Cindy Hyde-Smith

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, I would like to commend a friend and frontline healthcare worker, Tammy Livingston, who is a nurse at Kings Daughters Medical Center in my hometown of Brookhaven, MS. Rural hospitals like this one, along with their brave staff, are the backbone of healthcare in Mississippi. Tammy has worked at Kings Daughters Medical Center for over 20 years. While she has served in many positions within the hospital, she is currently the patient care coordinator. In her role, she cares for some of the sickest patients in the hospital by assisting her colleagues with patients in the ICU. Within the dedicated medical unit for COVID patients at Kings Daughters, Tammy monitors patients daily, making sure they are comfortable and cared for at such a difficult time. Tammy is invaluable to the Kings Daughters Medical Center. Tammy is put in situations every day where she endures heavy stress, heart- wrenching situations, and puts herself in harm's way to care for patients and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic. She is a lifesaver and best friend to all of her patients. Tammy is a healthcare hero. I am thankful for our fighters like Tammy and pray that she may be kept safe while she serves her friends, family, and community through this pandemic.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. I object.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, reserving the right to object, I am disappointed but can't say I am surprised that the Senators on the other side of the aisle have objected to the SAVE Moms and Babies Act. The Democrats have shown time and again that they would rather put the profits of the abortion industry over protecting women. That is what is happening again today. Make no mistake, the Democrats are trying to change to another bill because they want to distract you from what my bill is about. My bill is about protecting women from dangerous at-home abortions without a physician involved whatsoever. That is what my bill does--ensure women have to see a doctor to get this drug, ensure the doctor can examine her to see if she has any conditions that might make her at higher risk for complications, make sure she is fully informed and consents that she is not coerced. Democrats objecting to this shows you how far to the left the Democratic Party is on abortion. Passing my bill should be a no- brainer. The REMS rules were put into place by a Democratic FDA to protect women. They have been in effect for 20 years, until the judge in Maryland fell for some far-fetched arguments from abortion advocates. The FDA and HHS implement government health and safety regulations to protect patients and ensure that doctors are doing their job, to make sure that drugs are safe and that patients are not harmed. That is why we have an FDA and why we have an HHS. I agree with the Senator from Washington State that FDA and HHS should do this work based on scientific evidence. That is exactly what happened in 2000 when the Clinton administration and FDA scientists looked at the evidence and decided these REMS rules were needed to protect women from the dangers of this abortion drug. Usually, Democrats support science-based health protections but not when it comes to abortion. When it comes to abortion, they are in the pocket of the abortion lobby and would rather play politics rather than protect women's health. We can't let Senate Democrats change the subject by trying to bring up another bill that is not related to these REMS protections whatsoever. We can't let them try to change the subject from women's health to their latest conspiracy theory about the President. Therefore, I object.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, in a few moments, I will ask unanimous consent for the Senate to take up and pass legislation I have introduced to protect women from harm and to protect their health. This is such an important issue to me as a Senator, as a woman, and as a mother. I am pleased several of my Senate colleagues have joined me on the floor to discuss this important issue, and I look forward to hearing their remarks as well. Twenty years ago this month, the Food and Drug Administration approved, for the very first time, the abortion pill known as mifepristone. It did so under the immense pressure from the Clinton administration and its pro-abortion allies. However, when the FDA approved this drug, it recognized the serious risk of complications and life-threatening side effects that can be caused by this drug. Because of the risk of harm, and even death, the FDA put in place certain rules to protect the health of women. These rules are known as risk, evaluation, and mitigation strategies--or REMS for short--because they work to mitigate the risks posed by this drug to women. These commonsense rules require a woman to see a doctor to get the drug, to be fully informed of the potential side effects and how she can seek followup treatment for those life-threatening side effects, and to offer her informed consent before being prescribed the drug. These simple, commonsense rules have been in place to protect the health of women for over 20 years. Recognizing their importance, I introduced the SAVE Moms and Babies Act last year to codify these rules into law to make sure they remain in place to