Richard Blumenthal

Mr. BLUMENTHAL

Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, I am honored to be here today to speak in tribute to the late Lowell Weicker, a U.S. Senator from Connecticut and Governor from my State--a giant in Connecticut politics but on the national scene as well. He, sadly, passed away. I will be introducing a resolution, with my colleague Senator Murphy, honoring him for his service to our country, and I hope that it will be enacted overwhelmingly--in fact, unanimously--by the Senate shortly. The most common thing said about Lowell Weicker after his passing was that he was larger than life. Certainly, he was a big man in stature. He was tall, strong, forceful, and remarkable in his physical presence. He was larger than life in his fearless and relentless championing of what he believed was right and in serving people. He might have been a big man physically, but he cared about everyone. No matter how small they might be in power or wealth, everyone deserved a champion, in Lowell Weicker's view. He had a long history of service to this country. He began in the U.S. Army in 1953, and he served through 1955, reaching the rank of first lieutenant. He went on to serve in the town of Greenwich, where I live, as the first selectman and then represented Connecticut as a Member of the House of Representatives and then for three terms as a U.S. Senator. He is probably best known here for standing up to the President of his own party, Richard Nixon. During Watergate, he had the political courage and fortitude to say no to corruption and to persevere against attacks within his own party as he insisted, as a matter of conscience and conviction, that a President who violated the law should be held accountable. He was the first Republican Senator to call for the resignation of Richard Nixon as President. It was an act of political bravery and, more importantly, a dedication to public service and the rule of law. It was a message to the American people that nobody is above the law and that nobody can defy the Constitution of this great country, not even the President. Although we talk a lot about it now, in his day, for him to take that position and call for the resignation of a President of his own party was also an act of potential political destruction. It was very much against his self-interest, but he stood strong, he persevered, and history has vindicated him. Beyond vindication, it has honored him for that courage. He was also a champion of many other causes and people. Throughout his tenure, he was a strong advocate for the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination based on disabilities in everyday activities. One example is his standing for new laws that protected people. He was a champion of public health, of preventing cuts in funding for the National Institutes of Health, of supporting scientific medical research efforts, of securing funding for AIDS and HIV treatment. After he left the Senate under circumstances that might have discouraged a lot of people from remaining in public service, he came back--and it was one of his finest hours--as Governor of the State of Connecticut. I was sworn in as attorney general of our State on the same day that he became Governor, and we served together for 4 years. We had what could be called a close working relationship, not always totally amicable or not always in agreement, but I knew about Lowell Weicker that what he told me was what he believed. I returned that approach, and he respected me for it even when we disagreed. He understood that the attorney general of the State, at least in Connecticut, was not the Governor's lawyer; he was the people's lawyer. He is elected separately, and he has to do what he thinks is right. For me, it was always the ultimate tribute to his belief in the rule of law that he respected the attorney general of Connecticut for whatever legal opinion I would give, whatever litigation I would bring, or whatever positions I would take based on the law. And he was, again, a champion of social services to the people who needed them, of education, of the kind of fairness in our criminal justice system that distinguishes us in our respect for legal rights. He is probably best known for securing passage of a State income tax. It was incredibly unpopular. Everybody in our State who was around at the time will remember well how he refused to go around the back way to exit the capitol, even though there was an angry crowd, even though they were going to deluge him with invectives and worse. But he was going out to face that crowd, to confront them, to speak with them, to listen to them. He was responsible for enabling the State of Connecticut to retain those essential services that people needed because he cared, and he listened. He also signed a ban on assault weapons, the first time in Connecticut's history. We now have had one since then. I defended it in court when it was challenged on constitutional grounds. I tried the case in a Litchfield County courthouse, a 10-day trial with evidence. I tried it myself because I thought it was so important. We won, and then I argued it when the outcome was appealed. And we won again in the State supreme court. Nobody was happier in the State of Connecticut with that result when our ban on assault weapons was upheld in the 1990s. He was a model of courage for me, a role model in standing up, speaking out for conviction and conscience, even when others disagreed, especially when others disagreed. He did immense good for Connecticut. He left a legacy that is lasting and large that will inspire people for decades and generations to come. I extend my deepest condolences to his wife Claudia, all of his children--a number of them good friends of mine--and to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I hope my colleagues will join me unanimously in honoring Lowell Weicker, U.S. Senator, Governor of our State. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. BLUMENTHAL

Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, I am honored to follow Senator Klobuchar in advocating for the Afghan Adjustment Act, which we strongly hope and believe will be an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act. I just want to begin where she finished in talking about the American troops who depended on these Afghan allies who now are at risk. I know firsthand about the translators and guards and others who served, putting their lives on the line, because like many of my colleagues, I visited Afghanistan. I saw them at work. Now, in Connecticut, I have had the privilege of calling many of them my friends, and their families--dear friends. I also know firsthand because my son Matthew, who was a Marine Corps infantry officer in Afghanistan, had a translator whom he succeeded in bringing back to this country but only because he was a lawyer, and he knew how to navigate the intricate and challenging rules that applied. It took him 2 years--2 years--to bring back the man who helped him survive his time in combat there. Senator Klobuchar is absolutely right. It is a promise. Great nations keep their promises. These individuals are among our most loyal friends. The test is that they put targets on their backs from the Taliban. They knew they and their families would be at risk if the Taliban ever took over. Now the Taliban has done it, and they cannot return nor can their families. So I want to thank all of my colleagues--the bipartisan group--who strongly support this amendment; but I also want to thank our veterans who literally camped out in the swamp, outside the Capitol, for days, weeks, hoping at the end of the last session that we would adopt this measure. Our veterans are standing strong behind our allies--Afghan allies--who they know put their lives on the line for them, who they know put their families at risk for them. I am grateful to our veterans' groups, the USOs, the kinds of allies that we have individually and all around the country, who have said they are going to make it a priority to make sure we treat fairly these Afghan allies. We should give them permanent status--a path to permanent status--in this country rather than the temporary, uncertain status that they have right now. I yield the floor.

Mr. BLUMENTHAL

Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Madam President, I rise today to recognize Mr. James ``Jim'' Wade, an expert trial attorney, towering figure in Connecticut politics, and dear friend to so many, including myself. Born in Staten Island, NY, and raised in Simsbury, CT, Mr. Wade received his undergraduate degree from Yale University in 1959 and his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1962. Upon graduating from law school, Jim served honorably as a lawyer for the Navy's Judge Advocate General's Corps, a testament to his dedication to public service. Following his service with the Navy, Jim returned to Connecticut and began a distinguished career as an attorney at Robinson+Cole. He became known for his willingness to take on diverse legal cases, including unpopular clients, but Jim's strong legal principles ensured they all received zealous representation. Jim was well-known for his mentorship of countless young attorneys. Throughout his long career, he was honored with numerous awards, including induction to the American College of Trial Lawyers in 1980 and the Hennessey award, given by the Connecticut Bar Association to an attorney whose career has manifested a dedication to the highest ideals and standard of the legal profession. In addition to his love for the law, Jim had a passion for politics and was very actively involved for decades. A lifelong Democrat, he started his political career as a selectman in the town of Simsbury. Jim later became a trusted counselor to the Democratic Party in Connecticut, representing it before the U.S. Supreme Court in a reapportionment case. He was also a longtime trusted advisor to Governors, legislators, and others in public service. Jim's commitment left an indelible mark on Connecticut politics, and our State and Nation are better because of Jim's many contributions and dedication to the law. Jim was truly a remarkable person, who upheld the rule of law with energy and intellect and epitomized a dedication to public service. I deeply valued my friendship with Jim and always appreciated his insight and perspective. My wife Cynthia and I extend our deepest sympathies to his family during this difficult time, particularly to his wife Helene, his two children, and his grandchildren. I hope my colleagues will join me in honoring Jim's life and legacy, both large and lasting.

