Catherine Cortez Masto

Ms. CORTEZ MASTO

Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. Madam President, I rise today to recognize a significant milestone for the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows, a nonprofit organization dedicated to caring for infants, youth, and teens across northern Nevada for the last 50 years. Founded in 1976 as the Truckee Meadows Boys' Club with just one location in the center of town, BGCTM has grown to become a second home to nearly 14,500 youth in more than 55 locations across northern Nevada. During visits over the years, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the club's dedication to not only providing a safe environment for kids to go before and after school and during school breaks, but also to creating an atmosphere encouraging growth and development beyond the traditional classroom setting. Originally introduced to the Reno-Sparks community as a place for boys to play organized sports, attend special events, receive tutoring, or join a leadership society, the club was created as a positive outlet for boys to direct their energy and promote the overall development of a young person. In 1983, the club officially expanded to welcome girls to the organization, and they formally became known as the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows. Over the years, BGCTM has continued to grow immensely in size, membership, and the number of activities offered to youth of all ages. Take for example the creation of BGCTM's first early learning center. Opened in 2008 to serve infants through age 5, it has since evolved into an array of nine early learning locations spread across northern Nevada. Another example is the growth of BGCTM's athletic programming serving youth of all skill levels, like the Reno Ballers Basketball Program, which first launched in 1996 and still operates today as a premier sports league for families searching for low-cost, high-quality skill development. In addition to introducing a wide variety of new programs and options for families over the last 50 years, BGCTM has never shied away from the challenge of serving children and families throughout every corner of our State. Pushing well beyond the boundaries of the Truckee Meadows, the club expanded services to our State's rural communities in 2008 and has since grown to operate clubhouses and school sites throughout Fernley, Ely, Tonopah, Lovelock, and Winnemucca--in addition to the many sites across Washoe County. BGCTM also has a long history of going above and beyond to answer the call of families most in need in our region, serving up to 600,000 meals to youth every year, providing upwards of 90,000 bus rides to club locations, delivering gifts and family meals during the holiday season, and never turning away a family for an inability to pay the membership fee. Furthermore, the club offers parenting classes to help foster healthy family structures, provides accessible mental health services to families and staff through their Bright Futures Wellness Center, creates in-house workforce training opportunities to help youth develop their employability skills, and even administers college scholarships to students pursuing higher education. Of course, this work isn't done alone, and BGCTM has an extensive track record of collaborating with partners across our community to further enrich the programs and family services they offer. This drive to serve our community is fueled by an incredibly dedicated staff across northern Nevada, spearheaded for nearly 31 years by Chief Executive Officer Mike Wurm who has been the catalyst for so much of the growth BGCTM has seen under his leadership. The club is also fortunate to benefit from a deeply involved board of directors and young leaders committee, regularly earning awards for their 100 percent giving status. For each of these reasons and more, BGCTM continues to serve as a model to Boys & Girls Clubs across the county, and I am grateful for their tireless work to support families across the Silver State. Enabling all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens is certainly no small feat, but it is a mission BGCTM has always taken in stride. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the club remained open to support the children of essential workers and extended their daily hours, yet another example of BGCTM answering the call when our community needed them most. The club has cemented its legacy as an organization leading the charge on serving children and families across our region. I look forward to our continued work together, in addition to celebrating their achievements for many years to come.

Ms. CORTEZ MASTO

Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. Madam President, today I rise to honor the life and legacy of Edward Earl Allison, who passed away in Reno, NV, on August 23, 2026. Ed's long career in government and journalism carried him from his hometown of Carson City to the halls of Congress in Washington, DC, and back to his beloved Nevada. Along the way, Ed inspired countless Nevadans to pursue public service and will be remembered as a great friend to many. Born on January 9, 1940, in Denver, CO, Ed and his family soon moved to the small mining town of Kimberly, NV, before eventually settling in Carson City. Ed, alongside his brothers George and Pat, attended Carson City High School before enrolling at the University of Nevada, Reno. At UNR, Ed pursued a degree in journalism, while also playing for the school's basketball team. After receiving his degree, Ed returned to Carson City to begin his career as a journalist. While working at the Nevada Appeal as a managing editor, Ed demonstrated his willingness to go against the grain. His focus on ensuring that all viewpoints were fairly represented at the paper often put him at odds with his publisher. This dispute eventually escalated to the point where Ed resigned from the paper after they refused to publish his endorsement of Republican gubernatorial candidate and fellow Carson native Paul Laxalt. It was also this moment that launched Ed's foray into State and national politics. Following a stint as Gov. Paul Laxalt's press secretary, Ed continued to pursue his interest in politics, forming a consulting firm specializing in political campaigns. During this period, Ed demonstrated his political talent, which eventually led to his appointment as Senator Paul Laxalt's chief of staff in 1981. Upon his arrival in Washington, DC, Ed took on an exceptionally challenging role, serving as both the Senator's chief of staff and his press secretary. Yet, despite it all, Ed carried out his role with enormous skill, tenacity, and dedication. During his time on Capitol Hill, Ed never forgot where he came from. He strongly prioritized hiring Nevadans, for both full-time positions and internships. Additionally, Senator Laxalt's close relationship with President Ronald Reagan gave Ed the opportunity to ensure that Nevadans were also hired in the administration. Ed was dedicated to ensuring that Nevadans have a seat at the table when big decisions are being made, and his efforts became a springboard for many of Nevada's future leaders in government and business. By the time Ed concluded his time on Capitol Hill, he had become a respected figure in Washington with friends on both sides of the aisle. Ed received a number of Presidential appointments. In 1985, President Reagan appointed him to the Advisory Committee for Trade Negotiations, gathering private sector input on trade policy. In 1988, he was appointed to the Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation, where he was responsible for beautifying the avenue's stretch between the U.S. Capitol and the White House. Following a successful 12 years in Washington, Ed and his wife JoAnn returned to Reno. Back in Nevada, he put his extensive political talent to work, lobbying the State legislature on behalf of clients such as UNR, UNLV, the Harry Reid Environmental Center, and many more. He also continued his support for UNR, regularly attending games at Mackay Stadium and speaking at journalism classes, where he inspired countless students to pursue national media. In recognition of his contributions to the university, he was made a lifetime member of the UNR Foundation Board of Trustees, and he received a Professional Achievement Award from the school in 2012. Ed passed away on August 23, 2026, with his family and loved ones by his side. He is survived by his daughter Shelly, son Branan, four grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Ed was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 42 years JoAnn, who passed away in March of 2006. In later years, he found joy and companionship with my mother Joanna Cortez. Throughout my time knowing Ed, he was always dedicated to putting Nevada first and holding conversations with everyone, no matter their political party or background. I know he will be missed by his family, loved ones, and everyone who has had the honor of knowing him.