protect women from these serious side effects. However, pro-abortion forces oppose even these basic protections for women's health and have been working to undermine them, putting women at serious risk. This summer, a judge in Maryland issued a nationwide injunction canceling these REMS rules for the entire country. We knew this was coming. Back in April, I led 150 Members of Congress, including 38 Members of this body, in warning the FDA about this issue, and now pro-abortion advocates have found one activist judge to rule in their favor, putting women's health at risk in the middle of a pandemic. Even with the REMS rules in place to protect women's health, a substantial number of women end up needing lifesaving surgery or blood transfusions following chemical abortion. Sadly, some women have even died from these dangerous drugs. Make no mistake, no protections mean more adverse events for women. These protections ensure that a doctor could examine the woman to see if she has an ectopic pregnancy or is RH negative. These conditions can seriously increase the risk of harm to a woman taking this drug. No REMS protections means at-home abortion without medical oversight, putting women at risk of bleeding out and dying alone without a doctor to help her. No REMS protections mean that every State health and safety law that protects women from harm will be at risk. No REMS protections mean mail-order abortion without physicians providing the screenings recommended by the doctors and scientists at the FDA. That is why it is more important than ever to pass my bill, the SAVE Moms and Babies Act, to codify into law the important FDA REMS rules that protect women from the dangers inherent in mail-order, do-it- yourself chemical abortions.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, as if in legislative session, I ask unanimous consent that the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee be discharged from further consideration of S. 3072 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration. 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.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, as a former commissioner of agriculture in Mississippi, this is so vital and so important. In Mississippi, agriculture is the No. 1 industry. One in every four jobs is related to agriculture. So this is very vital for my State. With the end of the fiscal year fast approaching, we must act to ensure important agriculture and conservation programs administered by the Department of Agriculture do not come to a screeching halt on October 1. The 2018 farm bill, which was supported by 87 Members of the Senate, authorized important safety-net programs to protect producers against sharp price and revenue declines; provide short-term loans and interim financing to help producers meet cash flow needs; assist dairy producers affected by low milk prices and high feed costs; compensate landowners for taking fragile land out of production and implementing conservation improvements to help the environment; and assist producers when natural disasters destroy feed for livestock, cause above-average livestock mortality, and damage commercial orchards and fruit trees. Current law requires many of these program payments to be made annually after October 1, which highlights the importance of this matter on this day. As Congress discusses measures to keep the government open and Federal programs operating beyond the current fiscal year, it is essential for any continuing resolution to include a provision allowing the USDA Commodity Credit Corporation to continue financing these programs. Failure to include such a provision would pose a serious risk to America's farmers and ranchers in these already challenging times. It would cause harmful delays in program funding and benefits at a time when many producers across the country simply cannot afford to wait months to recover for these losses. This issue is not just about supporting American agriculture; it is about Congress living up to its promises. More than 1.7 million producers signed contracts for the Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage Programs. Millions of private landowners have signed conservation contracts to take their land out of production. These are contracts, and the terms of those contracts must be met. I remind my colleagues that this is not a situation to be taken lightly. In recent years, America's farmers and ranchers have experienced unfair foreign tariffs, depressed prices, catastrophic flooding and other natural disasters, market disruptions, and now COVID-19. I applaud my fellow Republican colleagues on the Appropriations Committee and the Senate Agriculture Committee for raising awareness on this issue. It is our job to feed this country. We need to be allowed to do that. Thank you.