Mr. BLUMENTHAL

Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Judge William S. Greenberg, a dedicated public servant, celebrated jurist, and fierce advocate for our Nation's veterans. Born in New York and raised in New Jersey, Judge Greenberg received his undergraduate degree in 1964 from Johns Hopkins University and his J.D. in 1967 from Rutgers University in Newark. Upon graduating from law school, Judge Greenberg enlisted in the U.S. Army as an armored cavalry crewman beginning his long history of service to our Nation. In 1970, he earned a commission in the Judge Advocate General's Corps and eventually retired as a brigadier general in 1994 after decades of honorable service in the U.S. Army Reserves. Judge Greenberg spent the beginning half of his career in private practice as a litigator. He was a founding partner of Sterns & Greenberg from 1970 until 1976 and of Greenberg & Prior from 1976 to 1989. He retired from private practice as a partner in McCarter & English in 2012, after he was nominated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims by President Obama. After his confirmation in the Senate, Judge Greenberg was sworn in for a term of 15 years on December 28, 2012, allowing Judge Greenberg to apply his skills and energy as a judge to two of his greatest passions: the law and veterans service. This nomination to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims was the culmination of a career dedicated to advocating for our Nation's veterans, both in and out of the courtroom. Judge Greenberg devoted much of his career to ensuring his fellow veterans had the best legal representation. After the horrific attacks on September 11, 2001, Judge Greenberg established the New Jersey State Bar Association's Program of Military Legal Assistance for members of the military Reserves who were called to active duty. This pro bono program connects volunteer lawyers with soldiers who need legal representation for everything from disability benefits claims, to employment and family law issues that they face both during and after deployment. Judge Greenberg also admirably represented wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center during their physical disability hearings. For his remarkable work, Judge Greenberg was recommended by the White House to become Chairman of the Reserve Forces Policy Board in 2009 and honored with the Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service, the second highest civilian award in the Department of Defense. Throughout his long career, Judge Greenberg has held many prestigious positions, including chairman of the Judicial and Prosecutorial Appointments Committee of the New Jersey State Bar Association, president of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, New Jersey, commissioner of the New Jersey State Commission of Investigation, and assistant counsel to the Governor of New Jersey. He is also a published author and has been a professor at Seton Hall University School of Law and Georgetown Law School. But even with all of these accolades, Judge Greenberg considers his work on behalf of veterans as the most important of his career, once quoted as saying, ``I have come to consider myself, more than any other attribute, a soldier's lawyer.'' Thanks to his extraordinary commitment to justice and public service, his intelligence and legal acumen, and his tireless work ethic and compassion, Judge Greenberg is a model for our Nation's judiciary. Judge Greenberg's dedication to our country, both as a veteran himself and in his remarkable work on behalf of other veterans, will be his enduring legacy. I applaud his many accomplishments and hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing Judge Greenberg for his remarkable record of public service.

Mr. BLUMENTHAL

Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, in just a very short time, we will be voting in this body on whether to take a step backward in our efforts to stop gun violence. Let's be very clear: The vote in just about half an hour will be to overturn a regulation that was final at the beginning of this year and went into effect at the end of May--just weeks ago. Yet our Republican colleagues are all too ready to take that step backward on a regulation that would help prevent the kinds of tragedies that we have seen again and again and again in this great country. In a short time, this regulation will be before us in a way that, I hope, we will defeat soundly. Just last week, we held a summit in Hartford, CT, bringing together all of the major groups involved in trying to prevent gun violence and addressed by the President of the United States, who has promulgated this regulation that requires the registration of pistol braces. It is, perhaps, seemingly, a small matter to the vast majority of Americans, but the fact is that, in the past 4 years alone, pistol-stabilizing braces have been used in a number of mass tragedies. Just to give you an example, 10 people were killed and 3 injured at a grocery store in Boulder, CO; 9 people were killed and 27 injured outside a bar in Dayton, OH; 5 people were killed and 25 injured at a club in Colorado Springs, CO; 6 people were killed at a church school in Nashville, TN. In each of these instances, people were killed by someone using a pistol brace. They are so dangerous because they can convert pistols into short-barreled rifles, and they do it by providing stability. A brace attaches a pistol to a shooter's arm, stabilizing the gun and allowing it to be fired from the shoulder. The shooter thereby acquires the power and accuracy of a rifle with an easily concealed pistol. So, today, we are here to decide whether that ATF rule, supported by the President--to his credit--and designed to keep Americans safe from these makeshift rifles, will stand. What was so apparent in Hartford when the President spoke to us there was the energy and spirit reflecting America's support for these kinds of commonsense gun violence prevention measures. All of those groups that attended, representing the American people, were, in fact, energized by a growing consensus in America: that the majority of Americans support these kinds of commonsense measures. More and more, the gun violence prevention movement is led--not just supported but led--by young people who see our future as stopping gun violence on our streets that continues to take more than 100 lives every day. These young people--some of them were actually in Sandy Hook and were 6 years old at the time that their fellow elementary school students were taken from us--are now graduating from high school. They are voting. They are supporting candidates. They are running for office. This new generation is going to say ``enough is enough'' just as they did in Hartford at this summit and just as the President said, in effect, when he addressed them. So the President is taking action under his present authority, even without new legislation, to try to confront and contain and stop gun violence. We need to be committed to new legislation. I have urged background checks to be applied universally, ghost gun bans, assault weapon bans, large-capacity magazine bans, and perhaps, very feasibly and achievably in this Congress, a requirement for safe storage. Much more is necessary as a matter of legislation, but the President is committed to taking action under his present executive authority to require commonsense measures, and this registration requirement is one of them. Let's be very clear: It doesn't ban pistol-bracing; it simply requires that gun owners register them. The rule amends ATF's regulation to require and clarify, when someone uses a pistol- stabilizing brace to convert a pistol into a short-barreled rifle, that that person needs to register the gun as a short-barreled rifle. If somebody is going to convert a pistol into a short-barreled rifle, it needs to be explicitly registered. Today, we have a choice. Either we allow shooters to turn pistols into powerful, accurate, easily hidden rifles, with total impunity, or we have the courage to protect our communities. That is a choice that we have right here on the floor of the U.S. Senate by every single one of us--whether to save lives or continue to enable those pistols to be more lethal, more deadly, and more intolerable. I have been working on this issue for a long time. When I first became Attorney General of the State of Connecticut in the early 1990s, I championed a ban on assault weapons. I defended it in our State courts against many of the arguments made here. At that point, the number of advocates was a handful on our side. This movement has grown, and it has been fueled by the tragedies that we confront--the ones that I mentioned--where short-barreled rifles had been used with a pistol brace and lives had been lost because of this contraption that makes guns more lethal, more deadly. We don't need pistol braces for legitimate uses of guns; and if they have legitimate uses, they can simply be registered. The movement that has built over these years since the early 1990s and, most directly, since Sandy Hook, has been fueled by these tragedies that we can help prevent going forward. That is our obligation today. The summit that came together just last week in Hartford, where the President committed himself unequivocally and dramatically to these kinds of commonsense measures, can be advanced if we permit this kind of executive action to be taken. Now is no time for a step backward. Now is no time to say to the President: You can't take this kind of commonsense action under existing authority. Now is the time to move forward with stronger legislation--all of those measures that I mentioned and more--that will make America safer and that will help prevent the kinds of tragedies that these pistol braces simply aggravate and fuel. I yield the floor.

