Benjamin Cardin

Mr. CARDIN

Mr. CARDIN. I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. CARDIN

Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. CARDIN

Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. CARDIN

Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, 75 years ago, a brutal Russian dictator had pushed Russia to the brink of war. Soviet-sponsored coups had removed democratically elected governments in Eastern Europe. Communist revolutionaries were trying to seek control of Greece. Authoritarian forces threatened American Allies across Europe. The peace that we fought so hard to secure during World War II was in jeopardy. To meet these challenges, the United States and nations on both sides of the Atlantic that shared a democratic, free, and prosperous vision of the world came together and formed an alliance, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO. President Truman signed the treaty, along with representatives from Canada, Belgium, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and the United Kingdom. The heart of this treaty has always been article 5. It states that ``the Parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all.'' Despite the incredible changes we have seen in the world over the past 75 years, as the NATO alliance comes together for a summit here in Washington this week, the power of our solemn promise of solidarity is just as important as ever. Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine has laid bare the danger Russia once again poses to Europe. From the Baltic States and Poland to Romania and Bulgaria, NATO member countries have seen what Mr. Putin's army is capable of doing in Ukraine--targeting maternity wards and kindergartens, kidnapping and forcing children to relocate to Russia, executing innocent civilians with their hands tied behind their backs. For those people living in Moscow's shadow, the only thing standing between a Russian invasion and such horrific war crimes is NATO. This makes the strength of our alliance vitally important. I want to thank Secretary General Stoltenberg for his tireless efforts to guide the alliance through the last decade. The alliance is stronger today thanks to the recent additions of Finland and Sweden; thanks to the important financial contributions of member states, especially on the eastern flank; and thanks to the leadership of the Biden administration--in particular, Secretary Blinken and Secretary Austin. Because of the hard work of our military and political leaders on both sides of the Atlantic, today, NATO is more unified, but there are concerns. Whether it is the former President of the United States who tells Russia to ``do whatever the hell they want'' or the delays in getting supplemental security funding for Ukraine passed in the House of Representatives earlier this year, diplomats on both sides of the Atlantic are asking legitimate questions: Where is our alliance headed? Can Putin be stopped in Ukraine? Will NATO continue to have our backs? As the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I want to be crystal clear: The answer is and must be yes. NATO has been there for the United States in tough times, whether it is defending our skies after 9/11 or providing food and medical supplies to the people of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Now more than ever, I believe the United States must stand shoulder to shoulder with our European allies. That is why I backed efforts to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia. That is why I never gave up pushing for the passage of the supplemental security assistance and was glad that it was finally enacted. That is why I am supportive of the recent bilateral security agreement between the United States and Ukraine. It is also why I support plans for NATO to take an expanded role in coordinating the defense of Ukraine, because no matter who is in the Oval Office, assistance to Ukraine must continue, defense of Europe against Russian aggression must continue, and strengthening of the NATO alliance must continue. Above all, we must not give up hope that we can succeed. Seventy-five years ago at the NATO treaty signing, President Truman said: For us, war is not inevitable. We do not believe there are blind tides of history which sweep men one way or another. In our own time we have seen brave men overcome obstacles that seemed insurmountable and forces that seem overwhelming. Men with courage and vision can still determine their own destiny. I am confident that NATO's leaders--men and women meeting here in Washington this week--possess both courage and vision. There may be debates about how NATO can best engage with our allies in the Indo- Pacific, like Japan and South Korea and Australia, or how to best posture ourselves on NATO's eastern flank, but I am optimistic that NATO's future is bright because there is no question that what brings us together is our commitment to keeping authoritarian governments at bay, our commitment to democratic institutions and the protection of human rights, our commitment to peace and prosperity, and our commitment to our values. So as we welcome NATO leaders to Washington this week and celebrate the 75th anniversary of the NATO alliance, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support and protect NATO's military alliance that has made our world a safer place for over seven decades. Let us work together to build a future that is free and secure and peaceful for generations to come. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. CARDIN

Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, in reserving the right to object, it is interesting. Earlier today, there was a large bipartisan group of Senators that met with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine. We expressed our bipartisan support for the United States continuing to support Ukraine's efforts to repeal the outrageous attack to their sovereignty by Mr. Putin and Russia. There was bipartisan support for Ukraine because we recognized that Ukraine is the frontline in the defense of our democracy. Ukraine is not asking us for our soldiers; they are asking us for our support. So I want to start, in my concerns of the unanimous consent request offered by the Senator from Utah, in that the support for the defense of Ukraine enjoys overwhelming bipartisan support here in the U.S. Senate. That is why I was pleased to join Senator Wicker on the floor. When the supplemental funding bill came up for a vote, 79 Senators-- Republicans and Democrats alike--backed it. Why is that? It is because most Senators understand what is at stake. It is because we understand that Ukraine is not only fighting for themselves; they are fighting for the entire Western World. It is because we understand, if Putin is successful in Ukraine, it will endanger our security interests and those of some of our closest European allies. Yes, they are asking for financial and military support. Their success--Ukraine's success--will help make it possible for our soldiers not to be in another war in Europe. So supporting Ukraine in this fight against one of the most dangerous adversaries in the world is clearly in the national security interests of the United States. I also want to address one of the arguments offered by my colleague from Utah: the idea that this Executive agreement should have no effect unless submitted to the Senate for advice and consent. Multiple administrations have used Executive agreements to advance diplomatic goals that are in the U.S.'s national security interests. Along with my colleagues, I support this bilateral agreement because it does just that; it advances Ukraine's interests and our own interests in national security. Unlike other administrations, in the case of this agreement, the Biden administration proactively reached out to Members and staff in both Chambers of both parties to share the parameters of the negotiations while they were underway. They solicited reactions and input from Congress, and they took some of our input in regards to the final negotiations. Unlike the practices of previous administrations, the Biden administration posted the text of the agreement on the State Department's website the day it was signed. We in Congress were kept up to date on parallel negotiations with Ukraine by 31 other nations. They were negotiating with 31 countries in bilateral security agreements so that we could give comprehensive help to Ukraine in its defense of democracy. Many are in NATO, but there are also other countries that the U.S. has rallied to support Ukraine. So far, Ukraine has signed 20 bilateral security deals. They include concrete provisions on long-term military and financial aid. They include the training of Ukrainian troops. They include weapons delivery. I want to be clear: They do not include the deployment of foreign soldiers to fight in Ukraine. It is envisioned that 32 nations will enter into bilateral security agreements with Ukraine. While they will vary to some extent, they will create a robust commitment of support for Ukraine. I would also add that these agreements--and specifically the United States' bilateral agreement with Ukraine-- include commitments by Ukraine to continue its consolidation of democratic governance and anti-corruption initiatives. It is absolutely critical we send a clear message to Vladimir Putin that, no matter who is in the White House, the United States will stand by Ukraine in its fight to maintain its sovereignty. Finally, this is not charity. It serves our national security interests. It is because future wars will be different from prior conflicts. They will now involve modern technology. Right now, Ukraine is experimenting with how to be effective in such a war, and Ukraine is adapting in realtime. With this bilateral agreement, Ukraine will be sharing information with the United States on everything they are learning on the battlefield. They will give our soldiers and military planners the ability to develop creative ways to use these new technologies. This agreement strengthens our national security; it strengthens Ukraine; and it strengthens the resolve of allies looking to the United States for leadership on the global stage. For all of these reasons, I object to the unanimous consent request.