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, rural hospitals like King's Daughters Medical Center in my hometown of Brookhaven have always been the backbone of healthcare in Mississippi. The work of the staff at these rural hospitals during the pandemic has been remarkable. Dedicated nurses like my friends Larue Lambert, Tammy Livingston, Misty Britt, Christina Miller, and their coworkers--which are so many-- toil every day under heavy stress and heart-wrenching situations to care for patients and their families. They are lifesavers, and they are best friends to total strangers. They take on extra shifts and duties while doing what they can to keep morale up. They are healthcare heroes who are enduring extreme conditions. Doctors like Dr. Jeff Ross are working through both physical and mental exhaustion. Yet they continue to do their job, selflessly managing the care of their fellow Mississippians. In the heavily affected Jackson metropolitan area, the University of Mississippi Medical Center has brought its unique capabilities to bear. In the early days of the pandemic, its research labs rushed to create its own in-house COVID test. And the UMC National Telehealth Center of Excellence quickly ramped up technology to triage patients for testing and provide socially distanced care. I greatly admire UMC's work with the Federal Government on best telehealth practices during a pandemic. As potential treatments have emerged, UMC researchers and healthcare providers have stood up eight cutting-edge COVID clinical trials in their new clinical trials unit. Our healthcare providers aren't the only ones who have been working to protect the health of Mississippians. Industries across the State have quickly pivoted to provide needed supplies to fight COVID-19. For example, distilleries like Wonderbird Spirits in Taylor, Cathead Distillery in Jackson, and Lazy Magnolia Brewery in Kiln made the quick decision to begin producing hand sanitizer early in the pandemic. Furniture companies, like Confortaire in Tupelo, stepped up to produce needed PPE for the North Mississippi Medical Center and our local schools. And Mississippi Prison Industries, a nonprofit that gives incarcerated individuals the opportunity to be employed and gain work experience, is producing up to 15,000 masks and 7,000 isolation gowns per day. Since the start of this pandemic, I recognized that we are dealing with two emergencies. There is the healthcare emergency and the economic emergency. I am proud of the many ways in which Mississippians are helping each other weather these difficult economic times. Mississippi bankers worked around the clock, 7 days a week, to help small businesses access the Paycheck Protection Program loans. Our friend Brad Jones at the Bank of Franklin in Meadville, MS, was so helpful in keeping me abreast of the needs of our local business owners. Because of their efforts, Mississippi ranked No. 1 in the entire Nation in PPP loans, with nearly 50,000 loans processed. This tireless work is helping small businesses stay open with their employees at work. Ensuring Mississippians have access to food has been a challenge. A Mississippian who has been a godsend to many families is Andy Mercier, who leads Merchants Foodservice in Hattiesburg. In partnership with the Mississippi Food Network, his 800 employees have remained on the payroll and worked to provide more than 100,000 gallons of milk and nearly half a million food produce boxes to those in need. These USDA Farmers to Families boxes filled with food products from Mississippi farmers and producers have sustained families and helped our hard-hit agricultural industry. In addition to efforts in the private sector, our churches and nonprofits across our State are also working tirelessly for Mississippians. St. James United Methodist Church in Columbus coordinated with a Delta catfish producer to distribute five tons of Mississippi farm-raised catfish to those in need in the Golden Triangle region. Finally, I could not stand up here today and fail to mention our Mississippi teachers, especially as so many schools across our State are beginning the new academic year this month. Last spring, our teachers accepted the challenge and quickly transitioned their classrooms to a new kind of learning through technology and other socially distanced means. While those challenges continue as schools navigate how best to serve students this fall, each and every one of our teachers will be in my prayers over the next few weeks. In every facet of our society, we have heroes standing up to help their neighbors during unprecedented challenges. To all of the healthcare workers and first responders on the frontlines against this virus, to all the researchers racing to test treatments and develop protocols, to all of the people making hand sanitizers and PPE to help prevent the spread of this virus, to all the bankers and small businesses working to keep people on the payroll, to all of our farmers, ranchers, food distributors, and grocery store workers keeping food on the store shelves and on our tables, to all of our churches and nonprofit organizations serving our communities, and to our teachers who are facing challenges they could have never imagined, from the bottom of my heart, I say thank you. Your heroic labors are noticed, and they are greatly appreciated. I yield the floor.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, let me first honor the life of William David Martin, a paramedic with American Medical Response of Southwest Mississippi, serving on the frontlines of Mississippi's healthcare as COVID-19 began to spread. Sadly, in April, he passed away from complications due to the virus. Mr. Martin is a true hero and one example of the extent to which first responders and healthcare workers are working to overcome this national emergency