Mr. BLUMENTHAL

Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, today I rise to recognize the Westport Library as it celebrates the release of its first vinyl record. Public libraries serve vital roles in our communities, providing no- fee access to collections of books, films, and other media, as well as to computers and the internet. They are hubs of community interaction, and now, in Westport, CT, a creative outlet for local musicians. Founded in 1886, the Westport Library has been enriching the community for almost a century and a half. In addition to its full collection of books for readers of all ages, the library is home to a MakerSpace, a Library of Things, a seed library, a cafe and store, and a collection of professional artwork. These resources make the Westport Library one of the best libraries in all of America--a ``noisy library,'' as its supporters say, and a true jewel of the community. Over the past year, Westport Library has added a new innovation to their impressive collection: Verso Studios, a state-of-the-art recording studio based in the library itself. On June 3, 2023, I was proud to join the library in celebrating the release of its first record: ``Verso Records: Volume One'' on vinyl. This record is the product of collaboration among local artists and is the first of its kind issued by a public library. This endeavor is an example of Westport at its best, the vision and vibrancy of the community and its commitment to artistic achievement, powering culture throughout the State of Connecticut. I applaud the innovative and important work done by the Westport Library and hope my colleagues will join me in congratulating all of the staff and supporters of the library on this impressive achievement.

Mr. BLUMENTHAL

Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Capt. David Osborn, for his service to our Nation in the U.S. Marine Corps. Captain Osborn entered the Marine Corps as a young man during World War II. After training as a pilot, he was deployed to the Pacific Theater where he was engaged in active combat. During his tenure in the Marine Corps, Captain Osborn flew vitally important but deeply dangerous missions, including several for which, he indicated, he volunteered. In all, Captain Osborn's service contributed to the American military successes in the Pacific Theater. After the war, Captain Osborn continued his service as a flight instructor in Corpus Christi, TX. Captain Osborn was honorably discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in March of 1958. This year, Captain Osborn will celebrate his 100th birthday. He lives in Weston, CT, with his wife of 41 years, and cherishes time spent with his children and grandchildren. His honorable service is a model for all of us and will leave an enduring legacy. We all owe our veterans a great debt of gratitude for fighting for our freedom and safety, and I hope my colleagues will join me in thanking Captain David Osborn for his remarkable history of service to our Nation.

Mr. BLUMENTHAL

Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, I rise today to address the Senator from Alabama's decision to hold hundreds of nominations--literally hundreds of nominations--that have been submitted to this body, and I want to join my colleagues who have taken the initiative and stand alongside with them and our men and women in uniform who protect our right to speak in these Halls every day and our other fundamental liberties in this country. We ask our men and women in uniform to do more now than ever before, particularly as we are engaged in countering Vladimir Putin's murderous assault in Ukraine. I have visited them in Germany, where they are training Ukrainians. I have spoken to them at the border in Poland, where they are providing essential military weapons to the Ukrainians. I have seen them at work all around the globe, as have my colleagues. Even though we are at peace formally right now, it is only because they are a deterrent to our adversaries and enemies around the globe. The threats are rapidly evolving and rising, and the U.S. military is the only force that can stem the tide of autocracy, which is the reason why I am so, so outraged that the Senator from Alabama is choosing to cripple our military by placing on hold a series of critical nominations. Earlier this year, Secretary Austin issued a memo, a policy memo, guaranteeing that servicemembers would have easier access to reproductive healthcare. They can now take nonchargeable leave and receive per diem while traveling to receive care, finally establishing a parity with every other medical procedure, every other healthcare procedure available to DOD personnel. The Secretary's decision rectified a DOD policy that marginalized the women who serve in our Nation and provide that essential guarantee of peace and freedom. It damaged readiness. It truly does put people first that we have corrected that egregious error. Instead of celebrating that servicemembers now have access to healthcare and policy programs that they have consistently sought, Senator Tuberville called the policy--and I am quoting--``a waste of time and resources.'' He believes that protecting the well-being and privacy of those who serve--and again, I am using his words--is ``immoral'' and ``illegal.'' I disagree. I couldn't disagree more. Servicemembers shouldn't have to wonder whether they are going to receive healthcare. Providing access to reproductive care certainly isn't a distraction; it increases readiness and preparedness and the strength of our force. He is doing the very thing he accuses the new policy of doing, which is to damage readiness and jeopardize our Nation's security. He is doing it by holding up the President's nominees. Let me just talk about those individuals whose nominations he has blocked. Rear Admiral George Wikoff is the President's nominee to be the next commander of the Navy's 5th Fleet. He is an accomplished Navy aviator, a former TOPGUN instructor, and has extensive experience in the theater he has been nominated to command. His service is essential to the 15,000 personnel responsible for defending American interests in the Persian Gulf and Arabian Seas. It isn't a luxury or convenience; it is essential that he be there. Rear Admiral Fred Kacher was nominated to lead the Navy's 7th Fleet, which is tasked with deterring Chinese aggression across the Pacific Ocean. Nearly 30,000 sailors and marines are assigned to the 7th Fleet and constitute our first line of defense in the Pacific. While Iran and China search for every opportunity to threaten American interests in the Middle East and Pacific, Senator Tuberville's response is to deprive the 5th and 7th Fleets of their incoming commanders. He is holding our next military representative to NATO, Rear Admiral Shoshana Chatfield, a remarkable officer with more than 30 years' experience. She is the recipient of the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Meritorious Service Medal. During the largest land war in Europe since World War II, the Senator from Alabama is blocking Admiral Chatfield's promotion. Again, not a luxury, not a convenience, not superfluous; it is essential to our national defense. And he is blocking MG David Hodne's nomination to the role of deputy commander for the Army's Futures Command. That Futures Command position oversees the design of force capabilities into the future and ensures our soldiers maintain lethal advantages on the battlefield. His hold is preventing the Army's next Vice Chief and Chief of Staff from assuming command. Later this year, Gen. Charles Brown's nomination to become the next Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff will be blocked if the Senator from Alabama does not lift his hold. Let's be clear about what is at stake here. Blocking these nominations, simply because of his putting personal beliefs above national security, is a threat to our national defense. He is doing Putin and Xi's jobs for them. He claims that this action is about the President trying to legislate from the White House. He claims that the Department of Defense had an abortion policy for decades. Respectfully--and I mean very respectfully--to a colleague in this body, I would remind him for decades that women in the military had to hide their abortion from their commanders and that referrals for care operated on a whisper network. If it were up to the Senator from Alabama, he would override the medical recommendations of military doctors and commanders across the force. I hope that he will stand with the military and their families and forgo future action blocking this essential set of nominations. The Senator from Alabama is entitled to his opinion. The military that he is so keen to stop from advancing its nominees defends the Constitution that gives him that right to his opinions and his right to speak from his heart and his conscience. But families who sacrifice so much already are waiting for this body to act. They are waiting so they can enroll their children into new schools, find new churches, start new jobs. Harming the military and their families serves only the interests of our adversary. I urge my colleague from Alabama to lift his hold and let the military continue to defend our freedom from those who seek to destroy it. And, in the meantime, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of the following nominations en bloc: Calendar Nos. 46 through 52, Calendar Nos. 82 through 107, Calendar Nos. 110 through 113, Calendar Nos. 130 through 139; that the nominations be confirmed en bloc; that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon table with no intervening action or debate; that no further motions be in order to any of the nominations; that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.

Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, I am going to yield to my colleague from Hawaii in just one moment. I would like to clarify--because I am a member of the Armed Services Committee, as Senator Tuberville is. We work together on a lot of issues. I will support his right, as part of the NDAA process, to raise this issue as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act. As my colleague from Illinois has rightly suggested, and I think we can all agree, that is a clear forum to raise any issue. We disagree-- deeply disagree--on this one. And there are many votes on the NDAA through the markup session that we will conduct over not just several hours but several days. And every year, we report out from the Armed Services Committee--in the 12 years I have been on it--consistently, a bipartisan measure. There may be a couple of no votes, but it is deeply bipartisan. We can work together on our national defense. Blocking these nominations is contrary to that spirit, in my view, because it, basically, prevents us from moving forward with vital leadership in the U.S. military if there is bipartisan support to advance. So I am hoping that, again, my colleague from Alabama, whom we work with on many issues, will simply take that forum as a way to move forward. I yield to the Senator from Hawaii.

Mr. BLUMENTHAL

Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Madam President, I ask, as a preliminary matter, unanimous consent that Martin Gurch and Michael Harris, fellows in my office, be given floor privileges for the remainder of 2023.

Mr. BLUMENTHAL

Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Madam President, I rise today to recognize the Connecticut Audubon Society as it celebrates 125 years of dedication to the protection and preservation of Connecticut's birds, other wildlife, and their habitats. The Connecticut Audubon Society was founded in 1898 in Fairfield, CT, by a group including the noted author and conservationist Mabel Osgood Wright. In its first year, the group rapidly expanded into a statewide organization, with members in towns and cities across Connecticut, including Bristol, Ivoryton, Bridgeport, Brooklyn, New Haven, Hartford, Roxbury, Farmington, and Greenwich. On June 4, 1898, the organization ratified its first by-laws and outlined its purpose: ``to discourage the destruction of birds and their eggs, and to promote the study of nature.'' Connecticut Audubon Society remains true to this purpose today, while also having expanded the scope of their work to conservation efforts more broadly. For more than a century, the Connecticut Audubon Society has provided refuges for birds and other wildlife and important opportunities for people to enjoy nature at its sanctuaries and preserves. Today, the organization manages 22 sanctuaries totaling more than 3,400 acres, including the oldest private songbird sanctuary in the United States, Birdcraft, established in 1914. The organization now has regional centers in Fairfield, Milford, Old Lyme, Pomfret, Hampton, and Sherman, an educational program in Hartford, and an EcoTravel office in Essex--a truly statewide presence, bringing their important work to all corners of Connecticut. One hundred and twenty-five years after its founding, the Connecticut Audubon Society continues its vital mission through conservation, education, and advocacy. The organization boasts 5,600 member-families in every town in the State, and its outdoor conservation, science, and education programs reach more than 100,000 students and adults each year. Dedicated to preserving our natural heritage and advocating for a more sustainable future, the Connecticut Audubon Society is a positive model for environmental education and wildlife conservation. I applaud its many accomplishments and hope my colleagues will join me in congratulating the Connecticut Audubon Society on 125 years of unceasing commitment to ecological and environmental excellence.

Mr. BLUMENTHAL

Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart to pay tribute to Stew Leonard, Sr., a visionary entrepreneur and Connecticut icon, who passed away on April 26, 2023, at the age of 93. He will be remembered for creating Stew Leonard's, a beloved chain of grocery stores. A lifelong Connecticut resident, Stew graduated from Norwalk High School and the University of Connecticut's School of Agriculture and went on to work for his family's dairy business. At the time, the family farm--Clover Farms Dairy in Norwalk, CT--was known for its state-of-the-art operation with a pasteurizing and bottling plant and delivery trucks outfitted with plastic cows that ``mooed'' for the neighborhood children. By the late 1960s, Stew had the insight to recognize that the milk delivery business was waning. When a new highway was being built with Clover Farms Dairy in its path, Stew made the bold decision to transform the family business. He decided to build a dairy store, with a farmer's market atmosphere and opportunities for children to watch milk being bottled while their parents shopped. In December 1969, Stew opened a 17,000-square-foot store, carrying only eight items. Through his ingenuity, inventiveness, and determination, Stew Leonard's grew from its humble beginnings into a lasting, beloved Connecticut institution. The flagship store in Norwalk, CT, was named the World's Largest Dairy Store, according to Ripley's Believe It or Not, and also earned a Guinness World Record for having the highest sales per square foot of selling space. Now a chain of seven stores across three States, Stew Leonard's has retained its family-friendly atmosphere, focus on freshness and quality, and reputation for superior customer service. Ultimately, Stew Leonard's is a family business, run today by Stew's son Stew Leonard, Jr., with support from his siblings and five of Stew's grandchildren. Collectively, the Leonard family maintains Stew's commitment to excellence and service, gaining generations of loyal customers and friends. The company has a long track record of charitable endeavors, from hosting community food and clothing drives, to Stew's ``Wishing Wells.'' Placed at the entrance to every store, the wells collect change that is donated to a local charity at the end of every month, matched by a donation from the store. For more than 50 years, Stew Leonard's stores have become deeply engaged in their communities, a testament to Stew's generous spirit. I was privileged to know the Leonard family and to attend many events with them over the years. I have also been a long-time customer, enjoying visits to the Norwalk store with my four children decades ago when they would marvel at the mooing cow and other attractions. Stew's entrepreneurial spirit, work ethic, and dedication to the people of Connecticut were inspiring, and he will be deeply missed. My wife Cynthia and I extend our deepest sympathies to Stew's family during this difficult time, particularly to his wife Marianne, his four children, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I hope my colleagues will join me in honoring Stew Leonard's life and legacy, both large and lasting.