Mr. CARDIN

Mr. CARDIN. I yield the floor.

Mr. CARDIN. I ask unanimous consent that the motion to reconsider with respect to the Sullivan nomination be considered made and laid upon the table, and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's actions.

Mr. CARDIN

Mr. CARDIN. Madam President, I rise today in recognition of the 54th anniversary of Pride Month. I would first like to take a moment to acknowledge how much progress has been made in the span of just a half century. The first Pride was born out of the Stonewall Uprising, which took place in 1969 after police conducted a violent raid at the Stonewall Inn, a New York City bar known as a place of refuge for members of the LGBTQ+ community. The raid and the ensuing riot in response nearly destroyed the Stonewall Inn and sparked a series of protests against the police's brutality that night. In the face of such violence and discrimination, a group of gay rights organizers responded by commemorating the first anniversary of the uprising with a march to celebrate the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community. Five decades later, we continue to strive toward equality and inclusion for this community in all aspects of life. While we have many victories to celebrate, such as the 2015 Supreme Court Obergefell decision guaranteeing marriage equality, we still have much to do. I am proud to represent a State that is known to be welcoming to members of the LGBTQ+ community. Last year, Maryland Governor Wes Moore issued an executive order to protect access to gender-affirming care, a huge win for transgender and nonbinary Marylanders. This year, Maryland is hosting over a dozen local Pride parades and celebrations, from Hagerstown to Salisbury and everywhere in between. And this past weekend, we celebrated Pride in my home city of Baltimore, which has one of the longest running Pride celebrations in the nation. However, I am dismayed by a growing movement across the country to suppress the rights of LGBTQ+ people and reverse our Nation's hard-won progress. We have a responsibility to uphold the rights and freedoms of all Americans. Therefore, we must not stand by idly as legislative attacks on this community increase across the country. Laws that aim to codify hate and discrimination are despicable. We must challenge this hate not only with our hearts, but through the proactive protection of civil rights. In particular, we must defend transgender children, their parents, and the right to access gender-affirming care and other support services. There have been recent efforts by some Members of Congress to use the annual appropriations bill as a vehicle to ban the use of Federal funds for gender-affirming care and DEI initiatives. I urge my colleagues to remember the commitment we have to our Nation to ensure liberty and justice for all. Attacks on personal autonomy that use the mantle of religious freedom to sanction official discrimination are unacceptable. In 2024, we as the U.S. Congress must rebuke these efforts not only with words, but with action. The energy with which an alarming number of local and State legislators craft legislation that targets transgender individuals should be channeled into other efforts that would help, not harm, our people. I am proud to support several pieces of legislation that would expand LGBTQ+ individuals' access to a wide range of resources and protections. I am particularly proud to be a cosponsor of Senator Murray's Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act. We hear a lot of talk about the importance of protecting our children but have yet to take serious action to hold so-called ``conversion therapy providers'' accountable for abuse and fraud. The scientific literature increasingly agrees that ``conversion therapy,'' which claims to be able to change a person's sexual or gender identity through various interventions, simply does not work. Furthermore, these practices are strongly associated with adverse mental health effects, such as anxiety, depression, and suicide, in people who have been through conversion programs. With Senator Murray's Bill, we can--and will--prevent further traumatization of our LGBTQ+ youth and their families. Another bill I am proud to support is the bipartisan Safe Schools Improvement Act, led by Senator Casey, that would ensure K-12 students across America could receive age-appropriate education to prevent all forms of bullying and harassment. Bullying can lead to tragic outcomes like the loss of Nex Benedict, a nonbinary teenager who died this March after being severely bullied at school for their gender identity. We already know statistically that LGBTQ+ children and teens across America are at disproportionate risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidality. Instead of enabling the discrimination that is so damaging to our kids' mental health, we should be working to turn those statistics around so that more children, like Nex, get the chance to grow up and pursue their dreams. Eradicating homophobia in our Nation starts with an honest education on the past and present of the LGBTQ+ community. Senator Casey's bill presents an opportunity to protect our youth from ignorance and its dire consequences. I am also proud to cosponsor the Equality Act, offered by Senator Merkley. This legislation would prohibit discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identify with respect to businesses, employment, housing, federally funded programs, and other settings. All Americans should be treated equally under the law--no matter who they love or how they identify. LGBTQ+ individuals deserve to be afforded every right and protection granted to their neighbors. Members of this community should feel safe enough to be themselves and are entitled to the respect and recognition we expect for every human being. I am a proud ally who will continue to fight all forms of attack against the LGBTQ+ community. No hate crimes or State-sanctioned discrimination will ever be tolerated by myself, and I expect the same of my colleagues and fellow Americans. The U.S. Senate must challenge intolerance and safeguard civil rights for LGBTQ+ individuals everywhere. Our Nation must not allow individual opinions to derail the right to dignity to which every American is entitled. It is imperative the United States of America uphold the values of tolerance, compassion, and freedom upon which we claim to stand. And we certainly cannot overshadow the bravery, joy, and resistance to societal regression that so many LGBTQ+ individuals and activists have demonstrated. I am committed to growing Federal support and increasing resources to safeguard civil rights for this community. I believe that I have an obligation, not just as a Senator from Maryland, but as a human being, to do so. And I look forward to continuing to work, not just this Pride Month but every day of the year, toward equality for all.