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, as we debate the need for additional coronavirus relief funding, I am pleased to join my colleagues in commending the millions of Americans who have gone above and beyond to help others during this pandemic. Throughout our Nation's history, everyday heroes emerge in times of turmoil to aid their neighbors in so many ways. The COVID-19 pandemic is no exception. In every corner of my State, Mississippi's first responders and healthcare providers are historically stepping into harm's way to provide care to patients affected by the virus.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, I join my colleagues today in calling on this body to include the Prescription Drug Pricing Reduction Act of 2020 in the next coronavirus relief bill so that we can finally address the high cost of prescription drugs. The troubles caused by skyrocketing drug prices are a never-ending source of worry and hardship for Mississippians and people across this entire country. I hear about this issue from constituents more than just about any other issue when I go home. I hear this all the time. I go to church with people who have to decide whether they are going to buy their drugs or buy food. That is a reality we live with. Let me highlight a few stories shared with me by some of my constituents Emily Quinn lives in Fulton, MS. Her husband, Brian, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 2 and continues to rely on insulin daily. Her son Dylan, who is now 16, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 6. The Quinn family pays more than $2,700 each month for just Brian's and Dylan's insulin, not including other diabetic equipment and supplies that they have to have. It is shocking that more than a century--a century, not a decade; a century, 100 years--after insulin was discovered, insulin prices continue to rise by staggering amounts, nearly 300 percent over the last 10 years. Scott Crawford of Jackson, MS, is a volunteer advocate for multiple sclerosis. Scott was diagnosed with primary progressive MS in 2002. Only one drug, named OCREVUS, can help slow the advancement of this disabling disease. That drug costs a staggering $65,000 a year--more than most Mississippians make. Even with good insurance coverage, Scott cannot afford the $15,000 copay for OCREVUS, so he just goes without. MS drugs have seen some of the most shocking price increases of all, with list prices rising nearly 450 percent over the last 10 years. Two young neurologists in Mississippi told me about their Medicare patients who quickly move into the catastrophic phase of Medicare Part D early each year. Even though these patients face only a 5-percent out-of-pocket cost for their drugs in this phase, that small percentage can amount to thousands of dollars for the expensive neurology drugs these patients depend on. Because there is currently no Medicare Part D out-of-pocket cap, these patients will get no relief from high drug prices later in the year when they still have to have them. These are just a few of the many stories that I have received from Mississippians. I have one of my own as well. My mother, a Medicare beneficiary living in Monticello, MS--Hyde, Lorraine--faced $454.50--right there--in out-of-pocket costs for her prescription eye drops earlier this year. A tiny bottle of eye drops cost $454.50. The drug, RESTASIS, has been on the market well over a decade--more than enough time for Allergan, the pharmaceutical company that developed the drug, to recoup its investment. Yet the average wholesale price of this drug has increased almost 250 percent in 10 years. It was almost unbelievable when my mom called me and told me what she paid for eye drops. This case went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court because Allergan had undertaken what I consider one of the most blatantly anti- competitive schemes in the history of the pharmaceutical industry. Fearing competition after its RESTASIS patent expired in 2014, Allergan transferred the patents to a Native American Tribe in an attempt to use the Tribe's sovereign immunity to shield Allergan against competition from lower priced generic alternatives. As I said, this case went all the way to the Supreme Court in 2018. Even though the Supreme Court ultimately ruled this scheme was illegal, the company's underhanded ploy successfully delayed competition while it continued to reap outrageous benefits from RESTASIS, costing the U.S. healthcare system over $2 billion per year because of their monopoly pricing. We want pharmaceutical companies to succeed. The great cures and treatments they discover improve the lives of many, many Americans. We recognize that fact. But these cures and therapeutics can only save lives if the patients can afford them. Too many Mississippians and individuals across this country cannot afford their prescription drugs due to the anti-competitive prices of companies--like Allergan--that continue to increase their prices year after year. Today, the threat of the coronavirus pandemic has only increased concerns about drug pricing. As new vaccines and treatments for COVID- 19 are being tested and developed, the affordability of prescription drugs is more important than ever. Just as much as we need a vaccine or treatment to be discovered, we also need it to be affordable for Americans if we are going to get on the other side of this pandemic. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the Finance Committee chairman's comprehensive Prescription Drug Pricing Reduction Act to bring affordability and fairness to the prescription drug market. This bill must be an immediate priority for us as leaders if we are serious--if we are serious--about helping patients afford the drugs they need. This important legislation would create a true out-of-pocket cap for Medicare beneficiaries, reinforce the market forces that have supported the research and development of so many miracle cures, keep pharmaceutical companies from price gouging, prevent taxpayers from being on the hook for unlimited price hacks that have no basis in the free market, stop the hurtful tactics of pharmacy benefit managers that hurt patients and community pharmacies while enriching the middlemen. These reforms could reduce out-of-pocket spending on prescription drugs by $72 billion, reduce premiums by $1 billion, and save taxpayers $95 billion. The Congressional Budget Office anticipates those savings will spill over into even more savings in the commercial health market. This is a priority that should transcend party politics. Yet Democrats who had previously supported Chairman Grassley's reform legislation have walked away from the drug pricing negotiation table altogether. They would rather deny President Trump a victory on this issue than help the millions of Americans struggling to make ends meet due to high drug costs. There is no doubt about it: They are putting election-year politics ahead of making prescription drugs affordable for the American people. The American people can't wait. Every month they continue to block this vital legislation is another month of thousands of dollars in insulin expenses for the Quinn family in Fulton, MS. Every month delayed is another month that Scott Crawford's MS advances because he cannot afford his medications. Every month is another month that those neurologists in Jackson will continue to worry about their patients on Medicare who face unlimited expenses due to no out-of-pocket cap. These patients, and millions more like them, cannot wait until next year or until the coronavirus pandemic passes or until Democrats decide to put the American people over politics. Mississippians and Americans need a solution now. My friend the Senator from Iowa has done the hard work of writing a bill over the past 18 months that can address the heart of the issue and garner bipartisan consensus. I call on my colleagues to include the Prescription Drug Pricing Reduction Act in the next coronavirus relief package. I have been very excited to work on this. This is one of the very reasons that I came to Washington, DC--to help Mississippians I yield the floor.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Madam President, it is a shame the Senate has been prevented the opportunity to discuss meaningful legislation to strengthen and improve our law enforcement system. The Senate had an opportunity to implement public safety measures the American people believe are needed and the American people want. Most importantly, the Senate was blocked from working toward helping bind the Nation together. Sadly, this was due to partisan politics by our Democratic colleagues. It is disappointing that, when given the chance to back up a lot of big talk about reform and change, our colleagues on the other side of the aisle simply walked away. I was under the impression we were all in agreement that the matters addressed in this legislation were, at the very least, worth debating. By refusing to even consider a debate, Senate Democrats leave the American people with irresponsible demands to defund the police and destruction of public property. My friend and colleague, the junior Senator from South Carolina, worked tirelessly to produce very good legislation. He and the leadership offered to work with our Democratic colleagues and assure them there would be an open amendment process. Had we had a chance to proceed, I was prepared to file an amendment that would have gotten the top Federal and State law enforcement officials together from rural and urban areas and developed a best practices curriculum for training incoming law enforcement officers. The amendment would have provided the resources to train the trainers. This simply illustrated that Members on both sides of the aisle wanted an opportunity to offer meaningful changes to the bill, but only one side of the aisle thought that opportunity was worthwhile. I am ready to debate on that and any other amendment should we do the right thing and have an open, purposeful conversation on a very critical issue. The tragic death of George Floyd in Minneapolis last month exposed an erosion of public confidence in the rule of law and law enforcement practices. There is no doubt in my mind that the vast majority of law enforcement officers, who are very good friends of mine--many of them across the country--do their jobs fairly and justly. However, the bad actions of a few are enough to cause us as elected leaders to consider responsible changes to improve police practices and rebuild public confidence in those we trust with ensuring our public safety. I encourage my colleagues to reconsider and engage in this debate. It would be a real tragedy not to use this national moment in our history to improve law enforcement through more accountability, transparency, and better training. Let's stop looking for ways to divide the American public. Let's bring people together and work together toward meaningful reform that improves law enforcement, public safety, and the confidence Americans deserve in the rule of law. I yield the floor.