Mr. BLUMENTHAL

Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, I am so honored by that introduction and to be here on the floor with a great colleague--a champion in the House as well as now in the Senate--Chris Van Hollen of Maryland. I thank the senior Senator from Maryland--we are both senior Senators from our respective States--for yielding first to me. More importantly, I want to thank him for his leadership on human rights and civil rights here in the United States. He has been such a powerful advocate. But also, around the world, through the Helsinki Commission, I have had the great privilege of working with him and serving with him on that Commission, where he has put front and center the crimes against humanity committed in Ukraine as well as in other parts of the world where the rule of law, unfortunately, is lacking. So I am very, very proud to be with him on the floor today. Like my colleague Senator Durbin, who has been rightly lauded by Senator Cardin for his work on rights, I rise to ask this body and all who are hearing this message to commit to making the Equal Rights Amendment the law of our land--part of the Constitution. Outside of the right to vote, the Constitution has no mention of gender equality. It was enshrined--the right to vote--just over a century ago with the 19th Amendment, but the U.S. Constitution does not include an explicit provision on equal rights for women, and that is a sad omission that cannot be allowed to stand. We must fix it. The ERA, as you know, was introduced to Congress in 1923 by suffragist leader Alice Paul, who believed that after securing the right to vote, women needed legal protection against discrimination. That fact is no less true today than it was then. In 1972, the ERA was passed by Congress. In 2020, Virginia became the 38th and final State required by the Constitution to ratify it. In January 2022, we passed the 2-year waiting period. President Biden has supported making it the law of the land. We should heed President Biden and this body in doing so--in recognizing the importance of a resolution ratifying the ERA. Now, the hard, blunt truth here is that significant progress in sex equality has been made thanks to a generation of advocates--actually, several generations--but women and girls still face horrendous, life- changing barriers and challenges derived from structural sex discrimination every day. I became more aware of it as a dad to a young woman, listening to her, seeing the world through her eyes, as well as my wife, Cynthia--both of them strong advocates and, thankfully, my three sons as well, who are ardent champions of gender equality. In the workplace, the gender gap has hardly budged. You are, I am sure, aware that women now earn about 84 cents for every dollar a man earns. That is a statistic from the Department of Labor. The disparity is even larger for women of color. For every dollar a man earns, Native American women and Latinas earn 57 cents and Black women earn 67 cents. That is in the greatest country in the history of the world. We should be ashamed and embarrassed--ashamed and embarrassed. The ERA is a critical step toward ensuring equality and protecting women's fundamental rights, including the right to abortion and contraception. The Supreme Court overturned five decades of precedent and eliminated the constitutional right to abortion in Dobbs saying Roe was wrong--a decision that will go down in infamy as one of the most destructive to the Court's credibility, as I mentioned today, and a tribute to the disingenuousness of three nominees before this body--the three most recent nominees--who said they would respect precedent and then voted to completely overturn Dobbs within a couple of years. About one in three girls and women in the United States of reproductive age are living in States where abortion is either unavailable or severely restricted, and the adverse consequences of poor women's health are already clearly visible. Amanda Zurawski today testified before the Judiciary Committee about how she nearly died, nearly perished from sepsis because of Texas's cruel, barbarous prohibitions against women's healthcare through abortion. Without the freedom to control their own lives, bodies, and futures, the true meaning of equality will remain elusive and out of reach. As Justice Ginsburg put it, full and equal citizenship ``is intimately connected to a person's ability to control their reproductive lives.'' The ERA would also provide additional tools against violence committed all too often against women. Gender-based bias is a form of sex discrimination as well as a violation of human rights. Thirty-five percent of all women who are killed by men are a result of violence from intimate partners with guns. One in three women has experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. One in five women in the United States has been raped. You can dispute the specific numbers, but the overwhelming truth of sex discrimination in violence, in denial of healthcare, in job inequality, in pay discrimination is there for all to see. We all know it exists. We must act against it. That is why I am proud to stand here with my colleagues and argue that ratification is an idea long overdue. It is not an idea whose time has come; it came long ago. We have an obligation to act as a matter of conscience and conviction. If we care about women in the United States of America in the 21st century, we need to bring the law into the 21st century and do what should have been done long ago to protect women's health and security, as well as fundamental equality. Let me just close with a favorite quote of mine from Susan Anthony. She stated: The true republic--men, their rights and nothing more; women, their rights and nothing less. Sex equality deserves a permanent home in the Constitution. The time to make it happen is now. I yield the floor to my colleague from Maryland, Senator Van Hollen.

Mr. BLUMENTHAL

Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Madam President, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Chief Mutawi Mutahash (Many Hearts) Marilynn ``Lynn'' Malerba, who was recently named the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut's 2023 Citizen of the Year. Chief Malerba has an impressive list of accomplishments. In 2010, she became Chief of the Mohegan Tribe in Connecticut, the first female Chief in the Tribe's modern history. Before her current role, Chief Malerba held many leadership positions, including chairwoman of the Tribal council and executive director of health and human services for the Mohegan Tribe. Before her work in Tribal government, Chief Malerba also had a long career as registered nurse, earning a doctor of nursing practice at Yale University and eventually serving as the director of cardiology and pulmonary services at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London, CT. Currently, Chief Malerba serves as the 45th Treasurer of the United States, the first Native American to hold this office. As Treasurer, Chief Malerba has direct oversight over the U.S. Mint and Fort Knox and is a key liaison with the Federal Reserve. She also oversees the Office of Consumer Policy at the Department of Treasury and serves as a senior adviser to the Secretary of Treasury on community development and engagement. From her long career as a healthcare professional, to her leadership of the Mohegan Tribe, and now her national role as U.S. Treasurer, Chief Malerba has made Connecticut immensely proud. I applaud her selection as the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut's 2023 Citizen of the Year, and I hope my colleagues will join me in celebrating Chief Malerba's remarkable achievements.

Mr. BLUMENTHAL

Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Madam President, I rise today with a heavy heart to pay tribute to Pasquale ``Pat'' Battinelli, Jr., a lifelong Connecticut resident, distinguished veteran, and friend to many. Sadly, Mr. Battinelli passed away on April 6, 2023, at the age of 90. He will be remembered for his steadfast dedication to his country and community. Pat was born in Darien before moving to Stamford as a young boy. There, he met the love of his life, Gloria Fabrizio, at the age of 13. After graduating from Stamford High School, Pat enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. Stationed in the Philippines during the Korean war, Pat served honorably for 4 years. In 1954, after completing his service, he returned to Stamford where he married Gloria. The couple were married for 68 years and raised four children. In addition to his military service, Pat had a distinguished record of giving back to Stamford and our State. As chief of the Glenbrook Fire Department and commander of the Lock City Detachment of the Marine Corps League, as well as an active member of the Knights of Columbus, Pat has demonstrated a lifelong dedication to community service. I personally saw Pat at work in all these positions, but also very importantly as leader of Stamford's Patriotic and Special Events Commission for over 30 years. In this role, he was in charge of every parade Stamford held during his tenure, a testament to Pat's civic mindedness and patriotism. Pat was an inspiration to veterans and a shining example of good citizenship. I was privileged to know Pat and count him as a friend. He was selfless, loyal, and unstinting in his commitment to helping others--a true patriot. My wife Cynthia and I extend our deepest sympathies to Pat's family during this difficult time, particularly to his wife Gloria, his four children, and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I hope my colleagues will join me in honoring Pat's life and legacy.