Mr. CARDIN

Mr. CARDIN. Madam President, today on World Refugee Day, I am here to honor the tens of millions of people worldwide who have been forced to flee their homes. World Refugee Day was first held in June of 2001 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention and to shine a light on the needs and rights of refugees while giving voice to their aspirations. At that time, in 2001, the number of forcibly displaced persons globally was close to 20 million. Today that number stands at 120 million people, according to the U.N. Refugee Agency. This staggering figure, the highest in recorded history, means that 1.5 percent of the entire world's population has been forced to flee their homes as a result of persecution, conflict, violence, or natural disasters like drought, crop failures, or famine. In the past 10 years, the number of forcibly displaced persons has more than doubled as new conflicts have arisen and longstanding crises have gone unresolved, made worse by the impacts of climate change, food insecurity, and poverty. Of this 120 million, there are more than 31 million refugees who have crossed international borders to seek safety in another country--31 million people who are not safe from prosecution in their own country of origin. There are more than 68 million internally displaced persons, the majority of whom are women and children, forced from their homes but still within the country's borders. In every region of the world, we see people pushed from their homes: in the Sudan, where the brutal and altogether avoidable conflict between the Rapid Support Forces and Sudan Armed Forces has forced more than 9 million people to flee their homes, and without a ceasefire and sustainable peace agreement, these numbers will only continue to grow; in Ukraine, where Putin's illegal full-scale invasion has pushed nearly 10 million Ukrainians from their homes, including more than 6 million refugees; in Gaza, where approximately 75 percent of the population--1.7 million people--has been displaced and displaced multiple times since last October; and in Haiti, where widespread violence has uprooted more than 360,000 people in the past year. Even as crises fades from the headlines, the impact to people's lives do not: for nearly 14 million displaced Syrians representing over half the country's population to the estimated 6.5 million Afghan refugees around the world, to the more than 6 million Venezuelan refugees, the long tail of conflict and crisis has left millions displaced year after year. Behind every number is a story of a life uprooted, but there is also a story of courage, of resilience and hope for a brighter future, the hope of a refugee mother for her child to receive an education, the hope of a refugee woman to someday become a doctor, the hope of a family caught in the crosshairs of war to return to their homes and live in peace. Achieving this brighter future requires urgent and sustained support from the United States and the international community. Massive cuts proposed by House colleagues to the Migration and Refugee Assistance accounts for fiscal year 2025 would turn our back and imperil the lives of those most at risk. That is why this day I will be introducing, along with 21 of my Senate colleagues, a resolution reaffirming the importance of promoting the safety, health, and well-being of refugees and displaced persons in the United States and around the world. This means upholding the long history of the United States welcoming people from around the world who have been oppressed and persecuted. Our U.S. Refugee Admission Program, established in 1980, remains a lifesaving pillar for resettling the most vulnerable refugees. It means further tapping into the deep generosity of Americans, as demonstrated by the U.S. Government's welcome tour through which private citizens are supporting newly arrived refugees themselves. It means supporting host communities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where 75 percent of all refugees are hosted while advocating for refugee inclusion. It means continuing U.S. leadership by the State Department, USAID, and NGO partners in responding to displacement crises with humanitarian assistance and protection for forcibly displaced persons that are at risk of gender- based violence, human trafficking, and other human rights abuses. It means working in partnership with the international community to resolve conflicts, to address climate change that is destroying lands and livelihoods, and to hold human rights abusers accountable so that people can return to their homes. In taking these steps, we will not only uplift the lives of vulnerable people around the world, we will also promote regional stability and strengthen U.S. national security. So on World Refugee Day, let us all join together to mitigate the causes that have forced refugees to leave their homes and help these individuals who are displaced to have an opportunity for a peaceful future.

Mr. CARDIN

Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. CARDIN

Mr. CARDIN. Madam President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. CARDIN

