Tom Cotton

Mr. COTTON

Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, and Community Development be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on September 22, 2016, at 10 a.m., to conduct a hearing entitled ``Oversight of the HUD Inspection Process.''

Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Armed Services be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on September 22, 2016, at 9:30 a.m.

Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on September 22, 2016, at 9:30 a.m., in room SD- 366 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building.

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 September 22, 2016.

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 September 22, 2016, at 10 a.m., in room SD-430 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building to conduct a hearing entitled ``Exploring Current Practices in Cosmetic Development and Safety.''

Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on September 22, 2016, at 3 p.m., to conduct a hearing entitled ``Continued Review of Agency Regulatory Guidance, Part III.''

Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on September 22, 2016, at 10 a.m., to conduct a hearing entitled ``Exploring a Right to Try for Terminally Ill Patients.''

Mr. COTTON

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 President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, today I want to talk about the brave men and women who put their lives on the line each day to keep us safe--law enforcement officers. Last month I spent much of my time meeting with various law enforcement agencies across Arkansas. In the wake of the shooting in Dallas and other violence against police officers, I wanted Arkansas' law enforcement officers to know that I support them and that Arkansans support them. I wanted to learn a little more about what life looks like from their perspective. From the North Little Rock Police Department, to the Prosecuting Attorneys Association, to the Federal prison in Forrest City, to the Arkansas Sheriffs' Association in Northwest Arkansas--each of these meetings left me confident in our State's law enforcement officers and provided me with valuable insight into the law enforcement community. Police officers in Arkansas and across the country have a difficult job, one that is unlike any other career. In the Army, my soldiers and I fought overseas to keep our country safe, but at the end of our tours, we went home, and many of us transitioned to other safer jobs. But for law enforcement officers, there is no end to the tour. They put their lives on the line every single day to keep us safe. We owe them a debt of gratitude, and we ought to find ways to support our officers more and ensure that their communities and the country as a whole have a better understanding of their hard work and sacrifice. Each of the law enforcement groups I met had a similar message: Law enforcement officers need support, cooperation, and assistance. They need support from their communities and their leadership at every level--local, State, and Federal. They need to know that we are on their side, and in the face of controversy, they need to know they have leaders who will be a steady hand. Given the controversy surrounding law enforcement recently, it is easy to take a different view, but most officers, like most soldiers with whom I served in the Army, are committed to upholding the discipline and integrity of their force. They want those who violate policy and especially the law to be held accountable, but they also want those decisions made in a factual, unbiased way. To keep us safe, law enforcement officers also need the cooperation and assistance of those they are sworn to protect. They know this will help them not only to investigate and punish crime but also, and more importantly, to stop crime before it happens. They have a constant and regular presence which serves not only to deter the criminal element but also to reassure and gain the support of the vast majority of law- abiding Arkansans who are going to provide the tips or help smooth the waters in moments of tension. So how do we achieve these things? I believe there are a few simple steps. First, take a moment to recognize our law enforcement officers and the vital work they do. So many officers commented to me how thankful they were to see yard signs announcing support for the police or when someone picked up their lunch or just said a simple thank you. Law enforcement is a tough job and it can be a little strange. Officers dedicate their lives to protecting law-abiding citizens, who are the vast majority of all Americans. Yet they have to spend much of their time around the tiny minority and the criminal element to protect those law-abiding citizens. Therefore, it means a lot when they hear from you. Second, law enforcement agencies ought to continue their outreach efforts to the communities they serve. On a visit to the Jonesboro Police Department, Chief Rick Elliot told me: ``It all gets back to community relations and outreach.'' I was struck by how many of our police officers in Arkansas work to become integral parts of their communities. In El Dorado, the police department recently shared a video of an officer singing and dancing with local kids at the area Boys & Girls Club. The Little Rock Police Department announced an upcoming ``Coffee with a Cop'' event, which will allow Arkansans to come and meet their police officers in a casual setting. A school resource officer in Morrilton made State and national news last month for starting ``Cop Car Karaoke'' to get to know his students better. I could go on. But let's be honest. These aren't the stories dominating the headlines. These days, it seems like the police make the news most often when there is an officer involved in use of force, like in Ferguson or now in Charlotte, or when cops are gunned down in the line of duty, like in Dallas and Baton Rouge. Sadly, these stories often have a racial element, too, which, of course, drives more media coverage. We haven't seen a story like this in Arkansas lately, but the law enforcement officers with whom I spoke all knew it could happen at any time. That is one reason why they stressed community engagement so much, especially in Black neighborhoods where tensions can run the highest. So the final step, after citizens and law enforcement officers do their part, is for elected leaders and community leaders to do ours. Too often, leaders jump to conclusions after an officer-involved use of force, not least so they can jump in front of a television camera. But, as we have seen in Ferguson and Baltimore, for example, first impressions can often be wrong. One thing I learned in the Army is that first reports often, even usually, are wrong or at least incomplete. Our leaders shouldn't fan the flames of racial tension and divide our communities before all the facts are known. After all, there is always a neutral, impartial inquiry following an officer-involved use of force, especially a shooting. Our leaders ought to let those inquiries occur in a calm, dispassionate setting and call upon all other citizens to do the same. They certainly should never condone rioting. When the use of force is justified, we ought to support the officer, and when it is not, the public demands accountability. During my visits around the State, I met with several veteran officers, but I also spoke with many new recruits and newly hired officers. You might expect these rookies to be discouraged by anti- police protests and the recent assassinations of law enforcement officers. On the contrary, they said they were more motivated than ever to prove themselves to the people they serve and to honor the sacrifices of those officers killed in the line of duty. We are lucky to have men and women like them. As I left my meeting with the officers at the Arkansas State Police Headquarters in Little Rock, I stopped to pay my respects at the Hall of Honor, a memorial dedicated to the troopers who lost their lives in the line of duty. Toward the back of the room, above a small star for each lost trooper, inscribed in the wall are the words ``In Valor There is Hope.'' These words are particularly poignant right now. I am grateful for every officer at every department and agency who displays professionalism and courage in the face of danger every day. In their valor, the American people do, indeed, find hope. Thank you. God bless our men and women in blue. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. COTTON

Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, today I would like to recognize Jess Forster of Little Rock as this week's Arkansan of the Week for her work as the K-8 director at eStem Public Charter Schools in Little Rock. First, it is important to note that Jess received a record four nominations from different people in Arkansas to be the Arkansan of the Week--an early indication of the tremendous impact she has on the Little Rock community and the State of Arkansas. Jess is in her second year as the kindergarten through eighth grade director at eStem, where she is known for her tireless dedication to her job and her positive attitude. For example, last year Jess handwrote 1,000 personalized, encouraging notes to students before State testing. The notes took weeks to finish, but Jess never abandoned the task. And to say her students were thrilled would be an understatement. One of her colleagues wrote: Since Jess has taken on the Director role, I have seen more positivity in the hallways not only with our teachers but with our students as well. I feel our school is one big family and community and Mrs. Forster is our mom. Jess's positive attitude and dedication doesn't end with her students; her fellow faculty and staff members also benefit immensely from their relationships with her. Each Friday Jess recognizes eStem's teachers' hard work by personally distributing notes and snacks that usually align with the theme she has chosen. Her positive spirit is contagious for all those who know her. Another of Jess's colleagues said: At one of her first meetings with the faculty, she discussed values and the importance they have in our daily lives--whether they be at the workplace or at home. One of the values we all picked was family. This is a value Jess definitely believes in, and it shows. Under her leadership, eStem restated its mission and vision statement to the motto ``Above & Beyond: It's what WE do.'' Jess believes this phrase sets higher expectations for eStem and better reflects the school's positive community atmosphere. Of all the nice things said about Jess in her nominations, I felt this description was a fitting conclusion: Jess has had a huge impact on the eStem community, which reaches across the entirety of central Arkansas. She is a dedicated educational leader, wife and mother. I believe she should be recognized for such an outstanding performance. I cannot think of a more deserving person to be acknowledged as Arkansan of the week. I agree, and I am proud to recognize Jess Forster as this week's Arkansan of the Week for her outstanding work as the K-8 director at eStem schools in Little Rock. Mr. President, I yield the floor. 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 Pea Ridge National Military Park in northwest Arkansas. Pea Ridge National Military Park is one of the best preserved Civil War battlefields in the United States and its history deserves to be shared. The Battle of Pea Ridge took place in March of 1862 when 26,000 Union and Confederate soldiers fought for 2 straight days. The battle was hard-fought, but in the end, the Union forces, led by General Samuel Curtis, were victorious, and the Union won complete control of the State of Missouri. Pea Ridge National Military Park officially became part of the National Park system on July 20, 1956, thanks largely to the efforts of the Arkansas congressional delegation. And it was officially dedicated as a national park during the Nation's Civil War Centennial in 1963. Today 4,300 acres of battlefield are preserved for visitors. The grounds include a recreation of the Elkhorn Tavern--an important landmark of the battle--as well as a visitors center and a museum. The park is also home to 2 and a half miles of the Trail of Tears, another important United States landmark. Arkansas is a State full of rich history, and heritage and Pea Ridge National Military Park is a critical part of that history. If you find yourself in the picturesque Ozarks of northwest Arkansas this fall, take some time to drive through or walk the grounds of Pea Ridge National Military Park and see for yourself.