Mr. BLUMENTHAL

Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart to pay tribute to Ralph ``Teddy'' Brown, Sr., a dedicated police officer, community leader, and friend to many. Sadly, Mr. Brown passed away on March 14, 2023, at the age of 82. He will be remembered for his commitment to his country and community of West Haven, CT, and his love for his family. Born in Ansonia, CT, Teddy served in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Washington State. It was there he met Carroll, who would become his wife of 65 years. After Teddy's military service ended, the Browns moved to West Haven, CT, where they have been deeply enmeshed in the community for over six decades. In 1977, at the age of 37, Teddy made history as one of the first three Black police officers in the city of West Haven. He ably served the department for 28 years, retiring as a detective sergeant. On the force, Teddy was known as a positive role model for all, particularly for West Haven's youngest residents. After his retirement, Teddy continued his outstanding legacy of community service. He served as commissioner on West Haven's Parks and Recreation Board and president of the West Haven Library Board. He continued to elevate future generations by coaching youth basketball. Teddy was also one of the strongest supporters of the West Haven Black Coalition, founded by his wife Carroll in 1986. This long- standing community organization has disbursed more than $200,000 in scholarships to students, in recognition of their academic achievements, leadership skills, and community service. For the past 37 years, Teddy was a strong advocate for the coalition, contributing financially to the scholarships and supporting Carroll's great work. The West Haven Black Coalition is a remarkable testament to the Browns' dedication to their community. Through his decades of service as a law enforcement officer and a civic leader, Teddy left a lasting impact on everyone around him. But he will be remembered first and foremost as a man who loved his family. He led by example as a mentor and a role model to countless young people. My wife Cynthia and I extend our deepest sympathies to Teddy's family during this difficult time, particularly to his wife Carroll, his three sons, and his grandchildren. May their many wonderful memories of Teddy be a blessing. I hope my colleagues will join me in honoring Teddy's life and legacy, both large and lasting.

Mr. BLUMENTHAL

Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that it be in order to consider the Risch amendment, No. 43, and that the Senate vote in relation to the amendment at 1:45 p.m. without further intervening action or debate.

Mr. BLUMENTHAL

Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart to pay tribute to Elan Ganeles, a beloved son, brother, and friend to so many. Tragically, Elan was killed in Israel on February 27, at the age of 26. Raised in West Hartford, Elan was one of Connecticut's own, a remarkable young man with unlimited potential. He was visiting Israel last month to attend a friend's wedding, when he was senselessly murdered by a gunman outside of Jericho, a beautiful life cut tragically short by violence and hate. Born in the Bronx, NY, Elan moved with his family as an infant to West Hartford, CT, where he spent most of his young life. The Ganeles family are members of the Young Israel of West Hartford, and Elan attended the Hebrew High School of New England, where he graduated in 2014. After graduating high school, Elan spent several years in Israel as a kibbutz volunteer and a member of the Israeli Defense Forces--IDF-- working as a computer programmer. Following 3 years of IDF service, Elan returned to the United States to attend Columbia University where he was an admired member of the campus community. He graduated in 2022 with a double major in sustainable development and neuroscience and behavior. At Columbia, Elan was very active in the Jewish community on campus. He participated in the First Year Leadership Fellowship and was involved in the TAMID Consulting Group, the Wednesday Night Learning Program, and Yavneh, the Orthodox student community on campus. Elan was also a dean's list student and a valued friend to all who knew him. His former roommate described him as the ``best friend you could ask for.'' Indeed, Elan's zeal for friendship--his gift for relating and loving--may be his enduring legacy. He touched so many lives in such meaningful ways. He will be remembered by countless friends, deeply impressive for their diversity as well as number. Elan would do anything for others. His huge capacity for kindness and generosity created lasting gratitude. Elan is recalled as a deeply intelligent and intellectually curious person, relishing time with family. Elan's mother, Dr. Carolyn Ganeles, remembers her son's never-ending inquisitiveness. His father, Dr. Andrew Ganeles, speaks of Elan's strong sense of independence and the exciting lifetime ahead. Recently, I met with Elan's grieving family and friends sitting Shiva at the Ganeles' home in West Hartford. I heard firsthand about this amazing young man, and I am heartbroken for his family and their tragic loss--indeed, for all who might have known him. May Elan's memory be a blessing. My wife Cynthia and I extend our deepest sympathies to Elan's family during this difficult time, particularly to his parents Andrew and Carolyn, and his brothers Simon and Gabriel. I hope my colleagues will join me in honoring Elan's life and legacy, both large and lasting.

Mr. BLUMENTHAL

Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Madam President, I am proud but I am also saddened and angry to be here introducing a measure that should never be necessary in the United States of America. The Women's Health Protection Act will, yes, offer protection to women who need and deserve it, but it is only because of a hideously misguided decision of the U.S. Supreme Court that we are here today. When I first introduced this measure 10 years ago, the thought of overruling Roe v. Wade was unimaginable. It was a figment of fear dismissed by realistic scholars and advocates. It was unthinkable. And here we are. The U.S. Supreme Court has handed down a death sentence to women across America. It has overturned 50 years of precedent, which I know well because I was a law clerk to the U.S. Supreme Court Justice who wrote that opinion in the year afterward. We thought then--and so did most people in America--we have dealt with this issue, we have disposed of it, and it is done in terms of juris prudence. But this measure is now necessary to protect the rights of all people to seek the healthcare they need and deserve. I will tell you why I believe this measure should be passed. I trust women. I trust women to make decisions about their own future. I trust women more than I do elected officials or judges or government bureaucrats to decide what is right for them individually. This measure is necessary to stop all of the bans, prohibitions, and medically unnecessary restrictions that have no purpose except to cut off care and stigmatize women seeking healthcare services and the dedicated healthcare providers who serve them. Now, I have a message to the men of America. This fight is yours, too. This isn't a women's issue. This is an American issue. It is a family issue. And if you think you are spared the conscience and conviction that should require you to stand up and speak out, you are wrong. This issue is yours, too. We have seen horror stories just in the month since Dobbs. You heard one from my colleague Senator Baldwin. I have a similar one--Amanda Zurawski in Texas, who sadly learned that her baby would not survive, but doctors would not treat her as she might have done in other States. They told her to go home. She almost died of sepsis. They brought her back to the hospital and rushed her to intensive care. Her husband Josh learned that, as a result, they might never have children. He said: Amanda almost died. That's not pro-life. Amanda will have challenges having more kids. That is not pro-life. He called it ``barbaric.'' That is the Texas law--barbaric, inhuman. Protecting access to abortion through the Women's Health Protection Act would not only help people like Amanda--women--it would help families. It would help countless people who simply choose access to abortion care because it is right for them and for their families, for other children who are already part of those families. A woman simply should not be forced to carry a pregnancy to term because some government bureaucrat decides she should. There is a kind of dirty little secret here, and that is that Black, Latina, indigenous, and other people of color have always faced inexcusable inequities in healthcare access and outcomes due to longstanding systemic discrimination and racism and oppression. The result of it is the practical effect of these abortion restrictions and needless requirements fall disproportionately on them and communities of color. This point is so important because it goes to the heart of the Women's Health Protection Act. At its core, this bill is about justice. It is about reproductive justice. It was a term that was conceptualized in 1994 by a group of Black women who rightfully saw a national need to highlight and focus on women, families, and communities. Abortion bans and restrictions continue to force women in communities of color who don't wish to carry and deny them the care they need and deserve in moments when their healthcare is at risk. This bill is critical for communities that are disproportionately harmed by the bans and medically unnecessary restrictions that the Women's Health Protection Act would prohibit. It supports those who face the greatest barriers to care. I want to, finally, thank in this fight some of the healthcare providers, advocates, lawyers, and staff who have been on the frontline in these past 10 years--people like Jackie Blank, Sara Outterson, and Liz Wagner of the Center for Reproductive Rights; Monica Edwards at URGE; Dr. Jamila Perritt at Physicians for Reproductive Choice; Amy Williams Navarro at NARAL; Karen Stone and Nina Serrianne at Planned Parenthood; Leila Abolfazli at the National Women's Law Center; and so many across the country, including, in Connecticut, Amanda Skinner and Gretchen Raffa at Planned Parenthood, and Liz Gustafson at NARAL Pro- Choice Connecticut. Make no mistake, this fight will continue. The Women's Health Protection Act will pass. It may not be in the next couple of weeks or couple of months--maybe not even in this session--but it will pass because the conscience of America demands it. That is why referenda have won across the country on this issue. That is why voters went to the polls and showed with their feet where they stand. And that is why we need to fight rulings from the courts, with hard-right Republican judges who have declared a war on women. As soon as next week, a judge in Texas may rule that mifepristone, the most common form of abortion care in this country, is illegal despite 20 years of safe, effective use with approval of the FDA of that drug. A nationwide ban will affect women in Connecticut if he does it. We have seen also that Walgreens will not sell or make available mifepristone in 21 States whose State attorneys general have threatened to sue Walgreens if it makes that drug available. They have succumbed to bullying. They said to those attorneys general: OK, women lose; you win. I urge consumers to vote with their feet and do their business elsewhere and show where they stand. I am proud to be here with my colleagues to continue this fight for the Women's Health Protection Act.

