Tom Cotton

Mr. COTTON

Mr. COTTON. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate be in a period of morning business, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Mr. COTTON

Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, in honor of the National Park Service's 100th birthday year, I want to recognize Fort Smith National Historic Site in Fort Smith, AR. Situated along the Arkansas River, Fort Smith was officially recognized as a historic site in 1961 to preserve two frontier forts from the 19th century, as well as the courtroom of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas. These sites are a wonderful representation of the history of the Arkansas River Valley. The first fort was first established to resolve disputes between the Osage and Cherokee in 1817. But as frontier settlement continued further west, the fort was eventually abandoned in 1824. The remnants of its foundation were later uncovered by archeologists and are visible on site today. The second fort was built in 1838, just 2 years after Arkansas officially became a State. It served a variety of functions for over three decades. Two of the fort's original buildings are still intact today and are open for tours. Visitors to Fort Smith can make a stop in the fort's original commissary building and experience firsthand what it was like when it functioned as supply warehouse for provisions waiting to be sent to troops out west. Fort Smith is also home to the jail and courtroom where the infamous Judge Isaac Parker--also called the hanging judge for the number of death sentences he handed down--presided for two decades in the late 19th century. Although jurisdiction of this particular court has since shifted, at the time, Judge Parker and the court wielded vast influence over an expansive area. The Fort Smith National Historic Site is just another example of Arkansas' rich American history. I encourage Arkansans and all Americans to stop by and learn about some of the prominent figures and characters in 19th century Arkansas--including U.S. marshals, outlaws, and judges. In honor of the National Park Service's 100th year, I encourage you to find your park.

Mr. COTTON

Mr. COTTON. Madam President, I want to recognize today David McBee of Gassville, AK, as this week's Arkansan of the Week for his charitable contributions to his North Arkansas community. By day, David is the regional manager at Arvest Bank's Yellville branch, but he spends much of his free time after work and on the weekends volunteering for several causes in the area. Last year, David's leadership helped his Arvest branch become the top fundraiser in the State for the Cotter Backpack Program, a local charity that provides backpacks of food to schoolchildren in need. His efforts led to Cotter schools receiving the Spirit of Arkansas Award 2 years in a row. David also spends countless hours organizing the annual Cotter Warrior 5K Color Run each fall. Earlier this year, David planned a community Feed the Pack Day, where volunteers collected change at intersections and various other sites around the Mountain Home and Gassville area and donated the proceeds to fight hunger in the region. On the weekends, you can find David at the football field, where he is one of the voices of the Arkansas Tornados, a local semiprofessional football team. I think Cotter High principal Amanda Britt said it best when she wrote in her nomination of David, ``He is always willing to step in and help for anything we need.'' David's tireless dedication to his community is Arkansas at its very best, and I am proud to recognize his many contributions in this small way. David, on behalf of all Arkansans, thank you for all you do to make our home State a better place. I yield the floor.

Mr. COTTON

Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, it is an honor to serve in the Senate. It is an honor to serve the people of Arkansas. I would never complain about the tasks we are given. There is one small burden I bear, though. As a junior Senator, I preside over the Senate--I usually do it in the mornings--which means I am forced to listen to the bitter, vulgar, incoherent ramblings of the minority leader. Normally, like every other American, I ignore them. I can't ignore them today, however. The minority leader came to the floor, grinding the Senate to a halt all week long, saying that we haven't had time to read this Defense bill; that it was written in the dead of night. We just had a vote that passed 98 to 0. It could have passed unanimously 2 days ago. Let's examine these claims that we haven't had time to read it--98 to 0--and in committee, all the Democrats on the Armed Services Committee voted in favor of it. When was the last time the minority leader read a bill? It was probably an electricity bill. What about the claims that it was written in the dark of night? It has been public for weeks. And this, coming from a man who drafted ObamaCare in his office and rammed it through this Senate at midnight on Christmas Eve on a straight party-line vote? To say that the Senator from Arizona wrote this in the dead of night, slipped in all kinds of provisions, that people don't have time to read it, that is an outrageous slander. And to say he cares for the troops, how about this troop and his son and his father and his grandfather--four generations of service, to include almost 6 years of rotting in a prisoner of war camp. To say he is delaying this because he cares for the troops, a man who never served himself, a man who, in April of 2007, came to this very floor, before the surge had even reached its peak, and said the war was lost when over 100 Americans were being killed in Iraq every month, when I was carrying their dead bodies off an airplane at Dover Air Force Base--it is an outrage to say we had to delay this because he cares for the troops. We are delaying it for one reason and one reason only: to protect his own sad, sorry legacy. He now complains in the mornings that the Senate is not in session enough, that our calendar is too short. Whatever you think about that, the happy byproduct of fewer days in session in the Senate is that this institution will be cursed less with his cancerous leadership. I yield the floor.

