loan, Andrew said he would not have had the means to attend college with the little to no income at his disposal. Today, not only is Andrew making the dean's list every semester, but he also has his sights set on attending the law school at the University of Wisconsin. Andrew said: ``Without the assistance I get from the Perkins Loan I would be forced to either take out other high-interest loans, delay my graduation rate, or drop out--which is the last thing I want to do.'' I am pleased that we have reached an agreement to extend this program for 2 years to help students just like Andrew. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the HELP Committee to ensure that campus- based programs like Perkins are a part of the future of Federal support for higher education. Again, I thank the chairman for his colloquy and his hard work on reaching this resolution for the moment and look forward to the larger debate in the Education Committee when we reconvene next year.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Americans deserve to know their coverage will be there when they need it the most. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment because in the United States of America, health care should be a right guaranteed to all, not a privilege reserved for the few.

Ms. BALDWIN. I ask unanimous consent that the reading of the amendment be dispensed with.

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, pursuant to section 904 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, I move to waive all applicable sections of that act for purposes of the pending amendment, and I ask for the yeas and nays.

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I call up amendment No. 2919.

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I rise to speak in support of my amendment to allow families in Wisconsin and across the country to keep their high-quality affordable health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. My Republican friends want to repeal the Affordable Care Act and turn back the clock to the days when only the healthy and wealthy could afford the luxury of quality health insurance. The plan before us would strip millions of Americans of their premium tax credits and take away new Medicaid coverage for thousands of people across this country. My amendment is simple. It would prevent Republicans from taking away these tax credits and Medicaid for millions of low-income Americans. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, over 183,000 Wisconsinites--hard- working Wisconsinites--have obtained quality, affordable private health insurance coverage through the marketplace. Almost 90 percent of these Wisconsinites are receiving support to make their coverage more affordable.

Ms. BALDWIN. I ask unanimous consent for 10 more seconds.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I wish to recognize and honor Ralph Bagneski, Milwaukee County's 2016 Veteran of the Year. Mr. Bagneski has served our Nation for 35 years with distinction. As we observe Veterans Day, I am proud to pay tribute to him and to his fellow Wisconsin veterans who have served our Nation to protect and defend the American freedoms we hold dear. A native of Milwaukee, Mr. Bagneski enlisted in the United States Marine Corps after his graduation from Washington High School. He served on Active Duty during the Vietnam war from 1967 through 1971, leaving full-time service having achieved the post of rifleman squad leader, 96th Rifle Company. From 1973 to 1987, Mr. Bagneski also served in the Wisconsin National Guard, attaining the rank of first sergeant. In addition, Mr. Bagneski served for more than 15 years in the United States Army Reserve, where he achieved the rank of command sergeant major. During his military service, Mr. Bagneski received numerous decorations, two of which were the Legion of Merit and the Meritorious Service Medal. Both honors are given to members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. Notably, he also received the National Infantry Association's Order of Saint Maurice, an award recognizing those who make significant contributions in support of the infantry and who represent the highest standards of integrity, moral character, professional competence, and dedication to duty. Beyond his military service, Mr. Bagneski has demonstrated extraordinary service to his fellow servicemembers through his leadership in Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans Chapter 1, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Stand Down. He has served his community as a firefighter and EMT, as a Little League baseball coach, and as an active leader in Brewery Workers Local 9. Mr. Bagneski's lifetime of service to his country, his State, his community, and his fellow servicemembers is an example to us all. I am honored to congratulate him as Milwaukee County's 2016 Veteran of the Year and thank him for dedicating his life to the values we pay tribute to on Veterans Day--duty, honor, and service.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, this is incredibly frustrating. I am going to spend a few minutes talking about how this objection, this obstruction is impacting the students of America and the higher education institutions of America. There are real impacts that are being felt right now. Students who have previously received Perkins loans will lose their future eligibility if they change institutions or academic programs. Students seeking Perkins loans for the upcoming winter and spring semesters will not be eligible at all if we don't act soon to reauthorize this program. Finally, all future students will be ineligible for this program. This afternoon right before I came down to the Senate floor, I received a letter from the president of the University of Wisconsin's system, Ray Cross--a letter that was co-signed by all 14 of the UW system university chancellors. In their message, they shared compelling insight into how the sudden end to the Federal Perkins Loan Program is already affecting Wisconsin students. They then closed their letter with this: [W]e need to keep this program in place. After all, our job is to help students who would not otherwise be able to attend higher education and to help them overcome barriers, particularly financial barriers, all of which helps to ensure access, retention, completion, and a skilled workforce. These are goals upon which all of us can agree. One month ago our colleagues in the House of Representatives--a body rarely called a place of agreement--took up and passed a measure that would extend this student loan program for 1 year. I previously called up that bill here in the Senate and asked unanimous consent that we extend the Federal Perkins Loan Program. While I look forward to a broader conversation about improving Federal supports for students as we look to reauthorize the Higher Education Act, I don't believe--and I still don't--that we can sit idly by while America's students are left with such uncertainty. As everyone heard, I asked unanimous consent to proceed to the consideration of the bill, and one Senator stood up on behalf of Republican leadership and blocked our ability at this point in time to extend the Federal Perkins Loan Program by 1 year. Again, I understand a desire, and frankly, share a desire to have a broader conversation about Federal student aid as part of the Higher Education Act reauthorization effort. I still do not think it is right or fair to let this program expire to the detriment of thousands of students in need. Frankly, this is a perfect example of why the American people are so upset with Washington. Since 1958, the Federal Perkins Loan Program has been successfully helping Americans access affordable higher education with low-interest loans for students who cannot borrow or afford more expensive private student loans. In Wisconsin, the program provides more than 20,000 low-income university and college students with more than $41 million in aid, but the impact of