Mr. CARDIN. Madam President, I rise today to recognize June as National Oral Health Month. This month provides us an opportunity to reflect on the significant role oral health plays in overall health and to recommit our efforts to ensure that Americans have access to quality oral health care. While oral diseases alone contribute to negative outcomes, there are proven relationships between poor oral health and other medical conditions like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers, pneumonia, premature birth, and infectious diseases. The World Health Organization estimates economic productivity losses from oral diseases at $323 billion in 2022. Oral disease affects Americans of all ages. For children, dental cavities remain one of the most common chronic diseases. About one in four preschool children experienced caries in primary teeth and at least one in six children aged 6 to 11 years experienced dental cavities in permanent teeth. According to the CDC, 34 million school hours are lost each year--on average--because of emergency dental care. In Maryland, like many other States, we have witnessed firsthand the consequences of neglecting the oral health of young people. Deamonte Driver, a 12-year-old Prince George's County resident, tragically died in 2007 due to a lack of comprehensive dental services. Deamonte's death was particularly heartbreaking because it was entirely preventable. What started out as a toothache turned into a severe brain infection that could have been prevented by an $80 extraction. After multiple surgeries and a lengthy hospital stay, sadly, Deamonte passed away. We must ensure everyone has timely, affordable access to oral health care. In recent years, dentists nationwide have seen a significant decrease in operating room access for dental procedures. This problem has primarily impacted children and adults with disabilities who are in need of urgent dental care and cannot access it in an office-based setting, necessitating care in an operating room. Earlier this Congress, Senator Blackburn and I sent a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services urging them to include the recently established code for dental surgical services in the 2024 Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System. I am glad to say that the code was included in CMS's final rule to expand access to these critical procedures and shorten the waitlists to receive care under general anesthesia in operating rooms. I am proud to say that we have since made significant progress in improving access to pediatric dental care in our country and in Maryland. In 2009, Congress reauthorized the Children's Health Insurance Program--CHIP--with an important addition: a guaranteed pediatric dental benefit. Research shows that CHIP generally offers more comprehensive benefits at a much lower cost to families than private coverage. Additionally, the Affordable Care Act--ACA--has significantly improved access to affordable dental care for millions of Americans by requiring most insurers to cover essential health benefits. Providing dental coverage for adults also improves outcomes for their children. A 2021 study found that Medicaid adult dental coverage was associated with a reduction in the prevalence of untreated tooth decay among children after parents had access to coverage for at least 1 year. The study found that all children saw improvements in oral health, and non-Hispanic Black children experienced larger and more persistent improvements than non-Hispanic White children. A Medicaid dental benefit for adults would enhance the progress for children and provide much needed dental care and improve oral health outcomes for adults, showing the interconnectedness in outcomes for all ages. Earlier this Congress, I introduced the Medicare Dental Benefit Act. This legislation would require Medicare coverage to include dental and oral health services, such as routine diagnostic and preventive services, basic and major dental services, and emergency care. By including these services in Medicare, more than 65 million seniors and people with disabilities would have access to affordable dental care. I have also worked with Senator Stabenow to introduce the Medicaid Dental Benefit Act. This bill would extend comprehensive dental health benefits to tens of millions of low-income Americans on Medicaid. The legislation would provide States with a 100 percent Federal match for the dental benefit for 3 years. This investment of Federal funds would support States to set up or improve their dental benefit and assist in provider education and outreach efforts to better connect enrollees to oral health care. Last year, I held a hearing in the Senate Finance Health Care Subcommittee to focus on these issues. The hearing highlighted disparities in access to oral health care, which have persisted and have serious consequences for children, adults, families, and communities. I was proud to have Dr. Warren Brill, a distinguished pediatric dentist from Maryland who has long provided care to low- income children serve as a witness. Dr. Brill was able to provide valuable insights for our conversation and gave Senators an on-the- ground perspective of someone doing this important work. It is also important that we support research focused on empowering dentists and advancing oral health for all. I am proud to have the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, one of the National Institutes of Health, in Maryland and I was glad to pass a resolution this Congress to recognize their 75th anniversary and highlight the important work they do. While we will continue to work on combating oral disease in Maryland and the United States, we must also realize that it is a global challenge that requires cooperation from partners around the world to address effectively. Oral diseases, such as tooth decay and gum disease, are globally the most common health conditions, impacting over 3.5 billion people as of 2019. Despite the widespread nature of oral diseases, many go untreated as health systems around the world are often not properly equipped to deliver appropriate oral health care. In light of these concerning figures, I am glad to see that the World Health Organization, FDI World Dental Federation, and National Institutes of Health have all issued landmark oral health reports in 2021 and 2022 as well as the World Health Assembly having adopted a global strategy on oral health in 2022. Our coordinated efforts with global partners are essential to overcoming this widespread issue. It is important that we reiterate that oral health is a crucial part of overall health and accessing care should not be a luxury reserved for the most privileged. Ensuring affordable, quality care not only helps to combat widespread issues like dental caries and gum disease, but also can work to the significant health disparities that exist in America. As we recognize the progress we have made on this issue, we must recommit to expanding access to oral health services, reducing disparities and emphasizing a preventative approach. I urge my colleagues to join me in this effort.

Mr. CARDIN

Mr. CARDIN. Madam President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. CARDIN

Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. CARDIN

Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, we shortly will be voting on the nomination of Stephanie Sanders Sullivan to be the U.S. Representative to the African Union, and I take this time, as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, to urge my colleagues to support that nomination. The African Union is the only continent-wide multilateral organization for diplomatic engagement and the advancement of peace and security in Africa. The U.S. Ambassador to the African Union plays a key role in representing the United States and advancing our national interests within this international body. The AU is critically important to helping find a diplomatic solution to conflicts on the continent, such as the ongoing war in Sudan. That conflict has led to the impending famine and what credible organizations have called genocide. It will not be resolved without AU participation. We should be there to support the AU's vital efforts, but we have been absent. The AU is also an essential voice in articulating continent-wide values related to democracy, good governance, respect for human rights, and gender equality--all values that we share. The alarming trend of democratic backsliding in the Sahel cannot be reversed without AU involvement. We should be there to support its efforts in this area, but we have not been. No, Mr. President, we have not been there, while the Chinese have been very active. It is critically important that we have confirmed representatives to represent our national security interests. When we don't have Senate- confirmed representatives, it gives openings for our adversaries. China is there. We are not because we have not confirmed this Ambassador position. It is against our national security interest to leave these positions unfilled because of a lack of Senate action. This nomination has languished since February of 2023. For nearly a year and a half, the United States has been a no-show, allowing others to engage in our absence. During this time, the United States has missed opportunities to add its voice and engagement to essential conversations on economic integration, the promotion of justice and the rule of law, durable solutions to crisis, and citizen engagement that impact the entire African continent. China has been active. We have been missing. We must get ourselves back into the game in the continent, and the nominee under consideration is well positioned to do this. Ambassador Sullivan has held numerous positions focusing on advancing U.S. interests in Africa. She has served as Ambassador to the Republic of Ghana and the Republic of Congo and as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the State Department's Bureau of African Affairs. Ambassador Sullivan is an experienced diplomat who knows and understands the continent and has demonstrated leadership skills that will serve us well at the AU headquarters. I urge my colleagues to vote yes on cloture and yes on the confirmation of Ambassador Stephanie Sullivan to be the next U.S. Ambassador to the African Union. Let's get this done, and let's get this done today. With that, I yield the floor.