Mr. COTTON

Mr. COTTON. Madam President, today I would like to recognize Sheila Beatty of Hot Springs Village as this week's Arkansan of the Week for her dedication and service to Arkansas veterans. When people choose to retire, they often seek out a life of rest and relaxation, but not Sheila. When she retired, Sheila chose a different path: honoring those who serve or have served in the U.S. military. Sheila honors our veterans and our soldiers in many ways--almost too many to mention today. For years, she has stood in the Patriot Guard flag line at every military funeral in Arkansas, no matter the distance from her hometown, and every time troops leave for deployment or return home from a tour, Sheila is there to meet them, with cookies, flags, and a big smile on her face. Sheila is active in the Arkansas Freedom Fund--a nonprofit organization that supports members of the military, veterans, and their families through rehabilitative recreational outdoor activities. She often helps plan events for this wonderful organization as well. Her activities don't end there. Sheila also makes an extra effort to support the veterans who need it most. She collects clothing and personal hygiene items for homeless veterans in Arkansas. She volunteers with the No Veteran Dies Alone Program at the veterans hospital in Little Rock, where she sits by the bedsides of veterans who aren't able to have family or loved ones by their side in their final hours. Her time with them provides comfort and relief to these men and women when they need it most. To those of you in Little Rock, next week stop by the National POW/ MIA National Recognition Day reception in the State capitol rotunda. Sheila was instrumental in organizing that wonderful event. Sheila's dedication to our Armed Forces and veterans is inspiring. As a former soldier, I can tell you that people like Sheila make military service more meaningful. Their impact on the lives of veterans cannot be overstated. I am honored to recognize Sheila as this week's Arkansan of the Week. I join all Arkansans in thanking her for supporting our veterans, and I urge everyone to join in her efforts. Madam President, I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, reserving the right to object, I objected to the confirmation of these judges before, and the reason still stands. There is little evidence that the Court of Federal Claims needs them. According to the latest public statistics, the court's caseload is down 49 percent from 2011 and 66 percent if we go back to 2007. I understand that some say these numbers are skewed by a flood of relatively simple cases related to vaccine claims that has begun to ebb in recent years, but even if we remove those vaccine claims from the statistics, the court's caseload has still dropped. The number of nonvaccine cases dropped from 1,427 in 2014 to 1,404 in 2015. That latest number is 10 percent lower than in 2013, 25 percent lower than it was in 2008, and 39 percent lower than it was in 2007. I respectfully remind my colleagues that the 16 active judges authorized in the statute for the Court of Federal Claims is not a minimum number, it is a maximum number. That number was set in 1982--an increase from the six judges that were previously authorized. Perhaps it is time to revisit that number again 34 years later. I would also note that an auxiliary of senior nonactive judges is available to the court to hear cases. These senior judges receive a full salary whether or not they hear cases on the condition that they be available to work when called. They are the most experienced judges we have for these types of cases, and I am heartened to know that a number of them have been recalled to assist the court since I called for that very action last year. That is a much better use of taxpayer dollars than confirming extra judges who will receive additional full- time salaries, office space, and staff. I also note that my office has discussed the caseload in the Court of Federal Claims with the White House numerous times since the beginning of the year. In good faith, my office told the White House that if it provided a statistical case showing a need for more active judges, I would consider lifting some of my holds. On Thursday last week, the White House provided some statistics drawn from unpublished caseload data for the 2016 fiscal year. The data was not comprehensive or broken down in a granular fashion, but what they did show is that there is not a clear case for adding more judges at this time. According to the White House's statistics, the number of nonvaccine cases filed this year is down, the number of complicated contract bid protests filed has dropped, and the total number of pending nonvaccine cases has remained largely flat. There will be more discussion between my office and the White House about this data, but at this time I have yet to receive compelling data showing a judicial emergency for the Court of Federal Claims. I have focused so far on our obligation to closely guard the use of taxpayer dollars for judges we may not need, but I would be remiss if I didn't highlight the unique role and vast power of the Court of Federal Claims. It has nationwide jurisdiction over all claims for money damages against the U.S. Government, from tax disputes, to government contract protests, to eminent domain takings. This court's jurisdiction isn't limited to the District of Columbia or to private litigants but deals with government abuses of the rights of Arkansans and citizens in every State of the Union. This is a serious court; the Senate should be serious as we consider confirming judges to it. The President's nominations to the court should not be rubberstamped. We have to look hard at the workload of the court and evaluate the judicial resources currently available to meet the demands of that work, and right now those demands appear to be adequately met. I must therefore object.