this program isn't just isolated to the Badger State. In fact, the Federal Perkins Loan Program aids over half a million students with financial need each year across 1,500 institutions of higher learning. The schools themselves originate, service, and collect the fixed interest loan rates, and what is more, institutions maintain loans available for future students because these are revolving funds. Since the program's creation, institutions have invested millions of dollars of their own funds into the program. In addition to making higher education accessible for low-income students, the program serves as an incentive for people who wish to go into public service by offering targeted loan cancellations for specific professions in areas of high need, such as teaching, nursing, and law enforcement. As a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and as a Senator representing a State with such a rich history of higher education, it is among my highest priorities to fight to ensure that the Federal Perkins Loan Program continues for generations to come, but unfortunately, as we saw, one single Senator stood up again today and said no to students across America who ask for nothing more than an opportunity to pursue their dreams--students such as Andrew. Andrew is currently a student at the University of Wisconsin in Stevens Point. Without the support of his Perkins loan, Andrew said he would not have had the means to attend college. He has little to no income at his disposal. Today, not only is Andrew making the dean's list every semester, but he now has his sights set on attending law school, also at the University of Wisconsin. Andrew said: ``Without the assistance I get from the Perkins Loan I would be forced to either take out other high-interest loans, or delay my graduation date, or drop out--which is the last thing I want to do.'' Today this body also stood up and once again said no to students such as Nayeli Spahr. Nayeli was raised by a single mother who was an immigrant and worked two full-time jobs. Nayeli attended 10 different schools in 3 different States before she finished high school. Without the Federal Perkins Loan Program, Nayeli said her opportunity to get a college education would have been ``an illusionary dream.'' Today Nayeli is the first in her family to finish college and is now in her last year of medical school. She is planning to work with those who are underserved in our urban communities. She finished by saying: The Perkins loan program helped me reach this point. And its existence is essential to provide that opportunity for other young adults wanting to believe in themselves and to empower their communities to be better. Please save it! You don't have to look very far to find the dramatic impact that this investment has on America's students. There are thousands of stories like the ones I just shared, representing thousands of students who are still benefitting from the opportunities provided to them by this hugely successful program. I am disappointed and frustrated that our bipartisan effort in the Senate has again been obstructed. I will continue to fight to extend support for America's students in the form of extending the Federal Perkins Loan Program so that we can find a way to show the half-million American students who rely on this loan program that we are standing with them and that we are committed to helping them build a stronger future for themselves and our country. I thank the Presiding Officer, and yield back the remainder of my time.

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, last week when I was back in my home State of Wisconsin, I had the privilege of hosting a roundtable with college students from all across the southeastern area of the State. The focus of the conversation was how we in Congress could help keep college affordable and accessible. During the course of that conversation, it was abundantly clear that most of the students were very frustrated that Congress could not take some of the most commonsense steps to make that happen. I told them that I shared their frustration and ensured them that I would be going back to Washington, DC, this week to fight on their behalf. This morning I hosted a Google Hangout and spoke with campus newspapers from across the State of Wisconsin to reiterate my commitment on this issue. So here I am, almost 1 month from the day that I last stood here on the Senate floor, 1 month since a single United States Senator stood up and blocked a commonsense and bipartisan measure that would have continued to provide critical financial support for America's low-income college students. In the short month since our efforts to reauthorize the Federal Perkins Loan Program were obstructed, the immediate impacts are already becoming quite clear. Last week, the Coalition of Higher Education Assistance Organizations began surveying colleges and universities that participate in the Perkins loan program to learn more about how this obstruction is impacting their students. After a few days, they heard from over 100 students outlining how allowing Perkins to expire is harming students and institutions alike. There are real impacts being felt by real students right now across America. If we don't act, this damaging impact will ripple across our community. Therefore, we cannot sit idly by. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of H.R. 3594, which is at the desk, that the bill be read a third time and passed, and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I thank my good friend from Delaware. As did he, I wish to start my remarks by taking a moment to say that my thoughts and prayers are with the community of Roseburg, OR, as we heard word of yet another senseless act of gun violence. I hope all who are listening join us in our thoughts and prayers. I rise today to join my good friend from Delaware and to lend my voice in calling attention to an important day in America. Tomorrow, across the country, the hard-working Americans who get up every day to move our economy forward will create a collective chorus in celebration of National Manufacturing Day. At thousands of events in villages, towns, and cities throughout our Nation, manufacturers will open their doors Friday and show, in a coordinated effort, what manufacturing is today and what it isn't. I am so proud to join this effort because by working together during and after National Manufacturing Day, we can shine a spotlight on the need for America to address workforce readiness issues, connect with future generations, and recognize the important role manufacturing plays in creating an economy that works for everyone. In Wisconsin, we have a long and proud tradition of making things-- paper, engines, tools, ships, and, yes, cheese, brauts, and beer. We possess one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the Nation, supporting a very significant share of our workforce and exporting products and goods all over America and, in fact, the world. Manufacturing has long been the backbone of our ``made in Wisconsin'' economy--so much so that we actually celebrate October as Manufacturing Month in Wisconsin. In my State and across our country, manufacturing is increasingly an engine of economic growth and innovation and a source of good-paying jobs with high wages and solid benefits. That is why I strongly believe middle-class families and small businesses and manufacturers who are working so hard to move our economy forward deserve to have both parties in Washington working together to grow our manufacturing economy and create jobs. I am so proud to join my colleague Senator Coons on the floor today to highlight National Manufacturing Day. I thank him for his leadership and his partnership on our Manufacturing Jobs for America Initiative. Our effort aims to build bipartisan support for legislation that will modernize America's manufacturing sector and help American manufacturers grow and create jobs and assist American workers in getting the skills they need