Mike Crapo

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. I thank very much the Senator from Georgia. I next ask Senator Corker if he would like to weigh in and let us know his thoughts on this.

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I thank the Senator from Kansas, Mr. Moran, for his kind comments and especially for so clearly explaining the true beneficiaries of this legislation. There is a lot of talk about financial institutions and even small banks and credit unions, but the real beneficiaries are the borrowers. They are the small businesses and the individuals who live in small and rural communities across this country and, frankly, even in some of our larger communities across this country. I thank you for explaining that so well. The first words in the name of this bill are the ``Economic Growth,'' then ``Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Bill.'' I would like to turn to Senator Donnelly from Indiana--another one of the giants in terms of sticking to it and helping us get this important legislation drafted and moved to the floor.

Mr. CRAPO. I thank Senator Corker. I appreciate that. Next, I would like to turn to my colleague from the other side of the aisle--another colleague from the other side of the aisle, just showing the bipartisanship we have here on this bill--Senator Tester from Montana.

Mr. CRAPO. Before the Senator yields to the Senator from Georgia, may I make one comment?

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I thank my colleague from Montana, Senator Tester. Earlier in my remarks, I said that this bill had been years in the making, and Senator Tester is one of those who have been involved the entire time, helping us to get here, as are Senator Donnelly from Indiana and Senator Warner, who is here--he had to step out for just a second--and Senator Heitkamp, who was here earlier. I now want to turn to one of our colleagues on the Republican side, Senator Moran from Kansas, who also is one of those who have been with us for years, working to make sure we get this critically needed legislation to the floor. Senator Moran.

Mr. CRAPO. I will take the Senator up on that. I yield to the Senator from Georgia.