Mr. COTTON

Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, I would like to honor all Arkansas law enforcement officers as this week's Arkansans of the Week. This week marks the 54th National Police Week. On Sunday, we marked National Peace Officers Memorial Day, a day set aside by President Kennedy in 1962 to honor those law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. Arkansas has over 7,000 law enforcement officers who protect our State every day. These men and women willingly put themselves in harm's way to ensure the safety of our residents, and maintain order in our State. National Police Week is also a time to remember and honor the nearly 300 Arkansans who have lost their lives in the line of duty as law enforcement officers. Their service and sacrifice is not forgotten, and Arkansas is safer because of their service. There are many different types of law enforcement officers, but each plays an important and distinct role in our safety. There are officers, such as Chris Bunch of the Paragould Police Department, who protect Arkansas' students as a school resource officer, officers such as Jeff Prescott and Sergeant Greg Herron, who are retiring from the Rison Police Department after 30 and 20 years of service, respectively, and Corporal Kristi Bennett of the Texarkana Police Department, who serves as the public information and education officer. Kristi recently received the Silent Wilbur Award, which is given to an officer who shows leadership and works to motivate and move their community forward. These are just a few of the long list of Arkansas law enforcement officers who serve our State, but there are many more where those names come from. I know I join all Arkansans in extending our sincere thanks and appreciation to all Arkansas law enforcement officers, not only this week but every week. I yield the floor.

Mr. COTTON

Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, I regret that the Senators failed to invoke cloture on my amendment, but I am gratified that a large bipartisan majority of the Senate agrees that we should not use U.S. taxpayer dollars to subsidize Iran's nuclear program over and above the obligations of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Now that cloture has not been invoked, my amendment is still pending, and I understand that Democrats denied cloture on the bill three times because my amendment is able to be called up after cloture on the bill. I want this bill to move forward, I want it to pass in an expeditious fashion, and therefore I intend later today to withdraw my amendment so it cannot be called up postcloture on the bill, leaving Democrats no reason not to agree to cloture on the bill and agree to final passage of the bill. Finally, I want to thank the Senator from Tennessee as well as the Senator from Kentucky, the majority leader, for working with me to make sure we have the Senate on record on this important issue. I regret that it took multiple days to get to a point we could have reached very early on, as I had agreed to a 60-vote threshold 2 weeks ago, but I do think it is important that the Senate has spoken on this most critical issue. I yield the floor.

Mr. COTTON

Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on May 10, 2016, at 9:30 a.m., in room SD-226 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building, to conduct a hearing entitled ``Oversight and Reauthorization of the FISA Amendments Act: The Balance between National Security, Privacy and Civil Liberties.''

Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Foreign Relations be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on May 10, 2016, at 10 a.m., to conduct a hearing entitled ``Terrorism and Instability in Sub-Saharan Africa.''

Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Finance be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on May 10, 2016, at 2 p.m., in room SD-215 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building, to conduct a hearing entitled ``Can Evidence Based Practices Improve Outcomes for Vulnerable Individuals and Families?''

Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on May 10, 2016, at 10 a.m., in room SR-253 of the Russell Senate Office Building.

Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on May 10, 2016, at 10 a.m., in room SD-430 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building, to conduct a hearing entitled ``Understanding Dyslexia: The Intersection of Scientific Research & Education.''

Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Select Committee on Intelligence be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on May 10, 2016, at 2:30 p.m., in room SH-219 of the Hart Senate Office Building.

Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities of the Committee on Armed Services be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on May 10, 2016, at 3:30 p.m.

Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Subcommittee on Personnel of the Committee on Armed Services be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on May 10, 2016, at 11 a.m.

Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support of the Committee on Armed Services be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on May 10, 2016, at 2 p.m.

Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Subcommittee on Seapower of the Committee on Armed Services be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on May 10, 2016, at 9:30 a.m.

Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces of the Committee on Armed Services be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on May 10, 2016, at 5:30 p.m.