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Madam President, it is an honor to speak on behalf of Judge Cory Wilson of Mississippi and in support of his nomination to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. I have known Judge Wilson for many years. His experience and legal knowledge make him an excellent choice to serve on the appellate court. Numerous colleagues of Judge Wilson's from different backgrounds and political affiliations have risen in support of his nomination and spoken to his personal qualities. After his impressive nomination hearing and an outpouring of support from Mississippians, who know him best, there is no question that Judge Wilson will be a fair and impartial judge who follows the rule of law. Judge Cory Wilson will serve on the Fifth Circuit with honor, dedication, and distinction. I am also pleased a judge from Mississippi will mark a historic day as the 200th Federal judge to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate during the Trump administration. Judge Wilson's confirmation represents a pivotal point in the President's work to ensure there are more smart, conservative jurists in the Federal judiciary. Under the leadership of President Trump and Leader McConnell, the Senate has prioritized confirming bright, well-qualified men and women who will serve our country for years to come. I am proud to support Judge Cory Wilson and urge my colleagues to approve his nomination. I yield the floor.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, as the American people continue to show great strength and perseverance during this coronavirus crisis, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight those very American ideals by commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Jones Act. The Jones Act has enhanced American prosperity and national security ever since its enactment on June 5, 1920. It puts America first over subsidized foreign shipbuilders and foreign vessel operators that do not pay U.S. taxes or comply with U.S. regulations. It continues to preserve our role as the world's leader in commerce and thousands of precious jobs for our American citizens. When it comes to the Jones Act, there is an overwhelming sense of pride from the American people, especially from Mississippians. Mississippi has a long and storied shipbuilding tradition of which we are very proud. Mississippi is home to multiple shipyards that continue to grow domestic jobs exponentially, increase overall positive economic impact, and produce a multitude of vessels to fortify national security and commerce. With more than 13,000 domestic maritime jobs, Mississippi ranks 15th in the Nation for jobs related to the domestic maritime industry. In addition, Mississippi ranks second nationwide in per capita shipyard jobs, meaning that one out of every 75 Mississippians has a job directly or indirectly related to the shipyard industry. When looking at the total economic impact from domestic maritime activity, Mississippi accounts for more than $3 billion annually. It is sufficient to say Mississippi is one of many States that continues to reap and sow the rewards of the Jones Act. Mr. President, there are more than 40,000 vessels in America's domestic fleet, which is one of the largest in the world. The domestic maritime industry accounts for 648,220 jobs, $41.6 billion in labor compensation, $154.8 billion in economic output, $72.4 billion in value added, and $16.8 billion in taxes. The Jones Act is an integral part of our Nation's success, and I am proud to recognize its longstanding contributions to our Nation and to advocate for its continued influence in the decades to come.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, due to the coronavirus pandemic, Memorial Day commemorations will be different this year. The coronavirus may force us to continue Memorial Day traditions virtually or privately with our families. Nevertheless, it is important for us to take time this weekend to honor those who bravely gave their lives for all of us. Throughout our Nation's history, courageous and patriotic men and women have gone into battle and lost their lives to protect the freedoms that make being a U.S. citizen such a blessing. I am proud that Mississippians throughout our history have readily committed to serving our Nation. Likewise, we are equally committed to honoring the fallen and their families. It was Mississippians who helped initiate the solemn act of commemorating those lost in battle. Columbus, Mississippi, proudly claims rights to originating Decoration Day, when women began decorating the graves of the all casualties not long after the Civil War. This year, despite all precautions we must take, there are ways we can remember and honor the fallen. For my part, I honor the brave Mississippians who have dedicated their lives to protecting our citizens, and I pray for the families who share in their sacred sacrifice.