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I thank Senator Warner, my good friend and colleague from Virginia. I see that Senator Sanders from Vermont is here and the time has arrived for his time on the floor. I will just conclude by saying that I agree with Senator Warner. We both support strong capital standards for our banks. I have a pretty solid, long speech on that that I was going to give if there was time. I will give it later. I agree with Senator Warner that one thing we need to make clear is that the foreign banks with $250 billion in global consolidated assets will continue and still be subject to enhanced standards. Our bill does nothing to change that.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the Uni- Capitol Washington Internship Programme, UCWIP. Our Nation has benefited from the service of outstanding Australian college students who participate in internships throughout the U.S. Congress through this program. The program provides students with the opportunity to obtain considerable experience through their congressional internships, while also making available other educational experiences throughout their time in the U.S. Uni-Capitol Washington Programme interns have helped me serve Idaho constituents, and I am grateful for their efforts and dedication. Caitlin ``Katie'' Brand, a UCWIP participant, joined my staff as an intern this semester. Katie is studying a double bachelor of commerce, accounting, and law with a diploma of languages, Mandarin, at Monash University. Upon completion of her degree, Katie intends to pursue a career in either the international relations, finance, or banking fields. Katie has been a pleasure to have on my staff and quickly adapted to her role and responsibilities in the office. Her eager and intelligent demeanor have allowed Katie to put forth her best work in helping to advance crucial work for Idahoans. I commend the level of professionalism Katie exhibits in every office interaction. She has shared with us some of the political and cultural differences between the U.S. and Australia, and it has been a great learning experience for both Katie and the staff. ``Being part of the UCWIP program and working in Senator Mike Crapo's office was an invaluable experience,'' Katie has said about her experiences in Washington. ``The opportunity has afforded me unparalleled insight into the world's foremost legislative body and enriched my professional development, including opportunities beyond what I imagined, such as attending the State of the Union as the Senator's guest. I want to wholeheartedly thank Senator Crapo and the staff in Senator Crapo's office who have made my internship so enjoyable and educational.'' Eric Federing, UCWIP's director and founder, has successfully focused his Capitol Hill and Australia experiences to provide this valuable educational exchange opportunity that benefits Australian students and congressional offices. His dedication to advancing this learning experience is remarkable. I have been honored to have worked with the Uni-Capitol Washington Internship Programme for several years. The program is shaping young leaders who are helping to deepen understanding between our two nations while providing outstanding constituent support. I commend Katie Brand, Eric Federing, and the other Uni-Capitol Washington Internship Programme participants and interns for their achievements and wish them continued success.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I have 11 requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders. Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: Committee on Armed Services The Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, March 1, 2018, at 9:30 a.m., to conduct a hearing on the following nominations: Lieutenant General Paul M. Nakasone, USA, to be general and Director, National Security Agency/ Chief, Central Security Service/Commander, United States Cyber Command, Department of Defense, and Brent K. Park, of Tennessee, to be Deputy Administrator for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation, National Nuclear Security Administration, and Anne Marie White, of Michigan, to be an Assistant Secretary (Environmental Management), both of the Department of Energy. Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs The Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, March 1, 2018, at 10 a.m., to conduct a hearing entitled ``The Semiannual monetary policy report to the Congress.'' Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, March 1, 2018, at 10:15 a.m., to conduct a hearing entitled ``Implementation of Positive Train Control.'' Committee on Energy and Natural Resources The Committee on Energy and Natural Resources is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, March 1, 2018, at 10 a.m., to conduct a hearing. Committee on Environment and Public Works The Committee on Environment and Public Works is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, March 1, 2018, at 10 a.m., to conduct a hearing entitled ``The Administration's Framework for Rebuilding Infrastructure in America.'' Committee on Foreign Relations The Committee on Foreign Relations is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, March 1, 2018, at 10 a.m., to conduct a hearing on the following nominations: Robert Frank Pence, of Virginia, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Finland, and Trevor D. Traina, of California, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Austria, both of the Department of State, and Judy Lynn Shelton, of Virginia, to be United States Director of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions The Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, March 1, 2018, at 10 a.m., to conduct a hearing on the following nomination: John F. Ring, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the National Labor Relations Board. Committee on the Judiciary The Committee on the Judiciary is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, March 1, 2018, at 10 a.m., to conduct a hearing on the following nominations: Joel M. Carson III, of New Mexico, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Tenth Circuit, Colm F. Connolly, and Maryellen Noreika, both to be a United States District Judge for the District of Delaware, William F. Jung, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Florida, Ryan T. Holte, of Ohio, to be a Judge of the United States Court of Federal Claims, Jonathan F. Mitchell, of Washington, to be Chairman of the Administrative Conference of the United States, and Billy J. Williams, to be United States Attorney for the District of Oregon, Mark S. James, to be United States Marshal for the Western District of Missouri, Daniel C. Mosteller, to be United States Marshal for the District of South Dakota, and Jesse Seroyer, Jr., to be United States Marshal for the Middle District of Alabama, all of the Department of Justice. Select Committee on Intelligence The Select Committee on Intelligence is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, March 1, 2018, at 2 p.m., to conduct a closed business meeting followed by a closed briefing. Select Committee on Intelligence The Committee on Environment and Public Works is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, March 1, 2018, at 2 p.m., to conduct a closed briefing. Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management The Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management of the Committee Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, March 1, 2018 at 10 a.m. to conduct a hearing entitled ``Examining Federal Managers' Roles in Hiring.''