Mr. CARDIN

Mr. CARDIN. Madam President, I rise today to urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the Right to Contraception Act. Now more than ever, it is vital to codify reproductive rights. The right to contraception is not merely a matter of health, but a matter of autonomy and equality. We must protect a women's right to access to reproductive care. This week, the Senate will vote on the Right to Contraception Act. Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, those opposed to reproductive freedoms have consistently acted to restrict and ban access to reproductive health care, including abortion, contraception, and even IVF. In his concurrence in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, in support of decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, Associate Justice Clarence Thomas directly called into question the right to contraception as a logical outgrowth of the Dobbs decision. Since the decision came down, it has become clear that restrictions and bans on abortion are just the first step in withholding reproductive health care and access, preventing women and their healthcare providers making the best decision without government intrusion. For almost 60 years, people have had the right to access contraception. In 1965, the Supreme Court ruled, in Griswold v. Connecticut, that States could not block married couples from being able to access contraception. This ruling paved the way for the 1972 Supreme Court decision in Eisenstadt v. Baird, expanding the right to contraception to unmarried people. Despite these protections and 96 percent of voters supporting access to birth control, some lawmakers continue to attack this basic right. Just as with abortion, extremists are making moves to undermine and eventually eliminate women's right to access birth control. Contraceptives offer substantial benefits to many women and families across America. Women's reproductive choices and economic opportunities are linked. Research demonstrates that when women are given more control over family planning and childbearing decisions, educational, career, and professional opportunities open up to them. With the Supreme Court decisions on Griswold and Eisenstadt, access to the pill was associated with a 1.7 percentage-point increase in the margin of women in professional careers. The gender gap in the workplace can also be narrowed when women have access to the pill at a younger age. Women with access to contraception in their early 20s earned $2,200 more per year by their early 40s than women who were not able to have access to contraception. Although access to the pill correlates to an increase in women in the workforce, it is important to remember that there are an estimated 19 million women of reproductive age who live in contraceptive deserts. Various findings on the role contraception plays in the lives of women and families reiterate the value of ensuring women continue to have full access to a range of contraceptive services and methods. It is abundantly clear that improved access to contraception contributes to economic and educational advancement of women in the United States. As a result of the Dobbs decision and due to systemic inequalities, communities of color, young people, immigrants, low-income, and LGBTQ+ individuals face the consequences of this abortion ban. These communities are more likely to experience additional barriers to accessing reproductive health care. Birth control ensures more people can access the future they envision for themselves and their families. I am proud that Maryland has been recognized as the first State to mandate contraceptive coverage in 1998. My State has long been a leader in supporting and protecting reproductive rights. On April 14, 2023, Governor Moore announced that the State would begin to stockpile mifepristone. Maryland remains committed to remaining a safe haven for abortion and reproductive health care access. However, even in Maryland, where State law protects the right to choose, in April 2022, Governor Larry Hogan vetoed the Abortion Care Access Act. This act expands reproductive health care by allowing additional trained health professionals, including nurse practitioners, midwives, and physician assistants, to perform abortions. Fortunately, Maryland's Legislature overrode this reckless veto, and the law took effect July 1, 2022. In response, Governor Hogan went on to withhold millions of dollars in State funds that was designated for the Abortion Care Clinical Training Program. Thankfully, Governor Wes Moore released those funds on his very first day in office in 2023. This November, Marylanders have a choice to vote in favor of further protecting abortion by enshrining the right to reproductive freedom in our State's constitution. This would further impede the ability of opponents to take away abortion rights in the future. This week, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer will call a vote for the Right to Contraception Act, a bill I cosponsored that will codify the right to contraception to prevent further restrictions on reproductive health services for all Americans. It is time to protect the right to birth control, and access to it, for all communities. The Right to Contraception Act is an especially important safeguard for these marginalized communities. While it is urgent that we pass the Right to Contraception Act, we must also move forward other legislation, like the Women's Health Protection Act, which would codify Roe v. Wade and prevent States from continuing to enact restrictions of reproductive freedoms. This Congress, the Senate has also had to reel in colleagues who put our military in jeopardy by blocking the promotions of senior members of our military to protest the Pentagon's abortion policy. Despite the notion that the Dobbs decision would be the end of judicial action on reproductive health by handing authority to individual States, we continue to see challenges to reproductive rights elevated to the Supreme Court. Last year, I signed onto a bicameral amicus brief for Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA to advocate for the FDA's appeal that supports nationwide access to mifepristone. In the next couple of weeks, we expect that decision, as well as one in a case challenging the legal obligation of doctors to provide life- stabilizing emergency abortion care. I am proud to have also signed an amicus brief on this case, urging Justices to ensure that emergency departments will also provide patients with the care they critically need. Throughout my time in Congress, I have worked to dismantle barriers to women's health. The right to choose whether to have a child is fundamental, and it is a decision that should only be made by women in consultation with their healthcare provider, not with interference from Federal, State, or local governments. It is time for us to elevate the voices that truly know how much is at stake in the fight for reproductive freedoms. Lives are at risk in the generation and beyond. We must vote to pass the Right to Contraception Act, and we must work every day until Roe v. Wade is the law of the land once again.