Ms. CORTEZ MASTO

Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. Madam President, I rise today to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Get Outdoors Nevada, a nonprofit organization based in southern Nevada. For 25 years, Get Outdoors Nevada has provided education and facilitated community volunteer services. Originally founded as the Outside Las Vegas Foundation, in 2018, it became Get Outdoors Nevada and broadened its mission to support all of Nevada's outdoor experiences. They have connected over 218,000 people of all ages and backgrounds to the outdoors by providing opportunities to experience, learn about, and care for Nevada's natural and urban outdoor spaces. Since 2012, the nonprofit has hosted 933 volunteer events, raised $2.5 million, and coordinated 82,897 hours of volunteer service. The 25th anniversary is the perfect opportunity to celebrate how the organization has advanced environmental education, community volunteer efforts, and local outreach. Their hands-on impact can be seen across southern Nevada, from supporting habitat restoration in the Mojave Desert to working to preserve the Avi Kwa Ame National Monument. By planting hundreds of trees and native plants, they continue to directly nurture local wildlife and enhance our community's biodiversity. In partnership with Nevada's public land agencies, just last year, they were able to collect 15,056 pounds of trash, engage 3,035 volunteers, and coordinate 7,204 hours of service. Beyond community cleanups, they directly connect local students and teachers to southern Nevada's unique ecosystems through their ``Learning in Nature'' program, which offers classroom programs and outdoor field trips. These tailored educational sessions explore vital topics ranging from local biodiversity and pollinator conservation to career paths in environmental fields. Ultimately they continue to work toward a world where everyone has access to, benefits from, and cares for our shared outdoor spaces. As we celebrate 25 years of Get Outdoors Nevada, I want to recognize all of their dedicated staff and leadership who have passionately advocated for outdoor exploration and preservation in Nevada. Their work has brought the entire community together to preserve our public lands through volunteer work and education. I also want to thank Alan O'Neill, who founded the Outside Las Vegas Foundation and served as its first executive director for his work to make this milestone possible and his lifetime commitment to our public lands. I am proud to celebrate this important anniversary. Thank you to Get Outdoors Nevada for their immense time and dedication given to Nevada over the last 25 years. Their work is vital to conserving Nevada's public lands so they can be enjoyed by all for years to come.

Ms. CORTEZ MASTO

Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division, Keyport's Hawthorne Operating Site. For 50 years, the dedicated men and women of the Hawthorne Operating Site have supported the U.S. Navy from right here in the Nevada desert. Though they are hundreds of miles from the ocean, their work has had an important impact on the readiness of our Navy and the security of our Nation and its allies. The Hawthorne Operating Site's early work included helping with mine storage and maintenance, and today, it supports logistics and supply, demilitarization, and depot-level repairs for the Navy's mine force. This 50th anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the long history of the installation and the community that has grown alongside it. Originally established as the Naval Ammunition Depot Hawthorne in 1930, the site has been an important part of Mineral County and Nevada for nearly a century. During World War II, it served as a primary staging ground for munitions supporting our forces in the Pacific, highlighting Nevada's important contribution to our Nation's defense. The history of this installation is inseparable from the history of the people who have called Hawthorne home. The nearby community of Babbitt grew alongside the depot, with its own schools, businesses, homes, and a strong sense of community. Generations of Hawthorne families have dedicated their careers to supporting the installation, building a proud tradition of hard work, resilience, and service. Today, the Hawthorne Operating Site continues that tradition as part of the Hawthorne Army Depot. Its close partnership with the Army is an example of the importance of cooperation across our Armed Forces. This partnership strengthens our Nation's defense while supporting the local economy and community. As we celebrate 50 years of the NUWC Division, Keyport's Operating Site in Hawthorne, I want to recognize the employees who have carried out this mission over the past five decades. Their work often happens far from the public eye, but it is essential to supporting our sailors and maintaining the strength and readiness of our Navy. I am proud to join the people of Mineral County and Nevadans across our State in celebrating this important anniversary. To the current and former employees of the NUWC Division, Keyport's Operating Site in Hawthorne, thank you for your tireless service, your commitment to our Navy, and your dedication to defending our Nation and promoting peace and security around the world. Congratulations on 50 years of exceptional service, and happy anniversary to the Guardians Beneath the Waves.

Ms. CORTEZ MASTO

Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. Madam President, today I rise to honor the memory of my friend James Thomas Spencer. Jim, as he was known amongst friends, served the great State of Nevada for nearly 35 years. Anyone who was lucky enough to encounter Jim would tell you the same thing: Jim was a loyal friend and a diligent professional who took extraordinary care in everything he did. Jim was born on October 23, 1948, in Redlands, CA. Following his service in the Army and his legal education, Jim moved to Nevada. In 1982, Jim began working in the Nevada Attorney General's Office. Jim ultimately served under four State attorneys general. Jim's work in the office was marked by his extremely capable representation of the Governor, other State officials, and different departments and agencies of the State. He drafted numerous significant opinions issued by the office and rose through the ranks in office, retiring as chief of staff to the attorney general. During my tenure as Nevada's attorney general, Jim served as my chief of staff and as special assistant attorney general. Jim always displayed a strong sense of humility about himself and a deep empathy for others. These admirable qualities coupled with his commonsense, diligent, and straightforward practice of law resulted in Jim being one of the most respected lawyers in Nevada. He was a highly rated attorney and an expert on all things pertaining to Nevada government and our State laws. Outside of work, Jim was an avid athlete and outdoorsman. He ran marathons and competitively dived. Despite a couple of joint replacements, he would often organize adventures with his friends and coworkers that involved hikes up Jobs Peak, Mount Rose, and C-Hill in Carson City. Even after his retirement in 2014, Jim retained his passion for adventure. Jim successfully completed a tandem skydive, did gunsmith work for his friends, and was always with his rescue dogs, whom he loved dearly. Along with his distinguished career and busy personal life, Jim was committed to helping everyone around him. Jim would give a stranger the shirt off his back. He organized an annual Thanksgiving fundraiser in the attorney general's office to donate turkeys to families in need. He was a mentor for all who came through his office door and made it a point to befriend all the staff members and their families. To brighten everyone's day, Jim made it a point to share humorous articles of news with his colleagues, a practice he continued into retirement. These news breaks were timely, unannounced, and always appreciated. On July 21, 2026, Jim passed away at the age of 77 due to esophageal cancer. He faced his illness with courage, resilience, and heart. Jim is survived by his family members, including David, Karen, and Katherine. I know his family will miss him dearly. I am deeply grateful for Jim's dedicated service and his years of friendship. The loss of Jim is felt by his friends, family, and colleagues. Jim leaves behind a remarkable legacy of kindness, generosity, professionalism, and loyalty.