to succeed in the next generation of manufacturing jobs. Working together, we are trying to do our part to get Washington to focus on manufacturing jobs. This shouldn't be a difficult task, but unfortunately Congress has shown itself better at manufacturing one crisis after another instead of working across party lines to strengthen American manufacturing. The fact is, governing by crisis has distracted us from the important work of moving our manufacturing economy forward. Before we all pat ourselves on the back for simply doing our job and keeping the government open for business, let's address one crisis that has not been addressed. Two months ago the Senate did its job and passed a long-term transportation bill with bipartisan support. That legislation sought to end this constant cycle of short-term measures. It put people to work rebuilding our roads and bridges and ports and creates jobs and will boost our economy. It is also important to manufacturers because it makes an investment in a 21st-century American infrastructure that provides businesses with the quality transportation system they need to move their goods to market. This legislation also includes another measure that is vital to manufacturers and businesses in Wisconsin and across America. We reauthorized the Export-Import Bank, which is an important tool that helps us create that level playing field, bringing fairness to global trade and giving American manufacturers the resources they need to fight and win against their global competition. However, after we included that in our long-term transportation and infrastructure package in the Senate, the House adjourned for the August recess without passing that legislation to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank and has failed to take action on it for 2 full months. Just this week, Republicans on the House Financial Services Committee voted in lockstep to block an amendment to reauthorize the Bank. These actions and inactions have real impacts on workers, and they are being felt by Wisconsin workers and families right now. GE Power & Water announced this week that it plans to stop manufacturing gas engines in Waukesha, WI, and blamed the closure on the House of Representatives for not reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank. It is a stark reminder that when Congress fails to do its job, hard-working people can lose their jobs as a result. It is my hope that this reminder will be heard by Congress. It is also my hope that National Manufacturing Day will provide an opportunity for my colleagues to rally around on the need for us to come together and address the challenges we face to grow our manufacturing economy. The Wisconsin families for whom I work depend on our manufacturing jobs, and I believe that if we work to give our workers a fair shot, we can compete against anyone. But one of the challenges we must meet is making sure our workers have the skills they need for the manufacturing jobs of the future. We are fortunate to have a very strong technical college system that is working to provide Wisconsin businesses a skilled workforce so they can compete and grow. American manufacturing took a huge hit as a result of the 2008 financial collapse and ensuing recession, but through sheer grit and determination, we are coming back. U.S. manufacturing added 876,000 jobs over the past 66 months. Over the past 12 months, manufacturing has added 124,000 jobs. But despite this positive trend, we need to do more. The sector needs to add 1.7 million jobs overall just to return to pre-recession levels. In Wisconsin, our economy isn't growing as strong as we need to create true shared prosperity. In fact, it is lagging behind national growth. The manufacturing sector that sustained our economy in Wisconsin for generations must move forward at a stronger pace if middle-class families are going to get ahead. One of the most important things we can do is to put a stronger focus on investing in STEM programs and career and technical education. I am proud to have cofounded the Career and Technical Education Caucus-- otherwise known as the CTE Caucus--and worked with cochairs Senators Kaine and Portman to advocate for career and technical education. I believe CTE is one of the most effective vehicles for responding to labor market changes and the workforce readiness needs of businesses, particularly our manufacturers. We need to do more to ensure that students are better trained and better equipped for the highly skilled jobs of the future, especially in advanced manufacturing. Our business communities have been clear on the need for a highly trained workforce for in-demand fields, and CTE provides the knowledge and skills that can help drive stronger economic growth for our ``made in America'' manufacturing economy. In closing, I would like to urge my colleagues to join us tomorrow by visiting a local manufacturer in their State. National Manufacturing Day provides our Nation with an important opportunity for us to show our commitment to the idea that manufacturing does not represent the jobs of yesterday. Senator Coons was talking about the branding issues. Well, today's manufacturing economy isn't your father's manufacturing economy, and today's factory isn't your grandfather's factory. It is a growing industry that has changed from the assembly lines of the past to high-tech innovation that will drive our future. Today, American manufacturing represents the jobs of tomorrow, providing a range of job opportunities in the area of skilled production, information technology, design, engineering, and science. Our next generation of manufacturers need more skilled workers, and it is our job to work together to make sure our economy has them. Let's join together and celebrate National Manufacturing Day and show that our commitment is a celebration of American manufacturing, and let's inspire the next generation of manufacturers. Again, I thank my colleague from Delaware and my colleague from Minnesota for their dedication to this vital issue.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, while it appears we will avert a government shutdown, another serious deadline with serious consequences looms over this body. Tonight, unless the Senate acts by midnight, the Federal Perkins Loan Program will expire, impacting the education of over one-half million students across America. I am here now to call on all of my colleagues to join me in supporting the extension of this critical investment in our Nation's students. I am not alone in my desire to see us take action instead of creating what I would consider another manufactured crisis--a crisis of our own making. In fact, we have already seen strong bipartisan support for this investment in our future. Senators Portman, Collins, Kirk, Ayotte, and Thune have joined with more than 20 Senate Democrats on a resolution urging the continuation of the Federal Perkins Loan Program supporting low-income students in their pursuit of a higher education. Yesterday Senators Collins, Portman, and Ayotte joined me and Senator Casey and Senator Murray here on the Senate floor in support of saving this program. I am pleased the junior Senator from New Hampshire and Senator Casey are here with me now, once again calling to protect this incredibly important investment. On Monday, our colleagues in the House of Representatives unanimously passed a measure that would extend this student loan program for 1 year, and I am here to call on my colleagues in the Senate to do the same. While I look forward to a much broader conversation about improving Federal support for students as we look to reauthorize the Higher Education Act, we can't sit idly by and watch it expire as America's students are left with such uncertainty. Unanimous Consent Request--H.R. 3594 Therefore, Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of H.R. 3594, which is at the desk; that the bill be read a third time and passed and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate.