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the remaining votes in this series be 10 minutes in length.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, today I wish to say a few words about Janet Yellen, an outstanding public servant, who recently completed her term as Chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and stepped down from the Board. At different times, over 42 years, she served the Fed as staff economist, member of the Board, president of the San Francisco Fed, Vice Chair, and then Chair. Under her leadership, the Fed began the process of normalizing monetary policy by winding down its balance sheet and raising interest rates after years at the zero lower bound. Twice yearly, Ms. Yellen reported to the Banking Committee on monetary policy, conscientiously answering questions from members and was helpful in enlisting Federal Reserve staff to respond to inquiries from committee members and staff. I have appreciated her willingness to engage constructively with me and members of the committee as we have worked on legislation to tailor regulations and promote a healthy economy. Over the years, I found Ms. Yellen to be serious, engaging, and generous with her time, a sentiment that is widely shared in this body. I thank her for her service.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, my colleague Senator Jim Risch joins me today in honoring the extraordinary life of Sheila Ann Olsen, of Idaho Falls, ID, a dear friend and leader. Sheila cared deeply for others as was clear from her community involvement. She devoted countless hours to assisting fellow Idahoans and bettering our communities. Some of the organizations and efforts she led and served in include the Idaho Commission on Human Rights, the Development Workshop Foundation, the Mayor's Committee on Race Relations, the Mayor's Cultural Awareness and Human Relations Committee, the Idaho Falls ADA Accessibility Commission, the ``Unity in the Community'' Prayer-a-Thon, the Governor's Workforce Development Council, Brigham Young University Alumni Board member, Idaho Department of Labor Employment Security Advisory Council, and the Electoral College. She was a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a leader in the local and State Republican Party. Sheila is broadly admired for her giving spirit, and many credit Sheila with her help in advancing them on their career paths. While she was deeply principled and committed to her religious faith, she worked extensively with and greatly valued working with others of differing faiths and backgrounds. She sought common ground and held high regard for bridging faiths, races, and backgrounds. We echo the descriptions of Sheila esteemed by her family and many friends: joyful, positive, engaged, compassionate, kind, fair, good, patriotic, and well-respected. Her attributes and hard work have received many recognitions including ``National MS Mother of the Year'' by President George H.W. Bush, Brigham Young University's ``Service to Family Award,'' ``Exemplary Citizen'' by the Rotary Club, and many more. Sheila Olsen will be remembered as someone who set an enduring example of service to others. She was a mother of 10 children and a wife to the late Dennis Olsen. She was a grandmother to 39 grandchildren and great-grandmother to 23 great-grandchildren. She overcame the complications of multiple sclerosis to give extensively. Her legacy of devotion to her family, her religion, and serving will carry on in the many lives positively influenced by this great leader. We express our deep condolences to her family and friends and thank Sheila for her friendship and lasting service.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, my colleague Senator Jim Risch joins me today in honoring LTC Albert J. Gomez on his outstanding career as he retires from serving as the West Point field force State coordinator. Lieutenant Colonel Gomez--Al--has set a standard of excellence in Idaho leaving a lasting, positive impression in the lives of many. For nearly 20 years, he has been an invaluable asset to our offices. In 2000, the Idaho congressional delegation began to hold annual service academy days. Service academy days are an opportunity to provide information to Idaho's best and brightest young men and women who are interested in attending our Nation's service academies. Al has been instrumental in setting up service academy days from the beginning while juggling deployment and other commitments. He has assisted numerous Idaho students with obtaining an exceptional educational and service opportunities available at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He is responsible for incorporating the principle method into the delegation's nomination process, which has made a significant difference in the number of Idaho appointees to West Point. In fact, he is considered the ``secret weapon'' in our delegation responsible for the high success rate of Idaho students receiving appointments to West Point. For Lieutenant Colonel Gomez, his remarkable work has always been about his love for West Point and our country. He is known for his extraordinary mentorship of youth, and candidates are frequently told to listen to Al if they want to be successful. As a West Point alumni, Al has clear insight into what it takes to succeed at a service academy and what it means to serve our Nation. He earned his regular Army commission in 1979 and started his career in 1980 as a lance missile platoon leader serving in Germany. His assignments took him and his family to Fort Sill, OK, and Neckarsulm, Germany, which included command of a Pershing II missile nuclear capable firing battery. He served in deployments in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He was selected to represent the U.S. Army and provide testimony to the Presidential Commission on the Assignment of Women in the Armed Forces in November 1992. Al