Ms. CORTEZ MASTO

Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. Mr. President, I rise today to bring transparency to the American people. S. Res. 616 requires the Trump administration to produce a report detailing the human rights violations in Honduras under its former President, Juan Orlando Hernandez. Let me just stress this--and I am going to be talking about this quite often--Juan Orlando Hernandez--most people don't know--was convicted here in the United States. He is a notorious drug trafficker. And President Trump pardoned him last year. The American people deserve to know the consequences of pardoning such an infamous criminal and, quite honestly, how that conflicts with President Trump's focus, as he talks about, on law and order and combating drug trafficking. Mr. Hernandez was serving a 45-year sentence for drug trafficking when President Trump pardoned him. He had been convicted by a U.S. jury in 2024 for conspiring to import hundreds of tons of cocaine to the United States and for related firearms offenses. He also had been accused of taking bribes from the infamous Mexican cartel leader El Chapo and raking in millions of dollars in drug money himself. This is the man who is responsible for illegal drugs entering our country, for harming families, and for endangering our communities. Yet President Trump pardoned him. This is the man who prosecutors said had partnered with some of the world's most prolific narcotics traffickers to build a corrupt and brutally violent empire. The prosecutors who were later able to get a conviction against him said that. Yet President Trump deemed him worthy of a pardon. The President's action here is the opposite of law and order. In fact, it contradicts efforts to combat drug trafficking, and it undermines law enforcement. Why do I know that? Because as a former attorney general, these are areas in which I worked with law enforcement in my State--our law enforcement agents, our investigators, our prosecutors in the State of Nevada--to combat drug trafficking that comes into the State of Nevada. Let me clarify this because most people don't realize that Nevada is not on the border with Mexico, but what happens on that border bleeds into Nevada. So the drug trafficking that crosses that border comes into Nevada, where we were seeing opioid abuse, where we were seeing methamphetamine abuse, where we were seeing fentanyl abuse--the very drugs the President now is talking about wanting to combat and stop from coming into our country. Yet--yet--he pardons a big drug trafficker who was convicted in this country for doing that very thing. You know, quite frankly, it is an insult to the professional men and women--nonpartisan, let me just say, men and women--who work year after year to address this issue and who actually worked hard to put Hernandez behind bars. It also sends the wrong message. Here is why: Since he was pardoned, Mr. Hernandez has been giving interviews to the BBC, and he is saying that President Trump's pardon proves he was innocent. I will tell you what: The American people deserve better than that, and they deserve transparency. Quite honestly, our law enforcement, who works so hard to address-- really address--the drug trafficking that is coming into this country, deserves to know why President Trump pardoned this man. They deserve to fully understand the connections between Hernandez' government, drug trafficking organizations, and Honduras' human rights record. That is why I am calling up this resolution today. This resolution would require the Trump administration to provide information about Honduras' domestic human rights practices. Specifically, the administration would have to assess human rights violations during the time that President Juan Orlando Hernandez was President. That includes analyzing the connections between high-level government officials and drug trafficking organizations, and it means looking at the corruption of Honduras' Government officials as it relates to drug trafficking, money laundering, and bribery. In this report, they would also have to evaluate the links between the drug cartels in Honduras and torture, rape, illegal detention, witness tampering, and murder. Finally, it would include understanding efforts in Honduras to undermine police reforms and drug crime investigations. The resolution also requires an assessment from the Secretary of State of any ongoing ties between Hernandez and--whether he has maintained those with drug cartels. Now, I have heard some of my colleagues talking out against this in that somehow this is some ``gotcha'' moment or this is some sort of lefty, liberal effort to make the President look bad. Well, let me just say this: Everybody is responsible for their actions. I don't know, in working in law enforcement, that there is a left or a right to it. We want to stop drug trafficking. We want to hold those drug traffickers accountable, and they shouldn't be pardoned after they have been convicted in the United States. If we are truly going to combat the War on Drugs in this country, everybody needs to be held accountable--everyone. This resolution is important because if the administration fails to give us this report, the resolution would pause U.S. security assistance to Honduras. There is no good reason for the administration not to author this report. Again, some colleagues have voiced concerns about the potential pausing of assistance to Honduras. Well, let me be very clear. Trump has already threatened to pause aid to Honduras multiple times. In fact, since the start of his second term, his administration has slashed the amount of funding we are sending to the country. There is no promise that the Trump administration won't threaten support for Honduras again with or without this resolution, right? So if President Trump is really concerned about preventing drug trafficking and supporting Honduras, he can start by not pardoning drug kingpins. At the end of the day, this vote is about giving the American people the answers they deserve. We need the truth. We need the facts. We need to understand what is going on here. The President is going to use his pardon power to pardon a drug kingpin who has been convicted in this country. People deserve the right to know why. They deserve the right to know why. So I hope my colleagues will work with me to pass this resolution. I thank Senators Kaine and Welch for standing with me and joining me in this resolution and talking on the floor today as to how important this is. Again, I cannot stress this enough: This is not a lefty or a right issue. This is not a Republican or a Democrat issue. This is a nonpartisan issue. This is about drug trafficking, who is responsible, and accountability for them. And if we have a President who decides he is going to use his pardon power to pardon them, we have every right to question that and understand the extent to which an individual is being pardoned in this country and what he did. That is what this resolution is all about--transparency for the American people. It is about time. With that, Mr. President, pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, I move to discharge the Committee on Foreign Relations from further consideration of S. Res. 616.

Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. I know of no further debate.

Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. I ask for the yeas and nays.

