Maggie Hassan

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Madam President, I have 10 requests, for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the majority and minority Leaders. Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: committee on commerce, science, and transportation The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 2:30 p.m., to conduct a hearing. committee on energy and natural resources The Committee on Energy and Natural Resources is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 10 a.m., to conduct a hearing. committee on finance The Committee on Finance is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 10 a.m., to conduct a hearing. committee on foreign relations The Committee on Foreign Relations is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., to conduct a hearing. committee on health, education, labor, and pensions The Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 2:30 p.m., to conduct a hearing. committee on the judiciary The Committee on the Judiciary is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 10 a.m., to conduct a hearing. committee on the judiciary The Committee on the Judiciary is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 2:30 p.m., to conduct a hearing. permanent subcommittee on investigations The Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 2:30 p.m., to conduct a hearing. subcommittee on international trade, customs, and global competitiveness The Subcommittee on International Trade, Customs, and Global Competitiveness of the Committee on Finance is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 2:30 p.m., to conduct a hearing. subcommittee on strategic forces The Subcommittee on Strategic Forces of the Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., to conduct a hearing.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask that it stand adjourned under the previous order following the remarks of Senators Lankford and Sanders.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand adjourned until 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 22; that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; that upon the conclusion of morning business, the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the Martinez nomination, postcloture; further, that if cloture has been invoked on the Coggins nomination, all time be considered expired at 3:15 p.m.; further, that if any nominations are confirmed during Wednesday's session, the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I now ask for a second reading, and in order to place the bill on the calendar under the provisions of rule XIV, I object to my own request.

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I understand that there is a bill at the desk, and I ask for its first reading.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Madam President, I rise today to add my voice to that of my colleague's, Senator Shaheen, in supporting the confirmation of Seth Aframe of Hopkinton, NH, to serve as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. As you have heard from Senator Shaheen, Mr. Aframe would be a valuable addition to the First Circuit bench. Granite Staters know Mr. Aframe as someone who brings thoughtful judgment and a commitment to fairness to whatever work he is undertaking. He has demonstrated this unwavering commitment to fairness, to justice time and again in his work at the U.S. Attorney's Office, including when he argued cases before the First Circuit. He exemplified those same values in his work on the LASER Docket, which is a drug court that helps people struggling with addiction to get the treatment that they need--an issue that is particularly important to the people of New Hampshire who have been hit hard by the fentanyl crisis. His excellence on the job goes hand in hand with the commitment to his community. Even in the midst of his demanding legal career, he continues to find time to give back to his community. He has served both as a member of his local school board and as president of his synagogue, Temple Beth Jacob. Mr. Aframe has also been dedicated to raising up our next generation of advocates and judges. He taught at the University of New Hampshire's law school for 15 years, where he has regularly given his time to serve as a judge at student mock trials. Mr. Aframe's commitment to the law as well as to his community extends far beyond the confines of his office or work schedule and reflects the values of someone who understands that the commitment to equal justice so essential to our democracy must be highlighted and revered at every level and in every corner of our society. Throughout the nomination process, members of New Hampshire's legal community have also voiced their strong support for Mr. Aframe's confirmation. Four previous U.S. Attorneys for the District of New Hampshire--appointed by Presidents from both parties--wrote a letter, stating: Each of us regards Mr. Aframe as a distinguished and persuasive appellate advocate who has successfully represented the government and earned a well-deserved reputation for excellence. It is not only Mr. Aframe's fellow prosecutors who have confidence in his abilities; New Hampshire defense attorneys, including public defenders, also trust and support Mr. Aframe. Charles J. Keefe, in a letter on behalf of New Hampshire defense attorneys, wrote: In what is often a difficult role as a prosecutor, he epitomizes open-mindedness, courtesy, patience, freedom from bias, and commitment to equal justice under the law. Mr. Aframe also has the backing of many New Hampshire law enforcement officers, including one letter that highlighted: We have observed, firsthand, Seth's professionalism and unmatched abilities as a Federal prosecutor. His honesty, straightforward demeanor, and overall compassion for people have distinguished him in that role. I will add that at Friday's New Hampshire Police Memorial Day ceremony, there was more than one member of law enforcement who approached me and said that Seth Aframe is the right person for this job. It speaks to Mr. Aframe's capabilities and character that he has received such enthusiastic support from both sides of the courtroom-- from the legal community and law enforcement alike. Mr. Aframe receives such widespread support because people from across our legal system see in him someone who is skilled and thoughtful in equal measure; who is always looking for more ways to serve his community and his country; who serves in every role without fear or favor; who needs to be confirmed so that he can continue his lifetime of service--next on the First Circuit Court of Appeals. I yield the floor.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session to consider the following nominations en bloc: Calendar Nos. 575 and 606; that the Senate vote on the nominations en bloc without intervening action or debate; that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table; and that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action and the Senate resume legislative session.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 668, which is at the desk.