continued his military education with a 1994 graduation from the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, KS. He served as a State Inspector General for both the Idaho and Guam National Guard for nearly a decade before his retirement from the U.S. Army in 2006. As a civilian, he worked for the Idaho National Guard as a special security officer for the Supervisor Human Resource Office before his current position, as the State equal employment manager. His strong work ethic and dedication have not only given him a reputation among the delegation of being a go-to-guy when something needs to be done right and quickly, but also have contributed to him being recognized with many honors for his service to our country. These include the Legion of Merit; Bronze Star Medal; Meritorious Service Medal, 4th Award; Army Commendation Medal, 3rd Award; Army Achievement Medal; National Defense Service Medal, 2nd Award; and many other recognitions. Lieutenant Colonel Gomez has set an honorable example in how he cares for Idaho service academy candidates and how he has served our Nation. He has created a strong team of West Point liaison officers who will continue his mission of providing Idaho students a chance to obtain a world-class education. We congratulate LTC Albert Gomez on his exemplary career. Your leadership and friendship will be greatly missed. Thank you for setting such a high standard of outstanding service to our Nation and Idahoans.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I, too, rise in support of the nomination of the Honorable Jerome, or ``Jay,'' Powell to be the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. I appreciate this opportunity to immediately follow my colleague Senator Brown, as he and I serve together in leading the Banking Committee on critical issues like this. Senator Brown has very well described a number of the critical aspects of what this nomination means to America. I don't think there is any overstating the importance of this nomination--one of the very few most important nominations any President gets to make. The Federal Reserve Chairman plays a critical role in shaping the U.S. and global economic landscape as well as the regulations affecting financial institutions and markets. If confirmed to this position, Governor Powell would be central to ensuring a safe and sound financial system while also supporting a vibrant, growing economy. He will play a key role in right-sizing Federal regulations and alleviating unnecessary burdens, a stated goal of the Federal Reserve. He would also Chair the Federal Open Market Committee, the body charged with making key decisions for the Nation's monetary policy. Governor Powell has a unique background, which will help him lead the Federal Reserve. He has demonstrated his understanding of the markets and regulations during his tenure over the past 5 years at the Federal Reserve. Most recently, he has served as Chairman of the Fed's Committee on Supervision and Regulation, a highly important and impactful position. Governor Powell previously served as Assistant Secretary and Under Secretary of the Treasury under President George H.W. Bush, where he was responsible for policy affecting financial institutions, the Treasury market, and other critical areas of our economy. He also has firsthand experience in investment banking and was a partner in the Carlyle Group before being appointed to the Board of Governors. Governor Powell was reported out of the Banking Committee with overwhelming bipartisan support last year and was recently approved again this year with near-unanimous support. If confirmed to this new role, I look forward to continuing our work together with Governor Powell on a host of important issues before the Banking Committee. I support this nomination today and urge all of my colleagues to do the same. Thank you.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Madam President, today I wish to honor a longtime and vital member of my staff, John E. Hoehne, Jr., for serving the people of Idaho and our Nation for 25 years, both as my chief of staff during my service in the U.S. House of Representatives and as my chief of staff during my service in the U.S. Senate. John has been with me since before the beginning of my congressional service, leading my first congressional campaign. He officially became my chief of staff when I was sworn into office in the U.S. House of Representatives in January of 1993. His encouragement, wise counsel, and friendship have been invaluable in decisionmaking and advancing policy and legislative objectives. I cannot thank him enough for his dedication and ongoing assistance. John has contributed greatly to all aspects of my work, and he has helped advance countless legislative and policy efforts of importance for Idaho. He is instrumental in his work on first protecting Idaho's water sovereignty and economy while trying to find a consensus solution to anadromous fish recovery. He works to preserve Idaho's natural resources and quality of life. His passion for collaborative problem- solving in addressing natural resources challenges has helped give collaborative efforts every opportunity to succeed. John has been a driving force in bringing stakeholders with often diverging viewpoints to the table to build common ground and has helped provide room for stakeholders to talk and resolve concerns rather than resort to litigation. His involvement was essential in the enactment and implementation of the Owyhee Initiative and has been of great assistance with other collaborative efforts, such as the Clearwater Basin Collaborative. John has also been at the forefront of helping Idahoans who have had challenges with Federal agencies. Earlier in his tenure, he helped get reason to prevail to the benefit of an Idaho community in a dispute with a Federal agency over how to best address mining cleanup. He was also heavily involved