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I am very disappointed that my offer to extend the Federal Perkins Loan Program was just blocked by my Republican colleague from Tennessee. While I understand and, frankly, I share his desire to have a broader conversation about Federal student aid as part of the Higher Education Act's reauthorization effort, I do not think it is right or fair to end this program today with nothing to replace it to the detriment of thousands of students in need. I want to mention briefly the issue of the cost of its reauthorization because when the decision was made to sunset the program, a clawback provision was included that basically collects the loan funds back from the institutions that loan it out. It is actually a revolving fund--which I will return to later--which makes it such a fiscally responsible loan program. When I travel around my home State of Wisconsin, one of the things I hear the most about these days from my constituents is their frustration that Congress isn't doing enough to make higher education more affordable and more accessible. Yet, today, the fact that we just saw a single Senator stand up and reject a bipartisan and commonsense measure to do just that is, frankly, a perfect example of why my constituents and the American people are so upset with Washington. Since 1958 the Federal Perkins Loan Program has been successful in helping Americans access affordable higher education with low-interest loans for students who cannot borrow or afford more expensive private student loans. In Wisconsin, the program provides more than 20,000 low- income students with more than $41 million in aid. But the impacts of this program aren't just isolated to the Badger State. In fact, the Federal Perkins Loan Program aids over half a million students with financial need each year, and it does that across 1,500 institutions of higher education. Schools originate, service, and collect the fixed-interest-rate loans. And what is more, institutions maintain loans available for future students because it is managed within a revolving fund. Since the program's creation, institutions have invested millions of their own dollars, their own funds, into the program. And in addition to making higher education accessible for low-income students, the program serves as an incentive for people who wish to go into public service by offering targeted loan cancellations for specific professions in areas of national need, such as teaching, nursing, and law enforcement. As a Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee and as a Senator representing a State with such a rich history of higher education, it is one of my top priorities to fight to ensure that the Federal Perkins Loan Program continues for generations to come. But, unfortunately, as we just saw, a single Senator stood up today and said no to students across America who ask for nothing more than an opportunity to pursue their dreams--students such as Benjamin Wooten, a 2004 UW-Madison graduate and small business owner from Genoa City. His family fell on really hard times when he was attending school. Ben told me: The fact that I didn't have to pay interest while I was in school was a huge help to me. I was attending school full time, working and trying to live on a meager budget. . . . I am a grateful and successful small business owner. I paid my loan off in full about a year ago with pride and excitement. I know that when I repaid my loan it was returned to a revolving fund and will be lent back out to other students in need. Today this body has stood up and said no to students such as Brittany McAdams, a medical school student with a passion for pediatrics and a passion for helping the most vulnerable among us--something that doesn't always yield a significant paycheck. Brittany said to me: I want to be able to treat patients from all socioeconomic levels, despite their ability to pay. In other words, I want to do important work for less money than most other physicians. . . . The Perkins Loan is so valuable because it does not collect interest while we are in school. To me, that says the government believes that what I am doing with my life is important. That our country needs more doctors willing to tackle primary care. That while we need to pay for our graduate degrees, that they are going to do their part to make it just a bit easier. The Perkins Loan makes me feel valued and respected and even more passionate about my work. Finally, I am disappointed that, because of this body's inaction here today, we are letting down students such as Nayeli Spahr. Nayeli was raised by a single immigrant mother who worked two full-time jobs. She attended ten different schools in three different States before she finished high school. Without the Federal Perkins Loan Program, Nayeli said her opportunity to get a college education would have been ``an illusionary dream.'' Today Nayeli is the first in her family to finish college and is now in her last year of medical school and is planning to work with those in underserved urban communities. She finished by telling me: The Perkins loan program helped me reach this point. And, its existence is essential to provide that opportunity for other young adults wanting to believe in themselves and to empower their communities to be better. Please save it! We don't have to look very far to find the very significant impact this investment has on American students. There are thousands of stories like the few I just shared, representing thousands of students who are still benefiting from the opportunities provided to them by this hugely successful program. I am disappointed that the bipartisan effort I have led has been obstructed. I will continue to fight to extend this support for America's students, and I hope the senior Senator from Tennessee will change his mind so we can find a way to show the half million students who depend on the Federal Perkins Loans that we stand with them and are committed to helping them build a stronger future for themselves and our country. I yield the floor.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, much attention has appropriately been focused upon our next 36 hours in the Congress. A lot of attention-- again, appropriately--focused on whether there would be a government shutdown for failure to pass a continuing resolution. Now we believe that is, hopefully, going to be avoided. In just under 36 hours, there are a number of other vital programs that will expire, lapse, or sunset if this Congress does not take appropriate action. I am here to join my colleagues, Senator Collins and, in a moment, Senator Ayotte, to call attention to one of those critical programs, one of those vital programs, and that is the Federal Perkins Loan Program, the authorization of which will expire in less than 36 hours if we do not take collective action in this body. I am here today to call on our colleagues across the aisle to join me in supporting the extension of the Federal Perkins Loan Program. Already we have seen encouraging bipartisan support for the program here in the Senate. The Presiding Officer, Senator Collins, Senator Kirk, Senator Ayotte, and just today Senator Thune have all joined me and more than 20 Democrats last week in submitting a resolution highlighting the importance of the Federal