Mr. CARDIN

Mr. CARDIN. Madam President, I rise today in recognition of the 80th anniversary of D-Day. The size and scale of the amphibious landing at Normandy 80 years ago was simply amazing. The Allied forces, consisting of soldiers and sailors from 12 countries, numbered 156,115, nearly half of which were American servicemembers. Over 11,500 aircraft and almost 7,000 naval vessels supported the largest amphibious assault in history. There were an estimated 10,000 casualties that day as the allies fought to liberate Europe from Nazi Germany. The amphibious landing and subsequent victory at Normandy was a testament of the Allies' logistical and industrial power. D-Day opened another major front where the bulk of America's Army could at last be brought to bear. D-Day also led to the liberation of France and denied the Nazis of key U-boat ports and V-weapons sites. By the end of June 1944, over 850,000 soldiers had arrived on the beaches of Normandy and were on the march across Europe. The Allied victory on those beaches not only meant the eventual defeat of the Nazis, but also kept the Soviet Iron Curtain at the German border instead of the English Channel. Beyond all the facts and figures involved with the landing are the individual stories of heroism and bravery. One such story is that of Leonard Schroeder, the first American to land on the beaches of Normandy at Utah Beach. Leonard Schroeder, then a 25-year-old Army captain, was in the first wave of 20 Higgins boats. In his boat were 32 men, and they arrived at Utah Beach at 6:28 a.m. that morning, 2 minutes ahead of the scheduled H-Hour and thus ahead of their air support. Captain Schroeder led his men ashore wading the final 100 yards from their landing craft to the beach through barbed wire while under machinegun fire from the Nazis. Half of the men on Captain Schroeder's boat suffered casualties, including five fatalities. Captain Schroeder himself was shot twice, but carried on leading his men into harm's way. For his actions on D-Day, he earned the Silver Star and the Purple Heart. After the Normandy invasion, a Pentagon press release hailed him as ``the first GI to invade Europe'', and the Baltimore Sun wrote, ``When his boot touched French soil, it was a great moment in history.'' Captain Schroeder's story is one of thousands of examples of selfless bravery on the beaches of Normandy that day, but I chose to highlight his story as he is a native of Maryland. Leonard Schroeder was born in Linthicum Heights and attended the University of Maryland on a full athletic scholarship. While at UMD, he joined the Reserve Officer's Training Corps--ROTC--and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army in June 1941, months before the attack at Pearl Harbor which led the U.S. to into World War II. After World War II, Leonard Schroeder continued to serve his country ultimately serving 30 years on Active Duty and retiring as a colonel in 1971. On the 50th anniversary of D-Day, Leonard reflected upon that historic day, stating, ``Today, I realize that to be the first man ashore is an immense honor, yet I do not merit it more than anyone else. Five of my men died down there at Normandy. They alone are the heroes.'' There are innumerable lessons to be learned from World War II and countless stories to be told, but maybe the most relevant to us today is the power of allies and partners working together to defeat authoritarian regimes. Much like the years preceding World War II, there are countries challenging democratic institutions in order to expand their regimes and suppress freedom. I urge every American to not take our democracy for granted. Millions across the globe do not have the freedoms we enjoy in the United States, which have been hard earned across generations. The United States is the longest standing democracy in the world, but our freedom has, does, and will come with a cost. Today is a day to remember what our American heroes accomplished on the beaches of Normandy 80 years ago; tomorrow is a day to write the next great chapter of American history, for when we come together for a common cause, we are unstoppable.

Mr. CARDIN

Mr. CARDIN. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that Matthew Hackell and Josh Tupler, both fellows on the Foreign Relations Committee staff, be given floor privileges for the remainder of the 118th Congress.

Mr. CARDIN

Mr. CARDIN. Madam President, I rise to congratulate James K. Bredar upon the completion of his service as chief judge of the United States District Court for the District of Maryland and his assumption of senior status. I was pleased to work with former Senator Barbara Mikulski to recommend Judge Bredar to President Obama for appointment as one of my first Maryland Federal judicial nominations in 2010. Notably, the Senate confirmed his nomination by unanimous consent. Judge Bredar served with great distinction for his nearly 7-year term as chief judge. In particular, I thank Judge Bredar for his vigorous oversight of the Federal consent decree between the U.S. Justice Department and the Baltimore Police Department, which arose out of the Freddie Gray case. This consent decree, when fully implemented, will guarantee effective, fair, and constitutional policing to Baltimore City residents. I have greatly appreciated Judge Bredar's tireless advocacy for the needs of the judges, litigants, witnesses, court personnel, and visitors to the Federal courthouses in Baltimore and Greenbelt. The Chief Justice of the United States showed his confidence in Judge Bredar's abilities through his past appointment as a member of the Judicial Conference Committee on Federal-State Jurisdiction, as well his continuing service on the Judicial Conference Committee on the Budget. I understand that Judge Bredar will continue to perform substantial judicial service as a judge on senior status, including taking on a new assignment to handle the complex litigation arising out of the recent Dali ship disaster at the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. I congratulate Judge Bredar again for his remarkable service on the court. Marylanders can be proud and thankful of his extraordinary service to uphold the rule of law and to provide equal justice under the law to everyone who enters his courtroom. Judge Bredar has indeed lived up to his judicial oath to ``administer justice without respect to persons, and do equal right to the poor and to the rich.'' I extend my best wishes to Judge Bredar as he continues his service on the Federal bench in senior status.