Mr. COTTON

Mr. COTTON. Madam President, today I would like to honor Mary Lorraine Wood Borman, of Fayetteville, AR, as this week's Arkansan of the Week for her commitment to the National Down Syndrome Society as a self-advocate ambassador for the great State of Arkansas. Her advocacy to improve the quality of life for those living with Down syndrome is noteworthy, and she is a joy and inspiration to many across the State. Outside her work as an activist, Mary is an involved and multitalented junior at Fayetteville High School in Fayetteville, AR. Not only does she excel academically--as indicated by her track record as an honor roll student--but she is also a gifted athlete and has won awards in swimming events at the Arkansas State Special Olympics for 3 years. Mary is also a talented dancer and actress, specializing in hip- hop, jazz, and the waltz. I recently had the pleasure of meeting with Mary when she visited my Washington, DC, office while in town for the Buddy Walk, hosted each year by the National Down Syndrome Society. Because of Mary's advocacy and compelling reasoning, I cosponsored the ABLE to Work Act of 2016 shortly after our meeting. This bill will help persons with disabilities save additional amounts in their ABLE accounts. Mary has big dreams, and I am confident she will achieve them. I look forward to keeping track of her many accomplishments in the future. Arkansas is lucky to have someone like Mary Borman fighting to make our State a better place, and I applaud her for her work. Her story is a testimony of our spirit as Arkansans, and I am certain it will inspire others to take action on causes they believe in. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. COTTON

Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that all time in quorum calls until 12 noon be evenly divided between the two parties.

Mr. COTTON. I ask unanimous consent to speak for up to 2 minutes.

Mr. COTTON. Madam President, as the Senator from Tennessee has said, the administration announced that they were purchasing heavy water from Iran on Friday night. On the first legislative day back on Monday, I proposed an amendment which is germane to the bill and thereby entitled to a simple majority threshold vote. I have offered to give a voice vote to the Democrats so they don't have a record vote. I have offered to put it at a 60-vote threshold because there are 60 Senators who do not believe that the U.S. taxpayers should be subsidizing Iran's heavy water industry. This morning, as Senator Alexander said, I offered to revise my amendment, yet here we are. The Democrats are going to vote no on cloture, objecting to an amendment that is not pending and is not included in this legislation. I, too, do not want to see the appropriations process end. I want to pass this bill. I want to move on to the next appropriations bill, and I am committed to continue working in good faith with the Senator from Tennessee and the Senator from California to try to reach some solution, whether on this bill or any other, that we can move forward on in an orderly fashion and pass all of our appropriations bills, as well as ensure that the U.S. taxpayer is not subsidizing a critical component of Iran's nuclear industry, which, I may add, we are not required to do under the nuclear agreement with Iran. I yield the floor.

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

Mr. COTTON. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. COTTON

Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, in honor of the National Park Service's 100th birthday year, I want to recognize the Buffalo National River, America's first national river. The Buffalo, nestled in within the picturesque Ozark Mountains, runs across four Arkansas counties and remains one of the few undammed rivers in the entire United States. It spans 135 miles and boasts many outdoor trails along which visitors experience beautiful bluffs, adventurous rapids, and have the opportunity to take part in a whole host of outdoor recreational activities. Undoubtedly, visitors to the Buffalo National River leave with an understanding of why Arkansas is proudly billed as ``the Natural State.'' This year the Buffalo National River has planned several celebratory events to commemorate the National Park Service's 100th birthday. These include the Centennial Iron Ranger Challenge 2016, which is taking place in all Arkansas national parks this year. The challenge seeks to encourage good health and fitness by asking people to take up a physical activity of their choice and complete 100 miles of that activity in any of Arkansas' National Parks. If you need a place to begin your centennial year challenge, I highly recommend the Buffalo National River. In the spirit of the National Park Service's centennial motto, ``Find Your Park,'' I encourage everyone to find the Buffalo National River and enjoy the outdoor adventures and relaxation that awaits in the Natural State.

Mr. COTTON

Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, I would like to honor Mary Lorraine Wood Borman of Fayetteville, AR, as this week's Arkansan of the Week for her commitment to the National Down Syndrome Society as a self- advocate ambassador for the great State of Arkansas. Her advocacy to improve the quality of life for those living with down syndrome is noteworthy, and she is a joy and inspiration to many across the state. Outside of her work as an activist, Mary is an involved and multitalented junior at Fayetteville High School in Fayetteville, AR. Not only does she excel academically--as indicated by her track record as an honor roll student--but she is also a gifted athlete and has won awards in swimming events at the Arkansas State Special Olympic Games for 3 years. Mary is also a talented dancer and actress, specializing in hip-hop, jazz, and the waltz. I recently had the pleasure of meeting Mary when she visited my Washington, DC, office while in town for the Buddy Walk hosted each year by the National Down Syndrome Society. Because of Mary's advocacy and compelling reasoning, I cosponsored the ABLE to Work Act of 2016 shortly after our meeting. This bill will help persons with disabilities save additional amounts in their ABLE accounts. Mary has big dreams, and I am confident she will achieve them. I look forward to keeping track of her many accomplishments. Arkansas is lucky to have someone like Mary Borman fighting to make our State a better place, and I applaud her for her work. Her story is a testimony of the spirit of Arkansans, and I am certain it will inspire others to take action on causes that they believe in.