Ms. CORTEZ MASTO

Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. Mr. President, I am joining my colleagues on the Senate floor because today marks the 14th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program that we all commonly know as DACA. When it was created by President Obama back in 2012, the purpose of this program was to protect people who came to the United States as children. But President Obama made clear that legislation was also needed. He knew that Congress needed to pass legislation to give Dreamers a path to citizenship, along with DACA. There was bipartisan support for it, but unfortunately, since that time, petty politics keep getting in the way. It is having real life consequences on the country, on families, on individuals, and on businesses. Because we are unable to work in a bipartisan way just to put Dreamers and their families on a pathway to citizenship, we are here to talk about a program, DACA. It is important for us to keep in mind why we strive not only to continue this program but to fight for these families. DACA has become a lifeline for hard-working, inspiring young people who have only ever known this country as their home. And make no mistake, DACA is not given out freely. You just heard my colleague from Minnesota talk about this. DACA recipients, these applicants, undergo intense background checks, and every 2 years, they have to renew their status and go through another scrutinizing background check. For the past 14 years, DACA has worked as intended. It has allowed thousands of young people to obtain work permits, and critical protections from deportations are associated with this program because these kids have only known this country and play by the rules and follow the law and just want to go to school and be a part of our workforce and raise their families here. They want an education. They want to build their careers and their lives in the United States. The DACA Program has been an overwhelming benefit to our country. Ninety-nine percent of the DACA recipients who started the program in 2012 completed high school and got their diplomas--almost every single one. That is the kind of dedication you find in Dreamers. Additionally, more than 90 percent of DACA recipients over the age of 25 are participating in our workforce, they are building families, they are working hard, and they are paying more than $2 billion in State and local taxes. And they love this country. They feel as American as every Member of this Chamber. Yet, over the past 14 years, they have endured attack after attack and been made into pawns by too many politicians. Even still, through it all, I have to tell you, they are thriving, and they are building an American dream. And that is all they are asking from us, is to allow them to continue to do so. But, right now, our country is breaking its promise to them. Now, like my colleague Dick Durbin, the senior Senator from Illinois, who has done an incredible job fighting for our Dreamers and their families--I watch him as he comes to the floor. I have watched him as he has talked about Dreamers and their families and the fight. And I think it is important we keep our voices loud and proud about who they are in our communities. I, too, have stood here on the Senate floor, multiple times now, over the course of the last several months, to talk about this. This administration is intentionally delaying DACA renewals so DACA recipients go unprotected. Let me just say that one more time. I get these calls into my office. I know the DACA recipients and Dreamers in my State. I hear from them all the time. This administration is intentionally delaying DACA renewals so DACA recipients go unprotected. How do I know that? Because DACA recipients have told me. In my State, they have been applying months ahead of their 2-year deadline-- months ahead of that 2-year deadline--but for many, that is still not enough time before their status expires. This expiration and this delay of approving their application, it is all part of this administration's plan to attack and undermine immigration and these DACA recipients. Now, I want to be clear about something: We all agree that we need strong border security and that criminals need to face justice. Listen, I spent my career doing just that. There is no question about it. But instead of focusing on the ``worst of the worst,'' like President Trump promised to do, he and Stephen Miller are directing Federal immigration enforcement to go after DACA recipients--mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers--with absolutely no criminal record. Why? Because they had the audacity to be brought here as children, because they have only ever known this country as their home. Why, instead of going after actual criminals, is this administration focused on young men and women who are woven into the fabric of their communities? I think I know why. It is because DACA recipients look a little different or sound a little different from what the Trump administration has decided are real Americans and what they should sound like and look like. It is because DACA recipients' shining successes prove that immigrants are actually a benefit to the United States, not a detriment, as this administration would have you believe. The actions of this administration to delay DACA renewals are about as un-American as you can get. I have been hearing and sharing stories of DACA recipients who have struggled with these delays, but I don't think people really understand the toll this is taking on thousands of families across the country. When someone's DACA status expires, they lose their work permit. Some workers are placed on leave until their status gets renewed, but some permanently lose their jobs. That means a source of income a family relies on is now gone. That is why they apply for the renewal months in advance, so they can continue to go to their job, so they can continue to pay taxes, be a part of our community, pay rent. And they believe in that community. If they had U.S. citizen children, critical support for them now is gone because of the delays by this administration. If they had employer-sponsored healthcare, now that is gone too. And if they didn't, then healthcare is even harder to afford for them because they lost their work permit. And the only thing they did was have the audacity to apply for renewal months in advance. It is now more difficult for them to take care of disabled, elderly, or sick relatives, not to mention that there is the constant threat of being sent away from their family to a country they have never known hanging over their heads. That is all piled on top of the enormously high costs of groceries, gas, electricity, and healthcare that all Americans are experiencing under this administration. So imagine being a DACA recipient who has lived your whole life in this country, except for a few years, when you were a baby. For over a decade, your government has told you that if you play by the rules and you contribute, you will be able to work and be protected from deportation. So you go to school, you get a job, you play by the rules, you follow the law, you meet someone, you settle down, and you start a family, like any American would do. And then your government--the same one you support with your hard-earned tax dollars--turns on you. You know, I don't know about all of you, but that is just unacceptable to me. DACA recipients are not the only ones being punished. These delays are hurting our businesses and our communities as well. I can't stress that enough. This administration thinks they are going after these individuals, and they want to deport them. But it is not individual DACA recipients and their families that are suffering. It is our businesses and our communities as well. A police chief in California was here in Washington, last month, to talk to us about how delays in DACA renewals are hurting his police department. One of his officers was recently unable to work for a while, while he waited for his renewal application to process. Local law enforcement is already stretched thin. So you should know this. Now, this administration is even making it worse. Small businesses, retailers, construction companies, they are all losing their employees they depend on. How do I know? Because I hear from my small businesses in Nevada about this very issue. Approximately 37,000 healthcare workers are DACA recipients. Now, if they can't go to their job, what do you think that does to our healthcare industry, which is already stretched because of the policies of this administration? Hurting DACA recipients is hurting our country. It is more important than ever that we recognize the fact that, in light of the upcoming celebrations for America's 250th birthday, we have to recognize our contributions and our service to the members in our country who are a big part of it. Our 250th anniversary is a critical reminder that our great Nation only exists because of immigrants. We all have a story. We all have it--every single one of us. I do. My grandfather came from Chihuahua, Mexico. He came into the United States, served in our military, and became a U.S. citizen. I have a great-grandfather who came to Ellis Island from Italy. He ended up in Kansas City, MO, of all places, raising his family, where my mother was born. We all have this story. That is what makes this country so great. That is why people come here. And it should be that, yes, if you want to come to a country and you want to follow the rules--you want to follow the rules--you want to follow the law, work hard, you should be able to come here and get ahead. That is the country I know and love, and to lose sight of that is to spit on everything our country stands for. The Declaration of Independence was written because immigrants and sons of immigrants, daughters of immigrants, grandsons, granddaughters of immigrants came together to escape tyranny and live their lives freely. Every time I walk on the floor of the Senate, I think about my grandfather and my great-grandfather coming to this country. If they would have ever thought that one day they would have a granddaughter or a great-granddaughter that would walk on the floor of the U.S. Senate representing this country, it is beyond what they could have ever dreamed for. But they hoped. They had hoped for a life better for their children and grandchildren. And DACA recipients are asking for the same freedoms and opportunities that our Founding Fathers envisioned for this country 250 years ago. And I will say: It is time we stand with them. It is time we do right and we recognize the importance of those words in our Constitution, what our Founding Fathers stood for, how we stood on shoulders of others to get here. And those shoulders were immigrants. We don't pull up the ladder behind us, but we make sure everybody has an opportunity to be a part of this beautiful country. I yield the floor.