Mr. CARDIN

Mr. CARDIN. Madam President, I rise today in recognition of May as Jewish American Heritage Month. Please, if we could just acknowledge that through the resolution that was passed by this body. Since 1980, when President Jimmy Carter first celebrated Jewish American Heritage Week, our country has come together to recognize Jewish contributions to American culture, history, military, science, government, and more. Over the course of 250 years, since before the Revolutionary War, Jewish-American values and culture have been woven into the fabric of our Nation. We in the Congress of the United States, despite our political differences, have historically stood united in our support for the Jewish community. This position aligns with our Nation's founding commitment to safeguard the right to worship free of persecution. Countless Members in this body on both sides of the aisle have quoted George Washington's letter from 1790 to the Hebrew congregation in Newport, RI, in which our first President wrote: For happily the government of the United States gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens, in giving it on all occasions their effectual support. Jewish-American heritage commemorations have always shared a mix of celebration--with the anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel--with darker memories and commemorations, such as Holocaust Remembrance Day, Yom HaShoah. This month, we also honor the victims of the Holocaust and lift up the lives of the survivors, nearly 40,000 of whom live in the United States. These men and women came to this country seeking refuge from unimaginable horrors. They have enriched our Nation and made us stronger. We have an obligation to provide Holocaust survivors the community support and special services they need to live out their final days, and we must do all we can to ensure their stories are never forgotten. The split screen between Jewish-American accomplishments and somber reflections is even more intense this year as war continues between Hamas and Israel. As an American Jew, I can tell you that there is a level of trepidation and fear that has mushroomed throughout the American-Jewish community since the deadly attacks of October 7 by Hamas. In the wake of this horrific terrorism, anti-Semitic activities have soared, with documented verbal and physical threats against Jews in the United States and around the world. I am pleased to say that, along with the President, majorities in Congress are taking steps and not sitting idly by. Earlier this month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Antisemitism Awareness Act. This bill codifies the U.S. Department of Education's need to consider the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of ``anti-Semitism'' when enforcing Federal anti- discrimination laws. This legislation meets the seriousness of this moment by providing clear guidance to address the full scope of discriminatory, anti-Semitic behavior. As a cosponsor of the Senate companion, I urge my colleagues to stand with the Jewish-American community and vote for this legislation. I am also pleased to join my colleagues in cosponsoring the Countering Antisemitism Act, which is bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would strengthen efforts to combat rising anti-Semitism in the United States, including the establishment of a National Coordinator to Counter Antisemitism, who would oversee the Federal efforts to counter domestic anti-Semitism and lead an interagency task force. It requires analyses and threat assessments from executive Agencies and law enforcement on anti-Semitism and violent extremism. Of great interest to many Marylanders is that the Countering Antisemitism Act also requires the FEMA Administrator to ensure the Agency has sufficient resources and personnel needed to carry out the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which provides critical security equipment and upgrades for many faith-based institutions and facilities across our State. We are building on President Biden's National Strategy to Combat Antisemitism--the first ever--that identifies the problem we face today. It states: Loud voices are normalizing this venom, but we must never allow it to become normal. Antisemitism threatens not only the Jewish community, but all Americans. I would like to take this moment to praise the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and its incredible staff for its efforts to counter misinformation and disinformation. I am proud to be a member of the museum's advisory council. The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum has always put education and countering anti-Semitism at the forefront of its mission and activities. Since October 7, it has ramped up in an unprecedented way and further cemented its role as an indispensable resource as well as a myth-buster in this national and international fight against anti- Semitism and hate. Anti-Semitism did not start with the Hamas attacks. From the White supremacists chanting ``Jews will not replace us'' in Charlottesville, forcing Jews to leave their synagogue through the back door, to the rightwing extremist, armed with an AR-15 rifle and three handguns, who attacked the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, killing 11 Jews and leaving 7 others wounded, this has been a violent scourge that goes back centuries. No matter what your political affiliation, we all must speak out against this hatred and correct the misinformation that breeds it. The sobering reality is that threats against Jews continue to rise--not just in the United States but also around the world. Just since 2015, I have had the honor to serve as the Special Representative on Combatting Anti-Semitism, Racism and Intolerance for the parliamentary assembly of the world's largest regional security organization, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, best known as the OSCE. I have used this role to urge the OSCE's 57 participating states, the United States included, to develop strategies and invest the political will and resources necessary to eradicate hate by developing and sharing best practices, building broad-based interfaith coalitions, educating young people, and countering Holocaust denial and distortions. Just as the obligation to combat anti-Semitism is not just an American endeavor, it is also not just a Jewish endeavor. The responsibility to rid our society of the scourge of anti-Semitism is a shared responsibility. I was proud to be part of the U.S. delegation to the Berlin conference. In Berlin, Germany, in 2004, OSCE's participating states declared that anti-Semitism is a threat not only to Jews everywhere but also to democracy, human rights, and international stability. When societies permit anti-Semitism to thrive, they also allow conspiracies and disinformation and hate in all its forms to thrive. In extreme cases, ignoring anti-Semitism can lead not only to the erosion of public trust in democratic institutions and the media, but it can foster extremism and lead to violence. With the dangerous rise of anti-Semitism in recent months in the United States, Jewish students and faculty have been blocked from attending classes or campus events and have been regularly harassed and attacked on campus. Many are scared to attend classes or walk around. Jewish businesses and synagogues have been vandalized. Students and nonstudents have expressed concern about wearing clothing or jewelry that might be used to identify them as Jewish. Throughout my career in public service, I have stood for the right of individuals everywhere to free speech and peaceful protests--even if I vehemently disagree with what they are saying. But it is another thing to target, threaten, and harass Jewish students or faculty on the basis of their identity. As President Joe Biden said at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum recently, ``Violent attacks, destroying property is not peaceful protest. It's against the law. And we are not a lawless country. We're a civil society. We uphold the rule of law. No one should have to hide or be brave just to be themselves.'' As a Jewish American, I was raised with the understanding that tikkun olam, or repairing the world, was an essential part of every community. Through acts of charity, justice, and kindness, we were encouraged to make things better for those in need. This has been my mission over the years, and it is no hyperbole to say that it is more important today than ever before. The Jewish people have survived the Holocaust. We have overcome terrorist attacks and anti-Semitism before. By holding fast to our values, we as a Jewish community will overcome these difficult times too. So I want to end with a quote from Anne Frank, who was reflecting on the difficult times she was seeing when she wrote: I see the world being slowly transformed into a wilderness, I hear the approaching thunder that, one day, will destroy us too, I feel the suffering of millions. And yet, when I look up at the sky, I somehow feel that everything will change for the better, that this cruelty too will end, that peace and tranquility will return once more. My wish during this Jewish American Heritage Month is that we as Americans, Jews and non-Jews alike, find a way to come together. Only by rejecting anti-Semitism and all forms of hate, racism, and xenophobia will we find a path forward where all people can live together in peace and stability, with an abundance of hope and opportunity. I thank my colleagues. I yield the floor.