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

Mr. COTTON

Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, in honor of the National Park Service's 100th birthday year, I want to recognize one of Arkansas' most recognized and historic sites: Little Rock Central High School. As one of the most well-known high schools in the United States, Little Rock Central's story is an important one in the history of our Nation. Central High School played a pivotal role in the desegregation of public schools in the United States. On September 23, 1957, following the Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education in 1954, nine African-American students attempted to attend class at Little Rock Central High School. Now known as the Little Rock Nine, these students were met with heavy public disapproval by an angry mob. President Eisenhower ultimately ordered Federal troops into Little Rock to escort the students into the school for their first day of class on September 25, 1957. These courageous nine students changed the course of history. They showed us that we should always pursue what is just, no matter how hard the journey is. Former President and Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton signed legislation in 1998 designating the school a national historic site. To this day, Little Rock Central High School is the only functioning secondary school in the United States to have this distinction. Preserving Little Rock Central High School and presenting its history so that others might learn from it is an important mission, one that we should never abandon. Named ``America's Most Beautiful High School'' by the American Institute of Architects, Little Rock Central High School certainly has a storied history, and when you find yourself in Little Rock, be sure to take an afternoon to visit the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site.

Mr. COTTON

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

Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, I would like to recognize Marvin Williams as this week's Arkansan of the Week for his work as the UCAN coordinator at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. UCAN stands for Unlocking College Academics Now, a program at UCA aimed at helping students facing their first academic suspension to improve their grade point average and continue their education. Students who participate in UCAN are permitted to stay in school during their first suspension rather than withdrawing for the semester. As the program coordinator, Marvin works with students to help identify their academic weaknesses and find ways to accommodate them. Under Marvin's leadership, the program has helped 347 students obtain their college degrees. Without UCAN, it is possible that many of these students would have taken their semester suspension and not have returned to complete their degree. The impact Marvin has on students' lives cannot be overstated. One of his colleagues wrote: [Marvin] meets with students on a daily basis to encourage them to take control of their lives and their education, so they can improve their future. On a regular basis he experiences the difficulties of life as students bring him their circumstances, and he walks with them when they have no one else to turn to. Along with that, when they need correction, he does it with empathy, and leads them back to the path they need to be on. But Marvin's compassion does not end with his work in the classroom. Marvin was also instrumental in establishing the Bear Essentials Food Pantry, the UCA on-campus food bank. The food pantry idea was born out of a meeting Marvin had 2 years ago with a student who had very little to eat. He provided the student with a list of nearby food pantries, but she lacked the transportation needed to visit the off-campus locations. Marvin responded by taking the student to the cafeteria and paying for her meal and then springing into action. He recruited a few other UCA employees to help him, and the group successfully opened a food bank on UCA's campus. In conclusion, I would like to quote again Marvin's colleague, who concluded his nomination with these words: I don't think I can accurately describe the work that Marvin has done. I'm sure in the past he's received recognition, awards, and the like. However, I believe that this week, this month, maybe even this year he is the type of Arkansan that we should aspire to be in our communities. I am pleased to recognize Marvin Williams as this week's Arkansan of the Week, and I join all Arkansans in thanking him for his positive impact on those around him. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. COTTON

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

Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, I would like to recognize Kim Carter of Hot Springs as this week's Arkansan of the Week, for her commitment to ensuring Arkansas' children have the love and support they deserve. Kim is a foster parent in Hot Springs, and with her family has spent over a decade helping nearly three dozen children, but her support for Arkansas' children does not end there. Kim is also the director of Camp Tanako in Hot Springs, a local church camp. Under her leadership and direction, Kim has helped the camp expand its reach tremendously. Each year, dozens of area children are able to participate in Camp Tanako's various summer programs. Recently, Kim also started a day camp for local children to attend in the summer, which has also been a huge success. For those who know her, Kim is known as Momma Kim, and hearing their stories, it is not hard to see why. According to her friends and neighbors, Kim's impact on children cannot be overstated. Whether it is her own children, one of her many foster children, friends of her own children, or campers and camp staff, everyone seems to have a story about Kim. Kim's dedication to Arkansas' children is inspiring, and her compassionate spirit is a living example of the close-knit and caring community we have across our great State. I am pleased to recognize Kim Carter as this week's Arkansan of the Week and join all Arkansans in thanking her for committing her life to making the lives of children in Arkansas brighter. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. COTTON

Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Finance be discharged from further consideration of S. 2650 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.

Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the bill be read a third time and passed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table, and that the papers be held at the desk.

Mr. COTTON

Mr. COTTON. Mr. 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, I further ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate.

Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Judiciary Committee be discharged from further consideration of S. Res. 513 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.

Mr. COTTON

Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that it stand adjourned under the previous order, following the remarks of Senators Markey and Whitehouse.