Perkins Loan Program and urging its extension. Yesterday our colleagues in the House of Representatives unanimously passed a measure that would extend the program for 1 year. I am hoping this body will do exactly the same. While I look forward to a broader conversation about improving Federal support for students as we look to reauthorize the Higher Education Act, we simply cannot sit idly by and watch the Federal Perkins Loan Program expire as America's students are left with such uncertainty. Since 1958, the Federal Perkins Loan Program has been successful in helping Americans access affordable higher education with low-interest loans for students who cannot borrow or afford more expensive private student loans. In my home State of Wisconsin, the program provides more than 20,000 low-income students with more than $41 million in aid. The impact of this program isn't just isolated to the Badger State. In fact, the Federal Perkins Loan Program aids over one-half million students with financial need each year, across 1,500 institutions of higher education. The schools originate, service, and collect the fixed-interest-rate loans. What is more, institutions maintain loans available for future students through a revolving fund. Since the program's creation, institutions have invested millions of dollars of their own funds into the program. In addition to making higher education accessible for low-income students, the program serves as an incentive for people who wish to go into public service as careers by offering targeted loan cancellations for specific professions in areas of high national needs, such as teaching, nursing, and law enforcement. As a Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions and as a U.S. Senator representing a State with a rich history of investment in cherishing of higher education, it is a top priority for me to fight to ensure the Federal Perkins Loan Program continues for generations to come. I am fighting for students like Benjamin Wooten. Benjamin is a 2004 UW-Madison graduate and a small business owner from Genoa, WI, whose family fell on hard times while he was attending school. Ben shared with me: The fact that I did not have to pay interest while I was in school was a huge help to me. I was attending school full time, working and trying to live on a meager budget. . . . I am a grateful and successful small business owner. I paid my loan off in full about a year ago with pride and excitement. I know that when I repaid my loan it was returned to a revolving fund and will be lent back out to other students in need. I am also fighting for students like Brittany McAdams. Brittany is a medical school student with a passion for pediatrics and helping the most vulnerable among us--something that doesn't always yield a significant paycheck, especially in comparison to some of her medical school peers. Brittany said: I want to be able to treat patients from all socioeconomic levels, despite their ability to pay. In other words, I want to do important work for less money than most other physicians. . . . The Perkins Loan is so valuable because it does not collect interest while we are in school. To me, that says the government believes that what I am doing with my life is important. That our country needs more doctors willing to tackle primary care. That while we need to pay for our graduate degrees, that they are going to do their part to make it just a bit easier. The Perkins Loan makes me feel valued and respected and even more passionate about my work. Finally, I am here today fighting for students like Nayeli Spahr. Nayeli was raised by a single immigrant mother who worked two full-time jobs. She attended 10 different schools in 3 different States before she finished high school. Without the Federal Perkins Loan Program, Nayeli said that her opportunity to get a college education would have been ``an illusory dream.'' Today, Nayeli is the first in her family to finish college and is now in her last year of medical school and is planning to work with those who are underserved in our urban communities. She finished by telling me: The Perkins loan program helped me reach this point. And, its existence is essential to provide that opportunity for other young adults wanting to believe in themselves and to empower their communities to be better. Please save it. You don't have to look very far to find the significant impact of the Federal Perkins Loan Program--the significant impact that it has on America's students. There are thousands of stories like the few that I just shared, representing thousands and thousands of students who are still benefiting from the opportunities provided to them by this hugely successful program. Let's show the American people and the one-half million students impacted by this program that we can come together, that we can find a bipartisan and commonsense solution. I urge my colleagues to immediately take up and pass the House bill so that we can avoid another crisis of our own creation and put America's students and our Nation's future first. I yield the floor.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I wish to discuss the international nuclear agreement with Iran, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, JCPOA. Reached on July 14, 2015, after years of difficult negotiations among the United States and the other P5+1 countries-- China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and Germany--and Iran, the agreement confronts the Iranian nuclear program, which has long been the subject of U.S., European Union, and United Nations sanctions. Throughout these years of international negotiations, and more recently, during these months of congressional debate, I have been focused on one goal--ensuring that our dual-track policy of diplomacy and economic sanctions results in an outcome that verifiably prevents Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Iran getting the bomb is simply unacceptable, and blocking that is in our national security interests and that of our allies, including Israel. This international agreement impacts the safety and security of Americans and our allies and is an incredibly serious matter, deserving careful and considered scrutiny. That includes a thorough and responsible debate in Congress. That is why I voted for the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015, P.L. 114-17, which provided Congress with a 60-day window to consider the JCPOA prior to its taking effect. And that window was filled with vigorous debate in the Senate. Regardless of one's position for or against the international agreement, one thing is clear: every Senator has had an opportunity to pass their judgement on whether we are right to choose a path of international diplomacy to achieve our goal of verifiably preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. In my judgement we are. For me personally, I felt that it was critical to closely review the details of the agreement and hear from individuals on all sides of this debate, including experts and constituents, and listen to their arguments. I have attended numerous classified briefings with administration officials, including those with firsthand technical, scientific, and diplomatic expertise, heard from the Ambassadors of our P5+1 partners, and benefited from many candid conversations with