Ms. CORTEZ MASTO

Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. Mr. President, I call up my amendment No. 5463 and ask that it be reported by number.

Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. Mr. President, this amendment would take the excessive money Republican leadership is throwing at ICE and redirect it to local law enforcement instead. Now, Republicans already gave ICE and CBP $150 billion in their Big Beautiful Bill. Federal immigration enforcement has billions of dollars to operate for years to come. ICE doesn't need another $31 billion from this bill on top of that. We have seen the so-called policing that President Trump's ICE agents are doing, and it is not making our neighborhoods any safer. Americans don't need thousands of Federal agents terrorizing their streets. They need local police they can trust to follow the law they are enforcing. That is why this amendment would take this excessive funding for ICE and redirect it toward the COPS Hiring Program so that we can put over 200,000 local police officers in our States nationwide. The Republicans today have said that Democrats are trying to defund law enforcement. This couldn't be further from the truth. How my colleagues vote on this amendment will prove that.

Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. I ask for the yeas and nays. There appears to be a sufficient second. The clerk will call the roll. The senior assistant bill clerk called the roll.

Ms. CORTEZ MASTO

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

Ms. CORTEZ MASTO

Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. Mr. President, I am here on the floor of the Senate today because I want to talk about what is happening this week with the reconciliation package that Republicans are attempting to move this week. For many that might be watching--or maybe it is just my family who is watching. Who knows? But for many that are out there, let me just say that what is happening right now is that our Republican leaders in Congress in essence are trying to give billions of dollars more in funding to out-of-control Federal immigration enforcement Agencies that are brutalizing our communities. I want to be clear about something. We all agree that we need strong border security and that criminals need to face justice. I am going to say that again. We need strong border security. Criminals must face justice. President Trump said his administration would be going after the worst of the worst, but what really is happening is that masked and unidentifiable agents are roaming around, arresting and even killing American citizens, racially profiling people, including Latinos, and deporting Dreamers. I am here to tell my colleagues that if you are not paying attention to the American public when you are listening to them--because if you are, you are hearing that they are saying: Enough. They want safe communities but not lawlessness and fearmongering. That is why my Democratic colleagues and I have been clear since February: You will not get our votes on new funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol unless it includes commonsense guardrails to rein in these Agencies' abuses. But over the last several months, unfortunately, President Trump and Republican leadership have showed us, time and time again, that they are simply not interested in doing the right thing here, even the popular thing. Now, I want people to keep in mind that Republicans have already given these two Agencies $150 billion in their so-called Big Beautiful Bill. They did that with another reconciliation package. They have plenty of money. ICE and CPB have plenty of money to operate for years to come--because their annual budget is only around $8 to $10 billion. They have $150 billion. But now, what is happening this week is that, at the request of Donald Trump, Republicans now want to add another $70 billion to these Agencies, on top of the $150 billion they have. That multibillion- dollar check isn't for lowering the price of groceries for Americans. It is not lowering the cost of energy for Americans or healthcare or even helping them put more gas in their tanks at a lower cost. That is not what this is. It is not bringing back the manufacturing jobs this administration has lost us. And it definitely is not making our communities any safer. We know that because we are seeing what Federal immigration enforcement has been doing with the $150 billion they already got for their mass deportation efforts. Let me tell you, they are not spending it on going after the worst of the worst. They are not doing that. I have seen that in Nevada, and we have seen that across the country. In March of this year, I stood right here, and I told 10 stories of Dreamers who have been detained or deported by Federal immigration enforcement. Dreamers and DACA recipients--they are our neighbors, they are our friends, they are community leaders, they are teachers, they are doctors, they are small business owners in my State and other States, and they are not criminals. In fact, they have had to follow the law to the letter in order to maintain their DACA status. And yet I have heard story after story of DACA recipients being detained or deported by ICE and Border Patrol. And I want to tell you some of those stories about how Federal immigration enforcement under Donald Trump is choosing to spend the taxpayers' dollars. I heard directly from Maria, who had active DACA status but was detained by Federal immigration enforcement anyway. She said it was one of the most traumatic experiences of her life, and I believe it. Now, because of this administration's delays in DACA renewals, Maria is afraid her renewal--her renewal--won't come in time for her to heal and rebuild her life. I also heard from Stephanie, a U.S. citizen who spoke to me on behalf of her husband Juan, who is a DACA recipient. Juan did everything he was supposed to do. He got an education, started a family, and always followed the law. Just days after Stephanie gave birth to their youngest daughter, Juan was on his way to the NICU unit to deliver milk for his new baby and for his wife when he was approached by ICE agents. And even though he had active DACA status and work authorization, the ICE agents told him it didn't matter, and they arrested and detained him. Juan applied for the DACA renewal 5 months before the deadline, and it still wasn't enough. His DACA status expired while he was sitting in detention. Stephanie told me: Trump said DACA recipients would be safe, but that's not true. Thankfully, just a few days ago, after 3 months in detention, Juan was finally, finally released back to his family and his newborn daughter. I also heard from Brenda, whose husband Jahasiel is another DACA recipient detained for no reason whatsoever. He had just dropped his kids off at school when ICE detained him, even though he had done nothing wrong. A judge finally ordered ICE to release him because there was no basis to hold him in the first place. Maria, Juan, and Jahasiel are the kinds of people that President Trump and Republican leadership want to spend billions of dollars going after. These, to them, somehow, are the worst of the worst, when they have not committed a crime and they have followed the rules that we have set. They have followed the rules that Congress has passed, that the President signed, and they are following those rules. How does that make sense? Even the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces, those who have sacrificed so much for our country, are having their lives torn apart by Federal immigration enforcement. I recently saw the story of SFC Jose Serrano, whose wife Deisy was arrested by ICE during a routine immigration appointment. She showed up for her appointment like she was required to do. Deisy has lived in this country over 10 years, and she was granted legal protection in 2019. But on April 14, despite being the wife of a soldier, she was arrested during a routine appointment with immigration services. Over a month later, Deisy was finally released from custody, thanks in part to public pressure, as well as advocacy from my colleague Senator Duckworth. I also saw the story of SSG Matthew Blank and his wife Annie Ramos. Annie is a Dreamer who has called the United States home since she was 2 years old. They were newlyweds checking in on base to get Annie her military ID and activate her military spouse benefits. Instead, Annie was detained and threatened with deportation. Again, after advocacy from my Senate colleagues, she has been released, but ICE is still trying to deport her. Now, think about this. You know about this because these stories have been public, but there are many others. There are many others that are not public. There are many others who have done nothing wrong, who are sitting in detention right now, and the public has no idea. And it is time--it is time--that, as Americans, we understand this and we stand up to an administration that thinks it is OK to deport people who have done nothing but lived in this country, tried to abide by the laws, tried to pay taxes, tried to have a good job. I do not think it is controversial to say this is not what immigration enforcement should be spending their time on and this is not what we should be funding. That is why my Democratic colleagues and I have been blocking funding for ICE. It is because of the abuses of power that we are seeing, and it has to stop. We are asking for reforms that are easy to implement, and we have said: Listen, if you want more funding, if you think that you need more funding--which is just so abusive as it is--then you have to comply with commonsense requirements that local law enforcement in my State and across the country comply with, that our State law enforcement in my State and across the country comply with. And this is what Democrats were asking of this administration and our Republican leadership--common sense: Reform ICE. And here are some of the reforms: Immigration enforcement can't detain and deport U.S. citizens, especially not based on the way they look. Federal agents can't go into someone's home without a judicial warrant. Federal agents can't wear masks. And they must clearly show their badge numbers, and they must wear body cameras. By the way, Nevada law enforcement have been wearing body cameras, I want to say, since 2016, 2017. Federal agents must also undergo deescalation training, just like State and local law enforcement, who patrol our communities every single day, do. Nevadans in my State are asking for this. Americans across the country, in all States, are asking for this. Local and State law enforcement already abide by these guidelines, and they are the ones who are keeping our neighborhoods safe every day. Federal law enforcement should be held to the same standards. It is not controversial. This is an issue my Republican colleagues could have solved months ago. We shouldn't even be here today. It has been 4 months of Democrats asking for commonsense, popular reforms to rein in the President's clearly out-of-control Federal immigration enforcement. And, all the while, Senate Republican leadership has done nothing to help families. This administration has done nothing to address Americans' prices that are skyrocketing. And it is time that we actually listen to the people and listen to Americans and solve their problems, not create the problems that we think need to be solved. I would say to my colleagues and to this administration: The American people, they deserve better. With that, Mr. President, I yield the floor.