Mr. CARDIN

Mr. CARDIN. I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. CARDIN

Mr. CARDIN. Madam President, I rise today to honor Dr. George E. Lewis, for his outstanding service to our Nation and Maryland as he steps down as chair of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal NHP Federal Advisory Commission. Dr. Lewis began his service in 1966, when he was commission as a second lieutenant in the Army. As an Army officer, Dr. Lewis contributed to significant advancements to protect and treat our Nation's warfighters and citizens. He proudly accepted in 1989 the Pentagon responsibilities of both the executive assistant to the Assistant Surgeon General for Medical Research and Development and the Army Surgeon General's liaison to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Research, Development and Acquisition. Dr. Lewis also was the senior medical biological warfare defense expert in the Pentagon during Operations Desert Shield and Storm. In 1991, Dr. Lewis served as a U.S. delegate to the 1991 United Nations Biological Weapons Convention Review Conference. In August 1992, he was assigned as program manager for combat medical systems and assumed command of the U.S. Army Medical Material Development Activity at Fort Detrick. In 1996, he retired after 30 years of military service. Colonel Lewis's record of service and leadership extends well beyond his military service. He has led efforts to preserve historical landmarks, to promote good citizenship, and to support tourism and the arts in Frederick County. He has been a critical partner to the C&O Canal NHP and Maryland's congressional delegation in the success of major initiatives including the restoration of the Catoctin and Conococheague Aqueducts, the reconstruction of the towpath at Big Slackwater, and the completion of a new park headquarters near the canal's midpoint in Williamsport. In recognition of his years of service to our country and Maryland, Dr. Lewis was the recipient of the Department the Army Research and Development Achievement Award, and his personal military decorations include the Legion of Merit, two oakleaf clusters; the Joint Service Commendation Medal; and the Army Commendation Medal, one oakleaf cluster. In conclusion, I extend my gratitude to Dr. George E. Lewis for his outstanding service to his country and community.

Mr. CARDIN

Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I rise today in recognition of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Each year, this month gives us the opportunity to celebrate the diverse group of peoples who make up Asian America. And there is much to celebrate; today, we see Asian Americans in every part of American society, from books and movies, to the highest halls of government. President Biden has appointed AANHPI leaders to key positions in the administration, including Ambassador Katherine Tai, Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su, and White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Arati Prabhakar. At the same time, we recognize the many barriers broken by those who came before, to pave the wide road which we now traverse today. The AANHPI civil rights movement is inextricably tied with the Black civil rights movement that defined the mid-20th century, giving rise not only to well-known African-American activists like Martin Luther King, Jr, John Lewis, and Malcolm X, but also leaders like Grace Lee Boggs, Larry Itliong, and Patsy Mink. For many of us, these latter three names are not as familiar; only now are we as a country beginning to truly recognize the importance of the Asian-American movement, and to teach its history to the next generation. Asian- American activists played a key role in calling out U.S. involvement in colonialist conflicts like the Vietnam war, as well as racist housing and development projects at home. As we have seen time and again, failing to understand our history as a nation puts us at risk of repeating its mistakes. Our context in the 21st century is undoubtedly distinct from the challenges faced by the earliest Asian Americans. Yet hate crimes against the AANHPI community increased 167 percent from 2020 to 2021, in large part because of racist rhetoric echoed by the highest levels of government during the COVID-19 pandemic. Though incidences of anti-Asian hate have decreased overall from 2021 to 2022, racially motivated incidents against Sikh and Muslim Americans have continued to rise. Janelle Wong, a contemporary Asian-American activist and researcher for the nonprofit AAPI Data, said that ``Anti-Asian hate crimes . . . are often tied to national security or other kinds of U.S. foreign policy that heightened attention to Asian Americans in the U.S. We will expect them to go up again at some point, depending on what the national and international context is and the degree to which places in Asia are cast as a threat to the U.S.'' As the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I will be the first to tell you that the Chinese Communist Party poses a significant national security threat to the United States in many arenas. But we as a country must be able to distinguish between China as a geopolitical entity and Chinese Americans and Chinese people with their own unique beliefs, hopes, and dreams. Sinophobia, and all other forms of racism and discrimination, cannot be excused in the name of geopolitical circumstance. As a nation of immigrants, we should know better than to label people as ``un-American'' because they or their families were born someplace else. The Biden administration has taken significant, meaningful steps to address anti-Asian racism over the last 3 years, including signing the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act to make reporting hate crimes easier and hosting the first-ever White House summit against hate-fueled violence, alongside significant actions to address gun violence. The administration also launched the first-ever National Strategy to Advance Equity, Justice, and Opportunity for AANHPI communities, addressing issues like anti-Asian hate and enhancing accessibility to government services in multiple languages. Of particular note to me as a member of the Small Business Committee, Biden has provided over $22 billion in loans to AANHPI entrepreneurs through the Small Business Administration, achieving the highest Asian- American employment and entrepreneurship rates in over a decade. And finally, recognizing the importance of honoring and protecting traditional cultures, the President signed legislation to establish a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture. I am proud to join 400,000 Asian American, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in calling the State of Maryland my home. I recognize that the last few years have been difficult for the AANHPI community, and as a Jewish American, I want to take a moment to grieve with you in the face of what at times can feel like an overwhelming rise in hate and discrimination. But I would urge you to keep pushing toward a fairer, more just future--and I will be right there with you. In this last week of AANHPI Heritage Month, I invite my colleagues to join me in celebrating the triumphs of this community in the face of great adversity and to continue our work to lift up and address their unique needs to ensure that we all can thrive.

Mr. CARDIN

Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. CARDIN

Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.