Wisconsin constituents. All of these interactions have been invaluable and have informed my conclusion that rejecting this international agreement is not in our national security interest. According to the agreement, before receiving relief from sanctions, Iran must comply with a number of far-reaching and long-term obligations to limit its nuclear program, all of which will be verified by the International Atomic Energy Agency, or IAEA, through an unprecedentedly robust inspections and monitoring framework. Iran's obligations include redesigning the Arak reactor to eliminate the plutonium pathway to nuclear weapons; eliminating its current stockpile of highly enriched uranium, reducing its current stockpile of low-enriched uranium by 97 percent, and capping enrichment at that level for 15 years; reducing the number of operational centrifuges by two-thirds and severely limiting research on advanced enrichment technology; converting the underground Fordow facility to a medical research center; accepting intrusive IAEA monitoring of Iran's nuclear supply chain and fuel cycle; and satisfactorily answering IAEA questions into the possible military dimensions of its prior nuclear program. In exchange for verifiably meeting these obligations, Iran will receive relief from U.S. and international nuclear-related sanctions. And importantly, U.S. sanctions against Iran related to human rights violations, support for terrorism, and illicit arms shipments remain in effect. Should the international verification regime catch Iran noncompliant with its obligations, the agreement includes a provision allowing the United States to unilaterally reimpose nuclear-related U.N. sanctions. My judgement on this issue has also been guided by the hard lessons that should be learned when America chooses to engage in military action and war in the Middle East. It is easy to conclude that a rejection of international diplomacy and the JCPOA would shatter the current international coalition, making key multilateral sanctions impossible, and would result in Iran restarting its illicit nuclear activities, leading to inevitable military action. Indeed, I have been struck by the inability of opponents of the agreement to put forth a credible alternative that does not involve military action in the Middle East. In this case, it is simply not feasible for the United States to go it alone. So I am proud that America led six countries toward a historic international agreement with Iran that verifiably prevents it from acquiring a nuclear weapon. While the agreement does represent the best option to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, moving forward, Congress and the administration must work together in a bipartisan manner and in concert with our allies to ensure that the agreement is implemented effectively. Implementation is critical because this agreement is not built on trust of Iran. In fact, the agreement is built on mistrust of Iranian motives and a clear-eyed view of Iran's past and present destabilizing activities in the region. That is why the JCPOA establishes the most intrusive inspections and monitoring framework in the history of arms control agreements. Approximately 150 IAEA inspectors, outfitted with the latest training and technology, much of which originates from the cutting-edge work of the U.S. Department of Energy's National Labs, will be onsite in Iran and ready to report any suspicious behavior. In addition to this stringent monitoring regime, the very real threat of snapback sanctions will work to incentivize Iranian compliance with its JCPOA obligations. According to the agreement, in the event of Iranian cheating, the United States has the ability to unilaterally reimpose nuclear-related U.N. sanctions as well as add on to U.S. sanctions against Iran beyond those related to human rights violations, support for terrorism, and illicit arms shipments that remain in place. And Iran should make no mistake: I, along with my colleagues in the Senate, will not hesitate to reapply sanctions should Iran break the terms of the JCPOA. In short, if Iran cheats, even along the margins, we will catch them and there will be a heavy price to pay. I am under no illusions regarding Iran's continuing destabilizing behavior in the region and its record during the Iraq war, which includes supporting Shiite militias that killed American servicemembers. From human rights violations to support for terrorism and criminal client states such as Assad's Syria to its illicit nuclear program, Iran is a bad actor. That is why it is absolutely critical that the JCPOA move forward and block Iran from developing or acquiring a nuclear weapon, an unthinkable outcome that would make it an even greater security challenge. At the same time, I support taking immediate, additional steps to counter Iran's non-nuclear activities in the region and bolster the security of our Gulf Cooperation Council partners--who support the JCPOA--and Israel. From the time of the establishment of the modern Jewish State in 1948, the United States and Israel have shared a special bond, grounded in our mutual commitment to democracy, freedom, respect for the rule of law and the quest for a secure and stable Middle East. I have spent more time in Israel than in any foreign country, and my travel and interactions there have greatly informed my understanding of the security challenges Israel faces. That is why I have been a longtime supporter of annual U.S. aid to Israel, which is currently set at $3.1 billion per year, as well as additional funding for Israeli missile defense systems such as Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Arrow, all of which are so valuable in protecting Israeli citizens. I support increasing that level of assistance and broadening and deepening our two countries' collaboration in the security and intelligence spheres. The United States and Israel are currently drafting a new 10-year memorandum of understanding to govern the nature of U.S. military assistance to Israel. This is an opportunity to further strengthen our security relationship with Israel and ensure its qualitative military edge. In conclusion, the United States cannot afford to walk away from an international agreement that is based on a robust inspections and compliance regime and will verifiably prevent Iran from developing or acquiring a nuclear weapon. While there are legitimately held policy differences on this highly complex issue, going it alone is not an effective path forward and not in our national security interest. I support moving this international agreement forward so we can begin enforcing it and preventing Iran from developing or acquiring a nuclear weapon.