in addressing problems a timber company in southeast Idaho was having with another Federal agency. John intervened on the company's behalf and helped resolve the issues. These are just a few of the many achievements John has assisted with for Idahoans. Every step of the way, John has been there with reasoned counsel and a great sense of the bigger picture. I serve the people of Idaho in Washington, DC, and I believe in strong ties to the State. Although it seems to be a less common arrangement to have a chief of staff based in the State, I have been fortunate to have a principal member of my staff based in Boise fulltime and centrally involved in Idaho issues. His deep knowledge, understanding of Idaho, and ability to effectively represent me have been beneficial. John is well respected in all corners of our great State. In an era and political environment where turnover is common, John's 25 years of committed service is a testament to his deep dedication to Idahoans. Thank you, John, for your extraordinary counsel and friendship all these years.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Madam President, today I wish to honor Susan Hawkes Wheeler, chief of staff for my Washington, DC, office, for her 25 years of congressional service. Susan's trusted, dedicated, and perceptive counsel have been of great value throughout my congressional service. Susan is a native of Idaho and has always had the Gem State's interests in the forefront of her mind. I am fortunate that she chose to serve Idaho through my office. I first met Susan when she worked as a television reporter and news manager in Boise and Idaho Falls. She covered me when I first ran for public office. Later, after a job interview on a twin-engine plane flying between Boise and Twin Falls, I hired her to help me get elected to Congress. Her sharp wit and directness was and is refreshing and effective. After my election to the U.S. House of Representatives, Susan joined my congressional staff as press secretary and moved from Idaho to Washington, DC. This was back at a time when faxes still came on thermal curly paper and speed dials were limited to 10 numbers per machine. Radio actualities were done by actually splicing audiotape and calling each radio station separately to play the soundbite for them over the phone line, which was a landline. As technologies advanced, she met those changes with imaginative approaches and implemented innovative ways to improve communications and outreach with Idahoans. Her responsibilities also increased in my office. Susan served as my acting administrative assistant during my last year in the House. Then, in the Senate, she served as my communications director until June 2011, when she earned the job of chief of staff-DC. She proved herself someone who can always be counted on for a straightforward and reasoned approach, no matter the situation or the audience. She helped make the office more effective and has been integral to improving the way our office communicates with Idahoans. She improved the quality of the communication in my office, both externally and within the office. Her extensive work making the website a better resource for Idahoans has also resulted in it being recognized through multiple awards. Another of her achievements is the focus she has given to establishing office procedures and working with Senate administrative offices to fine-tune policies that enable smooth office operations. She also serves as a great example of leadership, communicating well with staff, and empowering them to share insight. While helping me become more effective, Susan has also taken the time to mentor countless staff and help young people start their careers. From day one, no matter the job title, Susan has always been a senior counselor with trusted insight given her deep familiarity with Idaho, experience, and sound judgement. Thank you, Susan, for dedicating so much of your time and talent to serving the people of Idaho in Congress and for your strong support and steady friendship.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I rise in support of Paul Compton to serve as HUD's next general counsel. Mr. Compton has dedicated his entire legal career to affordable housing and community development and for many years has headed the affordable housing practice of a prominent Alabama law firm. Over his distinguished career, Mr. Compton has played a direct role in over 70 transactions that have led to the creation of more than 5,000 units of affordable housing throughout the Southeastern United States. Among peers, he has come to be recognized as an industry-leading expert on the low-income housing tax credit, the new markets tax credit, public- private partnerships, and the regulatory environment surrounding housing production. Mr. Compton's extensive track record, his experience, and his intimate familiarity with HUD programs make him an ideal fit to join the leadership team at HUD. As general counsel, Mr. Compton will not only serve as the principal legal adviser to Secretary Carson, but he will have a hand in nearly every departmental initiative. Once confirmed, I look forward to working with Mr. Compton to find solutions to our Nation's housing challenges, to eliminate barriers to safe and affordable housing, and to reform our housing finance system. This confirmation vote is long overdue and is sorely needed. Following the storms that ravaged through Houston, Florida, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and elsewhere, HUD has been deployed on the frontlines, alongside FEMA and other agencies, and has worked to provide emergency and transitional housing to the thousands of families who have been displaced. This work is far from over, and I urge this body to confirm Mr. Compton today, as well as to confirm the various other HUD nominees who are awaiting votes so that they can get to work for the American people. Thank you.