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

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Veterans' Affairs be discharged from further consideration of S. 2181 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.

Ms. HASSAN. I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read a third time and passed and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Madam President, I have 11 requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority Leaders.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Veterans' Affairs be discharged from further consideration of S. 3126 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.

Ms. HASSAN. I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read a third time and passed and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand adjourned under the provisions of S. Res. 668 until 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 2; that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; that upon the conclusion of morning business, the Senate resume consideration of the motion to proceed to Calendar No. 211, H.R. 3935 postcloture; further, that all time be considered expired at 1:45 p.m.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. If there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask that it stand adjourned under the previous order.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I am honored to recognize Kate Mikol of Bedford as April's Granite Stater of the Month. She and her siblings founded Fueled by Kids, a nonprofit that provides snacks and meals to Manchester-area students, after they learned that many kids their age can't get reliable meals over the weekend. Now 18, Kate serves as the general manager of the organization. Kate and her siblings started Fueled by Kids after learning about families struggling with homelessness in Manchester. After speaking to a social worker, they learned that one of the biggest ways to help these families is to provide food assistance. They learned that food insecurity can cause immense stress for children and can make it difficult for them to focus on schoolwork. Kate and her siblings were surprised to hear that some students don't even want to go home for the weekend because they don't have breakfast and lunch like they have at school. After learning how widespread food insecurity is, they started assembling bags packed with healthy, kid-friendly foods to give to students at a local school. Fueled by Kids has now provided these bags and other food assistance to kids for the past 8 years. As general manager of Fueled by Kids, Kate helps organize volunteers, speaks with social workers and principals, and helps spread the word about the organization. She is also very involved with the organization's summer programs to help bridge the gap between school years, when students may lose access to the daily breakfasts and lunches that they have during the school year. Kate also started a club at her high school to help get more students involved; over time, the organization has grown--now serving 21 public schools in the Manchester area. This year, the organization has already given out more than 1,000 bags. Kate's dedication to helping children in need is truly admirable. The work that she and her siblings have undertaken by starting and operating Fueled by Kids reflects the Granite State spirit of stepping up for one another--consistently and over time--at its best. I am honored to name her Granite Stater of the Month.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the en bloc consideration of the following Senate resolutions: S. Res. 634, S. Res. 635, and S. Res. 636.