Ms. CORTEZ MASTO

Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. Mr. President, as we all know, this week is National Police Week. This is the time when we honor the brave men and women who put their lives on the line every single day to keep our families safe. This week is especially meaningful because, here in DC, we honored North Las Vegas police officer Jason Roscow, who died in the line of duty last year, and he will be memorialized on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial wall. Officer Roscow was an Air Force veteran who helped keep the North Las Vegas community safe for 17 years. He was described as a friend and a mentor to other members of the department. We will forever be grateful for his sacrifice, and he will be dearly missed. Law enforcement officers like Jason Roscow risk their lives every day to protect our communities, and while we recognize that service throughout the year, National Police Week is an opportunity to express our gratitude. For me, supporting law enforcement is personal. My husband is a retired law enforcement officer, and I have seen firsthand the sacrifices that our officers and their families make so our families feel safe at home. That is why I have worked with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to champion legislation to support police officers across the country. In December, my bipartisan law enforcement bill with Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky was signed into law. This legislation will ensure the families of retired law enforcement officers who were killed as a result of their service are not denied benefits. The law is called the Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act, named after a retired police officer in Kentucky who was tragically shot and killed by a man he had arrested a decade earlier. Chief Proffitt's family was denied the benefits they deserved because he had already retired. That is unacceptable, and that is why I am so proud that this bill to correct that mistake was signed into law. I have also advanced some important law enforcement legislation just this week. On Tuesday, my bipartisan bill to fight retail theft passed the House of Representatives. As of 2024, organized retail crime cost retailers $720,000 for every billion dollars in sales. That is up 50 percent since 2015. We are seeing criminals become more aggressive and violent while they are stealing from our stores. They are putting both customers and employees at risk as well. It is dangerous, it is damaging the trust between retailers and shoppers, and it has to stop. That is why I was thrilled to see momentum on the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, which I introduced with Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, who has been a great partner. This legislation would create an office within the Department of Homeland Security where Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies can coordinate with retail and supply chain industry representatives to curb this organized theft. It would also help create new tools to help investigators and prosecutors crack down on these criminals. This is a critical bill that will not only create a safer environment for shoppers but will actually help lower costs for consumers. Now that it has passed the House, I urge my colleagues in the Senate to take it up for a vote. I was also proud to see my Tribal Warrant Fairness Act pass out of the Judiciary Committee this week. I have spent my career in the Senate working to end the epidemic of missing and murdered indigenous women and children. Tribal communities experience some of the highest rates of violence in the United States, especially against women and children, and yet Tribal law enforcement agencies just don't have access to the same resources other police departments have. A glaring example of this is that the U.S. Marshals Service is not authorized to help Tribal police departments in locating dangerous criminals or finding missing children. It is a cruel and unnecessary injustice that both Democrats and Republicans agree needs to change. That is what the Tribal Warrant Fairness Act does. It grants the U.S. Marshals Service the same authority to assist Tribal law enforcement, when they request it, as it has to assist any other law enforcement agency. Now that this legislation has passed out of the Judiciary Committee, it is one step closer to becoming law. I am going to keep pushing to get it to the President's desk for signature. And then finally, earlier this week, the Senate unanimously passed a bill that Senator Lindsey Graham and I worked on and introduced, which is the Medal of Sacrifice Act. This bill creates a new Presidential award to posthumously honor law enforcement officers and other first responders who were killed in the line of duty. Our officers work hard every single day to service our communities, to keep them safe, and their sacrifices deserve the highest possible recognition. The House has also passed this bill, and I look forward to the President signing it into law. Our work here is never done when it comes to making sure our law enforcement agencies and officers have the resources that they need, but during this National Police Week, we made a lot of important progress. The legislation we passed this week will make a difference not just to our police officers but to communities and families across the country. And let me just say, when we made progress, that was bipartisan progress in this body. I will always proudly stand with the men and women who serve as law enforcement officers, and I thank them for their service.