Mr. BLUMENTHAL

Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Madam President, I rise today with a heavy heart to pay tribute to Quentin ``Q'' Williams, a dedicated public servant, advocate, and friend to many. Tragically, State Representative Williams passed away on January 5, 2023, at the age of 39. He will be remembered for his commitment to Connecticut and passion for helping others. A lifelong resident of Middletown, CT, Q was killed in an automobile accident just one day after being sworn in for a third term as State representative, a beautiful life cut tragically short, a bright light extinguished. Raised by a single mother in Middletown, Q accomplished so much in his short career. After graduating from Middletown Public Schools, he earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Bryant University, and a master of public administration from Villanova University--excellent preparation for a professional career dedicated to serving others. Q began his career in community banking in Hartford before pursuing nonprofit management. In 2012, he was named executive director of the Middletown Downtown Business District and launched the community's first ``Middletown Restaurant Week,'' enhancing the community and economic vitality of the city's Main Street. Q served as director of advocacy and policy for Excellence Community Schools, a charter school network, and cofounded EquityCT, an education nonprofit. He was also active in many charitable and service organizations with a generous spirit that served him well in public service. In 2019, Q was elected as the first Black State legislator from Middletown. As State representative, Q took great pride in championing social and racial equality, human rights, and accessible housing. He supported youth programs to help the next generation prepare for successful futures. There is no telling where Q's energy and passion could have taken him and how much good he would have continued to do for his community and the state of Connecticut. At two recent church ceremonies, in Middletown and Bloomfield, friends and colleagues of Q's spoke of his love and loyalty, his jovial spirit, and deeply genuine generosity. At the time of his death, Representative Williams was looking forward to serving as the new house chair of the labor and public employees committee. Over the last several weeks, at ceremonies honoring him, I have spoken to his wonderful family. I have been among scores of people paying their respects to Q--a stirring testament to his positive impact. My wife Cynthia and I extend our deepest sympathies to Q's family during this difficult time, particularly to his wife Carrissa and mother Queen. I hope my colleagues will join me in honoring Q's life and legacy, both large and lasting.

Mr. BLUMENTHAL

Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, today I rise to recognize the 103rd Airlift Wing of the Connecticut Air National Guard--the ``Flying Yankees''--as they celebrate 100 years of dedicated service to the State and our Nation. The Flying Yankees are the 11th oldest Air National Guard unit in the United States, including a squadron that has served more than 90 years in military aviation. Operating from the Bradley Air National Guard Base in East Granby, CT, the 103rd Airlift Wing provides tactical airpower and mission support for the State and Nation. The unit carries out this critical mission through highly qualified and proficient C-130 aircrew. The 103rd Airlift Wing has a history that dates back to the earliest years of military aviation, and the Flying Yankees have fought bravely in numerous conflicts throughout the last century. From their efforts in France during World War I, to their heroic service in the China- India-Burma theater of operations during World War II, the Flying Yankees have a long history of valiantly serving our Nation both at home and abroad. The unit's service continued through the Cold War and more recent conflicts. The Flying Yankees innovate to meet the changing needs of the State and the Nation, carrying on their great tradition of dedicated service to this day. For a century, the brave members of the 103rd Airlift Wing of the Connecticut Air National Guard have embodied their motto--``faithful and alert''--answering the call to service for both Connecticut and the Nation. I applaud their determination and dedication to the vital mission of defending our country and hope my colleagues will join me in congratulating the Flying Yankees on this momentous occasion of their 100th anniversary.