Ms. HASSAN. I ask unanimous consent that the resolutions be agreed to; that the preambles be agreed to; and that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table, all en bloc.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I move to proceed to Calendar No. 350, S. 4072.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, as a reminder, Senators will gather tomorrow at 10:20 a.m. to proceed as a body to the Hall of the House of Representatives for an address by His Excellency Kishida Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I move to recess until 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 11, 2024.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I am honored to recognize Robert ``Bob'' Wolfe of Concord as March's Granite Stater of the Month. Since 2000, Bob has welcomed and supported new refugees to Concord, and he has particularly focused on connecting refugee children with local sports leagues to help them fully immerse themselves into their new community. Bob was inspired to start working with refugees 24 years ago, after he met a man from Sierra Leone who told him about the violence that he had left behind in his home country. Bob knew that he wanted to help refugees navigate their new country in any way that he could. Recognizing the extreme culture shock and language barriers that can prevent newly settled refugees from fully adjusting, Bob has assisted refugee families in Concord in many different ways, for example, by helping them to get houses and apartments, send their children to college, and get rides to immigration court. One of the biggest ways that Bob helps refugee children settle in is by connecting them with recreational sports. He assists families in getting the right equipment and finding a sport that they enjoy. Although the kids are dealing with a new country, new language, and new way of life, playing a sport is something that everyone can understand and connect over. Bob has built ties throughout the community over the years to help new refugees feel comfortable in their new home; he is always there to lend his help in whatever way that he can. Bob truly showcases the Granite State spirit of helping your neighbors and building a stronger community. I am proud to recognize Bob's boundless generosity to new Granite Staters.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I am honored to recognize Dr. Bob Andelman of Portsmouth, NH, as February's Granite Stater of the Month. After a 34-year-long career as an anesthesiologist, Dr. Andelman retired and retrained in addiction medicine. He then spent the next 7 years volunteering with Greater Seacoast Community Health, helping patients get the addiction treatment that they need and demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to his community and State. Dr. Andelman began his career as an anesthesiologist at Wentworth- Douglass Hospital in 1979, where he worked for 6 years before moving to Portsmouth Regional Hospital in 1985, where he worked for 28 years. He also volunteered for the New Hampshire Board of Medicine for 10 years. In the later years of his practice, addiction grew from a problem into a crisis and spread throughout our State, touching nearly every community in New Hampshire. As Dr. Andelman began to contemplate retirement and the time came to decide whether to renew his medical license or let it lapse, Dr. Andelman decided that he could not stop practicing medicine; instead, he chose to change course and work to address the opioid epidemic. Given the dire need for more doctors to prescribe medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder, which cuts the craving for addiction and is the gold standard for treatment, Dr. Andelman connected with Greater Seacoast Community Health and underwent new medical training in order to prescribe medication- assisted treatment to Granite Staters. This transition required learning entirely new medical content and a new electronic medical record system as well. But for Dr. Andelman, the biggest difference was in the one-on-one relationships he developed with his patients. As an anesthesiologist, Dr. Andelman was used to gathering information about the patient, consulting with doctors, and helping patients understand the process of being anesthetized before, during, and after medical procedures. In his role at Families First Health Center, part of Greater Seacoast Community Health, he started to build long-term relationships with patients, often learning about their lives starting from childhood on; and this rapport was essential for building trust with his patients to help them stay in recovery. For 7 years, Dr. Andelman volunteered at Families First, helping countless patients and their families change their lives. Dr. Andelman was inspired by his time at Families First Health Center, particularly by patients who courageously sought treatment and faced their conditions head on. He understands that addiction is a chronic illness where people can relapse, but some patients continue to push through the illness and work to get better. Many patients who come in for addiction treatment have not had any positive reinforcement, and Dr. Andelman saw the impact that such reinforcement provided when he complimented their efforts to seek help and communicated his belief in the patient's strength and ability to succeed. Dr. Andelman's selfless determination to help others is truly inspiring. His long career and volunteer work in medicine exemplifies the Granite State spirit of lifting up others and doing what we can to help each other out. I am proud to recognize Dr. Andelman's compassion, hard work, and the difference he has made for countless Granite Staters when they need a doctor--and a friend.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Madam President, reserving the right to object, we all share the grief and horror we saw unfold when Hamas committed the atrocities against the people of Israel. We all continue to work, as the President and his team have been doing, to find a way to get the hostages released while also addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. But to cut off all humanitarian aid at this point in time would mean that innocent civilians and children in Gaza would be irrevocably harmed. We need to continue, as the administration is doing, to develop this framework, to get the hostages out, and to get a pause in the fighting while we do, but we also need to address the humanitarian crisis. I would also note that if my colleague from Florida is interested in securing the border, there was a bipartisan agreement to secure the border that Republicans turned and walked away from last week because they would rather keep this as a problem and a political issue than actually work to pass a solution. They could have, of course, after we had gone to the bill that included a border security package that was supported by the National Border Patrol Council, representing 18,000 Border Patrol agents, because they knew it would make our border secure. They walked away from it. The last thing I will just say is that if we are interested in standing up to authoritarians and standing for freedom, as my father did in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II and as I just heard my colleague speak of how his father did the same, then we need to make sure that we make clear to Iran and to China and to North Korea and to Vladimir Putin that the United States of America stands for freedom. If my colleagues are serious about that, they will be supporting this bill. With that, I object.