Ms. CORTEZ MASTO

Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. Mr. President, I also rise today to honor the life of Ruby Duncan, who was a powerhouse in anti-poverty, welfare, and justice advocacy in Nevada for several decades. Ruby, sadly, passed away on April 6, 2026. After her own experiences as a single mother of seven, Ruby dedicated her life to uplifting women, children, and families; and she transformed Las Vegas' welfare system for generations to come. After spending her formative years in Louisiana, Ruby moved to Las Vegas in 1952, where she worked in the city's booming hotel and casino industries. Ruby was injured while working as a cook and found herself relying on social welfare programs to support her growing family. Ruby was met with a disjointed State welfare system. At that time, race, gender, and public attitudes determined an individual's access to the resources that they needed to thrive. For Ruby, this inspired a lifetime devoted to breaking down those barriers for others. Recognizing that Black women were especially vulnerable to inequities in the welfare system, Ruby mobilized with other Black mothers to create the Clark County Welfare Rights Organization and, eventually, the Nevada Welfare Rights Organization. Under Ruby's leadership, the groups engaged with State legislators, organized sit-ins, eat-ins, and marched down the Las Vegas Strip to protest for better treatment for Nevada's families in need. Those efforts did not go unnoticed, prompting Nevada to reverse a 75-percent cut to welfare for women with children and participate in Federal nutrition assistance programs. Ruby's work also sparked community developments that continue to provide support and resources to families in West Las Vegas to this day. In 1972, she founded Operation Life, an organization tasked with bringing robust childcare, education, career, healthcare, and prevention services to a historically underserved neighborhood. Operation Life brought the first library, a medical clinic for children, a childcare center, low-income housing, drug and violence prevention programs, and job training to the Westside. Today, these initiatives fuel a community made stronger because of Ruby and her relentless drive. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Ruby Duncan's life and the lasting impact of her dedication and sacrifice. Ruby loved Nevada and made life better for everyone who lives there. As she once said, ``If you want your life to get better, you got to fight for it.'' And through her tireless fight, the community supports that Ruby built will endure for the women, children, and families of the future. And as a friend of mine, as someone whom I got to know as a young girl and then later was able to work with, I extend my deep condolences to Ruby's children, her family, her friends, and the countless lives that she touched. She will be dearly missed. I yield the floor.

Ms. CORTEZ MASTO

Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. Mr. President, I move to proceed to Calendar No. 384, S.J. Res. 128.

Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. Mr. President, I am asking my colleagues to support S.J. Res. 128, which is my amendment to restore commonsense protection from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to stop companies from putting illegal terms in their contracts. Since it opened its doors in 2011, the Consumer Protection Bureau has returned over $21 billion to more than 200 million American consumers after finding that companies violated the law and took advantage of them. That is why we have the Consumer Bureau to go after those bad actors. When companies use the fine print in their contracts to work in illegal provisions that exploit hard-working Americans, the Consumer Bureau is empowered to prosecute them. But the restitution the Consumer Bureau has won for consumers is by nature a response. It comes after Americans have lost precious time and money or sometimes after they have signed away their rights. There needs to be more efforts to proactively discourage companies from abusing the fine print and taking advantage of consumers in the first place. That is what the Consumer Bureau did under the Biden administration. They issued guidance warning companies that creating contracts with unlawful or unenforceable terms is illegal. It doesn't get more common sense than that. No one should be coerced into signing away their rights, like the right to counsel or the right to pursue your claim in court, just to be able to open a bank account, open a credit card, or get a loan. These predatory practices are exactly what the Consumer Bureau was created to stop. Unfortunately, this administration has withdrawn this guidance. They are intentionally allowing bad actors to break the law and put illegal provisions in contracts that will hurt Americans. It is just wrong. That is why I am encouraging my colleagues to support S.J. Res. 128, to restore this protection against fine-print traps. Deception is not a business model, and Americans across the country are paying the price for the Trump administration's anti-consumer policies. I yield the floor. Vote on Motion to Proceed

Ms. CORTEZ MASTO

Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. Mr. President, I move to proceed to Calendar No. 385, S.J. Res. 129.

Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. Mr. President, I am encouraging my colleagues to support S.J. Res. 129, which is my amendment to restore the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's rule that gives States more power to protect their consumers. In 2022, the Consumer Bureau issued an interpretive rule declaring that the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which is the Federal law that regulates the collection, dissemination, and use of consumer credit information, can mostly be overridden by State law. That means States are allowed to regulate credit reporting without the Federal Government stepping in to say that they can't. For example, 15 States have laws on the books banning medical debt from counting toward credit reports, and several States have limits on which eviction records are included in credit reports, easing the burden on tenants who are having trouble renting. Under the Consumer Bureau's 2022 rule, these laws would stand, but now, the Trump administration is trying to replace the Consumer Bureau's rule with one that does the exact opposite. This new rule would make Federal law preempt State law, so States can no longer take action to ensure that consumers get a fair shake when trying to buy a house or get a loan. That is rich coming from an administration that supports States' rights. So as a former attorney general, I believe strongly that States need the ability to protect Americans from financial exploitation. The Trump administration is working to gut the CFPB Bureau, and that leaves consumers in every State open to abuse. It is just unacceptable. In the absence of a Federal Government that wants to protect Americans, individual States are stepping up and passing their own laws to support their residents. If the Trump administration isn't going to support a strong Bureau, then they should let the States do what they refuse to do, but instead, this administration is trying to stop States from stepping in entirely. That is why I filed this joint resolution of disapproval, and I would ask my colleagues to support it. Vote on Motion to Proceed