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I rise today to speak in opposition to my Republican colleagues who are once again bringing forward a political attack on the freedom of American women to make their own personal health care decisions. Instead of focusing on improving access to health care for women, Republicans are pursuing a divisive policy that jeopardizes women's health and puts politicians and the government between a woman and her doctor. Instead of spending our time on bipartisan budget negotiations, Republicans are wasting what is precious time on another failed attempt to strip funding for critical women's health programs, denying women the health services they need. They have scheduled yet another show vote. They know it is destined to fail, and many believe it is just to pander to extreme allies by taking away women's constitutionally protected health care choices. I have to say I object to this dangerous political game. Women's access to quality health care isn't a political game. It is not one for me and many of my other colleagues who join me on the floor today, nor is it a game for women and their families across the country and in my home State of Wisconsin. Too many States have enacted what are record numbers of laws--over 230 of them in the past 4 years--that restrict a women's access to reproductive health services and the freedom and right to make her own health care decisions. The bill before us today would impose a 20-week abortion ban nationwide and would have real and grave consequences for American families. Last year I heard from a woman from Middleton, WI, who at 20 weeks was devastated to find out that her baby had a severe fetal anomaly and that there would be no chance of surviving delivery. She had to undergo an emergency termination, and a clinic in Milwaukee was the only place in Wisconsin that would do the procedure, but because at the time our Republican Governor was set to sign into law a new measure imposing unreasonable requirements on providers, this particular clinic was preparing to close its doors and would not schedule her procedure. She and her husband were forced to find childcare for their two sons and travel to another State to get the medical care she needed. Since hearing this mother's story, Wisconsin's Republican lawmakers have attempted to enact even more restrictions, including a bill recently passed in the Wisconsin State Senate to ban abortions after 20 weeks with no exceptions for rape or incest. In addition, this bill's medical emergency exception is similar to what is included in Senator Graham's Federal proposal. It says nothing about the health of the mother. The threat in Wisconsin and States across the country is clear. When Congressmen and politicians play doctor, American families suffer. This is why my good friend and colleague from Connecticut Senator Blumenthal and I have introduced a serious proposal, the Women's Health Protection Act. This proposal would put a stop to these sorts of legislative attacks on women's rights and freedoms. Our bill creates Federal protections against restrictions such as the proposal before us that unduly limit access to reproductive health care and do nothing to further women's health or safety and certainly intrude upon personal decisionmaking. It is time that we place our trust back in women to carefully consider their options and make their own health decisions, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this important legislation. We know that this week's Republican spectacle is not meant to produce a serious debate about protecting women's reproductive health; it is about the narrow Republican agenda to take our country backward and roll back the important health benefits for American families. We have seen this with the numerous failed attempts by Republicans to repeal the protections in the Affordable Care Act, protections that have empowered millions of women with more choices and stronger health care coverage. Today women can finally rest assured that they will not be charged more for coverage just because they are women, and someone's mother can get a lifesaving mammogram without the fear of high medical bills. Over 75 times, congressional Republicans have tried to roll back this measure, which provides health security and economic security for millions of American families. It seems that Republicans would gladly go back to the days where being a woman was a preexisting condition and when insurance companies could drop your coverage just because you got sick or older or had a baby. We are not going to go back to those days, just as we are not going to create a future where politicians in Washington take away from freedom and the right of women to make their own personal health decisions. I am committing to putting a stop to the relentless and ideological attacks on American families and will continue to fight to ensure that both men and women have the freedom to access the health care they need. The American people do not want Congress playing doctor, and they are sick and tired of Republicans manufacturing crisis after crisis. Just 2 years after they shut down the government because of a partisan battle with the President over the Affordable Care Act, they are again threatening to shut down the government over another partisan attack on funding for women's health care. These political games could come at a serious cost to America's economic strength and the well-being of working families. It is time for Republicans to stop playing dangerous games with women's health. It is time for Republicans to stop manufacturing crisis after crisis. It is time for Republicans to join Democrats and work in a bipartisan manner to keep the government open and negotiate a budget agreement that ends sequestration and invests in economic growth, invests in our middle class, invests in our national security, and invests in women's health.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, today I recognize and honor Ada Deer on the occasion of her 80th birthday. Throughout her life, Ada has been an effective advocate and leader whose trailblazing work has improved the lives of Native Americans, women, students and others in Wisconsin and across the Nation. The celebration of this milestone birthday is a special opportunity to celebrate her dedication to service and social engagement. Ada Deer was born on the Menominee Indian Reservation in Keshena, WI. She was the first Menominee to graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the first Native American to receive a masters of social work from Columbia University. She has been a champion for Indian rights throughout her remarkable career. When the Federal Government established a policy to terminate the sovereign status of tribes, the Menominee was among the first to go through the process of termination, and they suffered greatly under it. Ada organized a grassroots organization, Determination of Right and Unity for Menominee Shareholders, DRUMS, and fought successfully to restore Federal recognition of the Menominee tribe. Ada's leadership led to her election as the first woman to chair the Menominee tribe in Wisconsin. She spent many years as a lecturer in the School of Social Work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and also guided the university's American Indian Studies Department. Ada worked as a house director, community coordinator, school social worker, and professor. In 1978, she became the first Native American to run for secretary of State in Wisconsin, and in 1992 she was the first Native American woman to run for Congress in Wisconsin. In 1993, Ada became the first Native American woman to head the Bureau of Indian Affairs. She subsequently served as Chair of the National Indian Gaming Commission. I am proud to call Ada a friend, and I am grateful for her lifelong leadership and commitment to social justice. Her vital work continues today, focused on efforts to reduce the prison recidivism rate and create a reentry program for American Indians. Her lifetime of work, coupled with an enduring passion to instill in young people the drive to change their society through education and social engagement, shows what a determined person will continue to do--even when they have stated that they are ``retired.'' I wish Ada good health and happiness for many years to come.