Mr. BLUMENTHAL

Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, many of us in Connecticut and throughout the Nation awoke today with a heavy heart, with grief still so raw that we could almost touch it. I wish I could tell you that 10 years ago to this day was a blur. I wish I could tell you that the memory of that day has dimmed. I wish I could tell you that the knife-like sorrow and pain has subsided. But the fact is, it is still raw and real for so many of us in Connecticut, this day 10 years ago. My mind goes back to the horrors of this day, and I think that reliving it reminds us of the need to honor those 26 lives with action. It is still searingly and scarily vivid--the voices, the faces, the unforgettable moments of that tragedy, as we stood at the firehouse in Sandy Hook and saw parents and loved ones emerge after learning that their children or loved ones--beautiful babies and great educators-- would not be coming home that night; parents with their faces frozen in shock and sorrow, struggling through tears; police and first responders bent with disbelief and grief; townspeople, loved ones feeling helpless and hopeless. And at the wakes and funerals that followed, what we saw was a town and a State that rallied together--but still the searing sorrow of those losses and also the determination that was expressed that night at St. Rose of Lima Church to turn that grief and sorrow into something positive. As I recall very vividly, at one of the wakes, I approached a mom who had just lost her child and said: When you are ready, I would like to talk about what we can do to stop this kind of gun violence. And she looked at me through her tears and said: I am ready. I am ready now. That is the spirit that Sandy Hook and Newtown brought to the world as the world watched them. And many of them, not all, but many turned that grief and loss into advocacy. They came here to the Capitol. They asked us to do something about gun violence. They spoke to colleagues. They crusaded. They sought to improve the background check system that all too often allows people who are dangerous to have weapons, people who should be separated from their guns or prevented from having them in the first place. And they were in this Gallery, many of them, when the vote on that background check bill failed. It received 60 votes, but it failed--it received less than 60 votes, so it failed. It received a majority but not the 60 votes that it needed. And from the Gallery I heard then and I still feel that it echoes in this Chamber: Shame. Shame on you. And, indeed, shame on us for the 10 years afterward when no action came from this body. In the last decade, they have continued that crusade. They have helped to form a movement. They have been joined by tens of thousands of others in a movement to change the law, to turn that trauma and loss into positive social change and reform, and they have helped create a movement--organizations like Giffords and Newtown Action Alliance, Sandy Hook Promise, Moms Demand Action, Students Demand Action, the Newtown Action Alliance, Connecticut Against Gun Violence, many of them coming here and working year after year. That episode and others like it--the scourge of gun violence--have given rise to that movement. And through that decade, literally 41,000 Americans have died every year. One million Americans in total have been shot. Gun violence is now the leading cause of death among American children and teens. Every day, eight children and teens are unintentionally or accidentally injured or killed due to an unlocked or unsupervised gun. But the survivors and the loved ones have become the difference makers, and they have been joined by law enforcement and parents, teachers, medical professionals, activists and advocates who have said to us: Enough is enough. And their determination and courage, their conviction, that momentum has created a different trajectory, a different climate of opinion in this country so that now a majority of Americans want commonsense, sensible controls on gun violence. So the passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act was not an accident of history; it was the culmination of a movement that is still growing and spreading in its influence and impact. And there is no minimizing the importance of the measure that we passed with strong bipartisan support last August. It improves the background system. It closes the boyfriend loophole. It helps stop gun trafficking. It adopts the concept of red flag statutes, intervention in crisis, separating people from guns when they are going to kill themselves or others or at least tell people they are going to do it. And that red flag or emergency risk protection order movement is one that we in Connecticut initiated. We were the first to pass that statute. And I have worked with Senator Graham and others in bipartisan expansion of that proposal, and it is already helping to save lives. In Florida, it has saved countless lives, in Connecticut--in the 19 States where there are red flag statutes. And the act as a whole is helping to save lives. As my colleague Senator Murphy, who will speak shortly, has said, the reforms on the background check system alone have helped to save lives, and I credit him with his leadership in passing that measure. And yet--and yet--the deaths continue. We know that that measure was not the single solution or the panacea that will solve the problem of gun violence, the scourge, the epidemic of gun violence deaths in this country. We have broken the grip of the gun lobby. The NRA is a shadow of itself, and we have a movement that is growing in importance and impact, but there is so much more to be done in the law. We need Ethan's Law, safe storage, such as we have done in Connecticut, strengthened red flag and emergency risk protection order statutes, better background check systems to make them more complete and better enforceable, and, yes, ban on assault weapons, high-capacity magazines, ghost guns, which are the scourge of law enforcement. And so I say to the advocates and activists who are continuing this movement: We will continue that work. We will honor with action the lives which are lost not only in Sandy Hook but all around this country, day after day, in drive-by shootings, in crimes, and criminal assaults in domestic violence. Just in this past month, a brave young woman, Julie Minogue, was lost in Connecticut to domestic violence, where a protective order should have helped to save her life. And we owe our police more support and resources to enforce those protective orders and to take action against gun violence. They are unsung heroes. And in the wake of Sandy Hook, many of them experienced trauma and mental health challenges that still linger with them. On this day, we should remember and commemorate and celebrate the service of our police and, yes, our teachers who also, every day, have to do the drills and experience the fear and apprehension for themselves and their students. They are also unsung heroes of Sandy Hook and afterward; and parents who have to explain why they have that apprehension and why their children have to prepare for those drills; our medical professionals in the emergency room who see this trauma and the death and injury day in and day out. They are doing their jobs. Our teachers are doing their jobs. Our police are doing their jobs. Parents are doing their jobs. Congress is not doing its job. Thank you to them for doing their job. Congress must do its job to strengthen our laws and prevent gun violence. And there is a new generation of activists and advocates coming along. The young woman who spoke at the vigil last Wednesday night and introduced President Biden--a survivor of Sandy Hook--is just one example; March For Our Lives, emanating from Parkland. All of the young people who are demonstrating that positive energy that is so critically important in advancing this movement, they are showing awe-inspiring hope and grace. Junior Newtown Action Line is another example. The community of Sandy Hook has responded with dazzling strength and courage. That community has not only rallied around the loved ones who have experienced unspeakable loss, but they have helped to support the charitable and nonprofits that those families formed in the wake of those losses. They have truly chosen love, those families. Many of them have established foundations and nonprofits that benefit music, art, education, scholarships for students, animal sanctuaries. I have worked with the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement, started by Scarlett Lewis; the Sandy Hook Promise organization, started by the Hockley and Barden families; the Catherine Violet Hubbard Foundation; Ben's Lighthouse; the Emilie Parker Art Foundation; the Vicki Soto Memorial Fund, which just a couple of weeks ago had a run in Stratford, a 5K, to benefit the great work that it is doing on scholarships; the Avielle Foundation; and the Ana Grace Project. The list goes on. It is a part of this story because Sandy Hook is the story not only of social change and legal and legislative reform, but it is also an intensely personal story about grace and grit, about courage and strength, and about a personal dedication to making good come out of the unimaginable horror and evil on that day. Sandy Hook in Connecticut is also the story about peacekeepers--a new generation of peacekeepers, young people who are dedicated in Hartford through the Compass Youth Collaborative, graduates of the Brother Carl Hardrick Institute, who are determined to try to prevent violence and reach out to others of their age and stop gun violence before it begins by enlisting others in peacekeeping and intervention. That is also the result of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, because the investment of $15 billion in mental health and crisis intervention and community organization is, at the end of the day, a critical part of stopping gun violence. The survivors club, as someone has said, is one that no one wants to join. This survivors club of gun violence is a network that no one wants to be a part of personally. And yet, as long as the violence continues, there will be survivors and loved ones, like the great and graceful families of Sandy Hook. As our heart goes out to them on this day, we should keep in mind and in our hearts the need to honor with action--continuing action. They are doing their job. Police, teachers, medical professionals, parents, all of the professionals are doing their jobs. Congress must do its job. The time is for action--more action now. I yield the floor to my colleague from Connecticut, who has been such a champion in this effort, Senator Murphy.

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

Mr. BLUMENTHAL

Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Madam President, today I rise to congratulate Consumer Reports on 50 years of advocacy in Washington, DC. In 1936, scientists and researchers established a union of consumers to test products and give evidence-based recommendations through what was to become the iconic publication Consumer Reports. In 1972, the organization saw an opportunity to do even more for consumers and for the country at large by sharing data and insights with policymakers and making policy recommendations in support of consumer safety, fairness, and transparency in the marketplace. Fifty years ago, a small team was established in Washington, DC, that has been working with Senators on both sides of the aisle, with our colleagues in the House of Representatives, and with staff at Federal Agencies such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Department of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Trade Commission, Federal Communications Commission, United States Department of Agriculture, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau--which Consumer Reports played a major role in helping establish in 2010. For the past five decades, Consumer Reports has ensured that we in government hear the voices of consumers, understand their needs in the marketplace, and shape the rules and safeguards that consumers deserve. Consumer Reports has partnered with me and others to take actions that not only help people save their hard-earned money, but also save lives. Products are safer, our standards are higher, and consumer protections have endured, thanks to the extraordinary work of this organization. On the 50th anniversary of Consumer Reports establishing its first team of advocates in Washington, DC, I congratulate and commend Consumer Reports president and CEO Marta L. Tellado, along with the past and present staff and board of directors, all of whom have dedicated their talents and resources to creating a fair, safe, and just marketplace for all of us.

Mr. BLUMENTHAL

Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Yes, I do.