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to speak on behalf of Mr. Compton and to conclude my remarks before the vote.

Mr. CRAPO

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

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that Jessika Solleder, Truman Whitney, and Aaron Price, interns in my office, be granted floor privileges for the date of Tuesday, December 12, 2017.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I have a request for one committee to meet during today's session of the Senate. It has the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders. Pursuant to Rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committee is authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry The Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Monday, December 11, 2017, at 5:45 p.m. to conduct a business hearing.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, today I wish to honor PO2 Terence Parsons of Genesee, ID, whom the United Service Organization, USO has recognized as the USO's Sailor of the Year for 2017. Terence Parsons took action to assist two motorists involved in car accidents and marines involved in a mass casualty situation. The USO explained, ``Displaying unselfish devotion and great heroism, Terence Parsons, a Navy corpsman, put himself in harm's way to assist members of the community. While off duty on two separate occasions, he witnessed car accidents that caused potentially life-threatening injuries to the victims involved. With little thought of his own safety, Parsons responded by providing lifesaving treatment.'' The USO further commended Terence Parsons for his response to a mass casualty event of 18 marines suffering multiple injuries sustained during U.S.S. Oak Hill U.S.S. Kearsarge amphibious warfare qualifications. Terence Parsons' quick action was pivotal in preventing further injury and saved numerous lives. Terence joined the U.S. Navy in 2011 and credits the values, including a respect for hard work and teamwork, he obtained growing up in Genesee and the support of his family, command and friends with enabling his military success. Terence Parsons has also received many other recognitions for his distinguished service. These honors include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Congratulations, PO2 Terrence Parsons, on receiving this recognition, and thank you for your exceptional service on behalf of our Nation. You and the outstanding servicemembers you serve alongside are true assets to our communities, State, and Nation. I commend you on your achievements and wish you continued success.

Mr. CRAPO

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

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I rise to speak in support of the nomination of Mr. Joseph Otting to be Comptroller of the Currency. The OCC's mission is to ensure that the financial institutions it oversees operate in a safe and sound manner, provide fair access to financial services, treat customers fairly, and comply with the applicable laws and regulations. The OCC is responsible for overseeing the supervision of all national banks and Federal savings associations as well as Federal branches and agencies of foreign banks. The OCC also plays an important role in identifying and responding to emerging threats in our financial system. Mr. Otting is exceptionally qualified to lead the OCC as its comptroller. His unique expertise and understanding of the banking sector has been shaped by over three decades of firsthand industry experience. Mr. Otting has held positions at large regional and community financial institutions, including key leadership positions. In fact, he has touched virtually every segment of the industry, working in consumer services, business services, human resources, compliance, audit, and many others. His understanding of how banks work and knowledge of the laws and regulations governing the financial sector was evident throughout his nomination hearings. I was also encouraged by Mr. Otting's statements about the importance of ensuring that all Americans have access to banking products and services. Mr. Otting also reaffirmed his commitment to honor the OCC's mission and cooperating with the work of Congress. I am confident Mr. Otting will bring strong leadership to the OCC, given his extensive experience in the financial industry. I urge my colleagues to support Mr. Otting's nomination today and vote for his confirmation in the future. Thank you. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I have 6 requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders. Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry The Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, November 16, 2017, at 12 p.m., in SR-216 to conduct a hearing. Committee on Armed Services The Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, November 16, 2017, at 10 a.m. to conduct a hearing on the following nominations: John C. Rood, of Arizona, to be Under Secretary for Policy, and Randall G. Schriver, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary, both of the Department of Defense. Committee on Finance The Committee on Finance is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, November 16, 2017, at 10 a.m., in SH-216 to conduct a hearing on the bill entitled ``Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.'' Committee on the Judiciary The Committee on the Judiciary is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, November 16, 2017, at 10 a.m., in SD-226 to conduct a hearing on S. 2070 and the following nominations: Leonard Steven Grasz, of Nebraska, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eighth Circuit, Terry A. Doughty, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Louisiana, Terry Fitzgerald Moorer, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Alabama, Mark Saalfield Norris, Sr., to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Tennessee, and Scott W. Brady, to be United States Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania, and Andrew E. Lelling, to be United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts for the term of four years, both of the Department of Justice. Select Committee on Intelligence The Select Committee on Intelligence is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, November 16, 2017, at 2 p.m., in SH- 219 to conduct a closed hearing. Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard The Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, November 16, 2017, at 10 a.m., in SR-253 to conduct closed hearing entitled ``Coast Guard Readiness: How Far Can We Stretch Our Nation's Only Multi-Mission, Military.''