Ms. CORTEZ MASTO

Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. Mr. President, today, I recognize my friend and mentor Sue Wagner, who passed away in Reno, NV, on March 17, 2026. Sue blazed a path for women in government in the great State of Nevada and is an inspiration not just to me but so many others. She will be remembered not just as the first woman elected Lieutenant Governor of Nevada or as one of the incredible leaders who secured a woman's right to choose in our State but also as someone who you could always count on to stand up for what is right. She was born in Maine, and she grew up in Arizona. Since childhood, Sue had an appreciation for public service and engagement. Her father was actively involved in Maine politics, and his activism sparked Sue's interest in public service. From a young age, she was inspired by female political leaders, and she was also inspired by Senator Margaret Chase Smith, one of her childhood role models. Sue moved to Reno in 1969 with her husband Peter and their two kids Kirk and Kristina. It is there where her political career began. In 1975, she was elected to the Nevada State Assembly, and she served in the assembly until 1980, when she successfully ran for the Nevada State Senate, where she stayed for another 9 years. In 1990, Sue made history as the first woman to be elected Lieutenant Governor in the Silver State. During her political career, Sue supported many causes, including safe houses for abused women, prison system reform, and governmental accountability. She was also a driving force behind the creation of the Nevada Commission on Ethics and the marriage license fee to fund shelters and strengthen safety services for domestic violence survivors. She was especially a champion of women's rights. She fought for a woman's right to serve in public office. She worked to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, and, most notably, she was instrumental in the success of a 1990 referendum in the State of Nevada that helped codify abortion rights into law. She was one of the strongest women I knew. She overcame and survived several personal tragedies. Just months before her election to the Nevada State Senate, her husband Peter died in a plane crash, leaving her a single mother of two kids. And during her 1990 campaign for Lieutenant Governor, she herself was in a plane crash, leaving her with severe injuries to her back and neck. Despite her misfortune, Sue was resilient and continued to serve Nevadans and lead with grit and integrity. Sue's contributions to Nevada weren't limited to her political career. In 1981, she established a memorial endowment at the Desert Research Institute in Reno, where her husband had been an atmospheric physicist. Through that endowment and her own work as a member of the DRI staff for nearly a decade, Sue created opportunities for women in science and fought for funding for environmental studies. She was appointed to the Nevada Gaming Commission in 1997, where she served for 12 years. She also served as the associate director of the Great Basin Policy Research Center at the University of Nevada, Reno. Throughout her career and lifetime, Sue was an advocate for women's rights and for domestic violence survivors. She increased public and higher education funding, environmental conservation, protections for at-risk children, and, yes, increased governmental accountability. Sue had a career to be proud of. She blazed trails that will be her legacy and was beloved by all who knew her. I am honored to have learned from her and to be able to call her as a friend and mentor. She empowered me and so many others to become champions for Nevada. I will always be grateful for her friendship, her inspiration, and the decades of service that she gave to Nevada. Her life and legacy have not only left a lasting impression on me but the entire State. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Sue Wagner and her remarkable legacy. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Ms. CORTEZ MASTO

Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. Mr. President, I don't have to stand here and tell Nevadans that energy prices are high. They see it every day at the gas pump and on their electricity bill statements. In the United States, the average residential energy bill in 2025 was about 30 percent higher than it was in 2021, but the Trump administration seems insistent on making it even harder for working families to afford their energy bills. Overseas, President Trump's war with Iran is causing oil prices to shoot through the roof, resulting in high costs for Americans at the gas pump. Add to that this administration's war on clean energy. Specifically, President Trump's IRS recently submitted a rule that makes it harder for wind and solar energy companies to claim a vital tax credit. This rule makes it more expensive to build America's clean energy future, makes it harder for the United States to meet the increased demand for electricity in this country, and will lead to higher energy prices for working families. But the Senate has the power to do something about this misguided tax policy. That is why today I am leading an effort with my colleagues to pass this Congressional Review Act to overturn this IRS damaging rule. The clean energy industry is producing some of the fastest growing and most cost-effective new power across the world. We need industries like solar and wind that will help us meet growing demand. It will create jobs--good-paying union jobs--and it will bring down energy costs for American families. It is obvious we should be embracing clean energy and investing in it, but instead, we have seen President Trump do just the opposite by passing regulations that are killing clean energy jobs in the United States. We know the President's tax law--the so-called Big Beautiful Bill-- gives tax breaks to the President's wealthiest friends at the expense of hard-working Americans. It is actually blowing up our national debt by $4 trillion. It is cutting $1 trillion from Medicaid and kicking an estimated 16 million Americans off of their healthcare. What people may not know is that it also decreased incentives for solar and wind companies that are helping keep energy prices down for hard-working American families. While the Democrats' Inflation Reduction Act that we passed expanded tax credits for clean energy projects, created jobs, and put us on a future of lowering energy costs for families, President Trump gutted them. That alone is estimated--what he has done is estimated to increase electricity prices by up to 18 percent. The President's tax bill shortened the timeline for when solar and wind companies can claim these tax credits. He did it because he wants to phase them out. He wants to phase them out in favor of fossil fuel. He wants to pick winners and losers. You know, the only losers in this country because of the picking and choosing of this administration of winners and losers is the American public and these companies. If these companies want to claim these clean energy production and clean electricity investment tax credits now, they must begin construction on the projects by July 4, 2026--this year. This year, they have to begin construction. If they begin construction after that date, they don't get this tax credit. That was in the Big Beautiful Bill. Here is where the problem gets worse. To pass his Big Beautiful Bill out of the House, President Trump made a deal with the far-right Republicans in the House to use the IRS to further diminish the solar and wind projects because he just hates them. Last August, the IRS proposed a new rule to completely change an established standard for what it means to begin construction under the IRS Code on these solar and wind projects. Now, remember, since 2013, the standard for what was considered beginning of construction included two of the following: You either had continuous physical work on or off the job site as beginning construction or you had a project in which 5 percent of the total costs had been spent, and they called this kind of a safe harbor. What the new IRS guidance rule does is revoke that second prong. It revokes the longstanding 5 percent safe harbor. What does this mean? This rule, keep in mind now, is only for solar and wind. Again, this President is picking winners and losers. He doesn't like solar or wind. So this IRS guidance only applies to solar and wind, not for other energy projects. It is going to have a huge impact in Nevada, where we have solar year-round, and it is going to have a huge impact across the country. Solar and wind projects were already scrambling to stay eligible for the tax credits they rely on after Trump passed his bill, but with the new IRS rule, companies will have to delay their projects or halt them altogether. This harmful new rule will potentially eliminate thousands of jobs, it will drive up electricity bills for American families, and it will risk power for millions of homes in Nevada and across the country. It is clear that this action is yet another attempt by this administration to strangle the types of energy that the President personally does not like. Demand for electricity is higher now more than ever, and we need to prepare for an electrification future that is going to bring us emerging technologies like AI, and we need solar and wind as part of that generation. That is why I stand before you today and ask my colleagues to join me to revoke this IRS rule. I can't stress this enough. If we as a Congress want to prepare for the future and have the energy needs that we demand as a country, we have to include solar and wind, we have to include clean energy. What this IRS rule does is just the opposite. So I hope my colleagues will join me in passing this resolution. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Ms. CORTEZ MASTO

Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. Mr. President, I move to proceed to Calendar No. 363, S.J. Res. 107.

Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. I ask for the yeas and nays.

Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. I suggest the absence of a quorum.