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, today I recognize and honor Marty Beil of Madison, WI, for his 30 years of leadership as executive director of AFSCME Council 24. I have known Marty for many years, and have been proud to stand in solidarity with him. Marty has been a leader in the labor community, and his passion for the rights of working persons will be missed by all who have worked alongside him and who have benefited from his strong leadership. Marty began his professional life in service to his union as a member of the WSEU Professional Services Bargaining team in 1973. He continued his service as a member, leader and activist in Council 24 until 1985, when he was appointed executive director. Throughout that time, Marty has been passionate in his advocacy for the rights of working people, to the honor and value of public service, and to insuring that working people have a level playing field on which to compete. Marty has dedicated his career to protecting and serving his members in the collective bargaining and political process, always with a sense of fairness and compassion. Marty's work is exemplified by his long-term efforts in support of American workers, the American labor movement, and those fighting for civil rights for all Americans. Among many other important priorities, he supported the expansion of antidiscrimination laws to protect the LGBT community, and defended workers from discrimination and retaliation for political activities. He was a staunch defender of labor's right to back candidates who made a commitment to support the goals and activities of union members regardless of partisan affiliation. His 30 years of service at the helm of Council 24 has inspired a new generation of workers to lead the union into the 21st century I am proud to call Marty a friend, and I am grateful for his important contributions to our State and the labor community. I know that his passion and dedication, in the model of his forebears such as Roy Kubista and John Lawton will serve as a lasting example for generations of future labor leaders. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President last week the Senate passed a multiyear surface transportation bill, the Developing a Reliable and Innovative Vision for the Economy Act, H.R. 22, referred to as the DRIVE Act. I was pleased to vote for this bipartisan bill. For the first time in 3 years, the Senate has passed a long-term surface transportation bill. Unfortunately, the House adjourned before taking up our bipartisan legislation--forcing the Senate to pass a short-term funding patch, the 34th since 2009. I am disappointed that we were not able to get the long-term bill to the President's desk. However, I believe the Senate has laid the groundwork to make the most recent short-term extension the last for the next few years. I look forward to working with my colleagues in both houses of Congress to complete a long-term bill before the October 29 deadline, and I expect the DRIVE Act to be the baseline for those efforts. While the DRIVE Act's most important feature is that it provides certainty to construction firms and state governments to invest in rebuilding our crumbling roads and bridges, it also includes several provisions to improve the way we move goods and people across our nation. In the last few years, I have become very concerned with the way one particular good--Bakken oil--moves through the country. The fiery explosions that accompany Bakken oil train derailments have many in Wisconsin rightfully concerned as we have unwittingly become one of the most traveled oil train routes in the country. The DRIVE Act includes a rail safety bill that was added thanks to the leadership of Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Thune, Ranking Member Nelson, and Senators Booker and Wicker. I was pleased that the bipartisan bill that passed out of committee included provisions to require a railroad liability study and comprehensive oil spill response plans. These provisions were similar to what is included in the Crude- by-Rail Safety Act, on which I worked closely with Senator Cantwell to introduce. While the liability study and oilspill response plans are steps in the right direction, as the bill moved to the Senate floor, I believed we needed to do more to improve rail infrastructure, transparency, and first responder preparedness. That is why I was pleased to work with Environment and Public Works Ranking Member Barbara Boxer, Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee Chairman John Thune and Ranking Member Bill Nelson as well as Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to include two sections in the bill that passed the Senate on July 30. I was able to add these sections to the substitute amendment, No. 2266, that was adopted on July 29, 2015, and the provisions were included in the final version of the bill that passed the Senate. The first section, section 35416, would require that the Federal Railroad Administration keep on file the most recent bridge inspection report prepared by a private railroad bridge owner and provide that report to appropriate state and local officials upon request. This allows State and local officials who are responsible for public infrastructure integrity and public safety to have access to information they need to keep the public safe. The substance of this section is also contained in amendment 2538. The second section, section 35431, addresses concerns raised by the first responder community who have had to fight for access to real-time information about hazmat trains entering their jurisdictions. Firefighters want to know in advance when hazmat trains will arrive in order to better prepare and keep their communities safe. The substance of this section is also contained in amendment 2539. The section modified the bill's original language that only required real-time hazmat train information to go to Department of Homeland Security Fusion Centers. The centers would then provide the information to local first responders only in the event of an accident, when it is less useful. My provision requires fusion centers to provide the real- time information to State and local first responders at least 12 hours prior to a hazmat train arriving in their jurisdiction. The transmission must also include the best estimate of the train's arrival. I believe these two sections significantly improve transparency and safety in communities along oil train routes. This is also a significant achievement for state and local organizations, who are often powerless to take action against federally regulated railroads-- despite being responsible for any problems they cause. In closing, I again would like to thank Senators McConnell, Thune, Nelson, Boxer, and Inhofe for their leadership on this legislation. And I pledge to work with my colleagues in the House and Senate to pass a long-term surface transportation bill in the next three months.