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, our Nation commemorates National Police Week in May, bringing together law enforcement officers, families, and public safety advocates from across the country to the Nation's Capital to pay respect to law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty last year. The coronavirus outbreak in our country has disrupted the public tributes in Washington and in communities across the country. However, COVID-19 will not diminish our heartfelt gratitude to the fallen and those they left behind. This year, an online virtual candlelight vigil has replaced an in-person national ceremony to honor fallen officers from across the Nation. Sadly, the State of Mississippi lost four officers in the line of duty last year. These brave men are being recognized this week, and their names have been added to the National Law Enforcement Memorial here in Washington, DC. On May 5, 2019, Officer Robert McKeithen, 58, of Biloxi, was ambushed and tragically murdered. An Air Force veteran, Office McKeithen served with the Biloxi Police Department for 24 years and planned on retiring by the end of the year. He was dearly loved by his family, friends, and fellow officers. Constable Willie West, known as Hoot, was first elected in 1971 as constable of Lowndes County District 1 and was serving his 13th consecutive term. He had previously served with the Columbus Police Department and Lowndes County Sheriff's Office. He had a total of 52 years of law enforcement service and was a founding member and first president of the Mississippi Constables Association. On May 6, 2019, Constable West was serving civil papers when his vehicle struck a tree. He succumbed to his injuries a few days later at the age of 81, leaving behind a son, two daughters, five grandchildren, five great- grandchildren, his mother, brother, and two sisters. Chickasaw County Deputy Sheriff Jeremy Voyles died in a single automobile crash while conducting an investigation on August 27, 2019. He was assigned to the North Mississippi Narcotics Unit. Prior to joining the sheriff's department, Voyles served as a law enforcement officer with the Mississippi Department of Transportation. He is survived by his wife, two young children, and his parents. On December 12, 2019, Panola County Constable Eula Ray ``Raye'' Hawkins, 57, was killed when his vehicle was struck by a stolen pickup truck being pursued by other officers. Constable Hawkins served in law enforcement for 29 years. He is survived by his son, who serves with the Batesville Police Department, a daughter, one grandson, and two sisters. I join the families, fellow officers, and communities of these four Mississippi officers, who dedicated themselves to bravely serving the people of my State, honoring their lives with a deep sense of gratitude for their service. My heart aches any time a law enforcement officer is lost, whether it is in the line of duty or not. Their names may not grace a national memorial, but their service still merits recognition. For instance, long-time Lawrence County Deputy Sheriff Robert Ainsworth and his wife, Paula, were among the 14 Mississippians who lost their lives in terrible tornadoes that hit my State on Easter Sunday. In his last act, Deputy Ainsworth, a Marine Corps veteran who died trying to shield his wife from harm, demonstrated the selflessness and bravery that is characteristic of so many in law enforcement. Law enforcement officers risk their lives daily to help keep us safe, and any loss of an officer profoundly affects entire communities. My admiration for the law enforcement community, who remain deeply dedicated despite the dangers of their noble profession, knows no bounds. We acknowledge their brave service and fortify our support of their work to serve and protect our families and our communities.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, it is with a heavy heart that I honor the life of Mississippi native, William David Martin. A paramedic with American Medical Response, David served his community during the coronavirus pandemic until he passed away due to complications of COVID-19 on April 22, 2020. His dedication to his patients and community represents the best of Mississippi, and I send my deepest sympathies to his family and friends. Mr. Martin was born in 1967 in McComb, MS, to Joyce F. Martin and the late Billy B. Martin. Mr. Martin was a national registered paramedic with American Medical Response of Southwest Mississippi and worked as a paramedic in Natchez and Gulfport. Throughout his career, Mr. Martin served on the frontlines of Mississippi healthcare, helping care for patients during emergencies and times of great need. When COVID-19 began to spread in the United States, Mr. Martin answered the call and continued to serve and protect his community from this dangerous new virus. Mr. Martin will be known as a hero not only in Mississippi but throughout our Nation. As a symbol of his dedication to his team of paramedics, his coworkers from AMR Southwest Mississippi served as the pallbearers at his funeral. Mississippi and our Nation have been well-served by the diligence, sacrifice and love provided on a daily basis by paramedics like David Martin. His big heart and dedication to his community will be greatly missed. I offer my condolences and prayers for Mr. Martin's children, his fiance; and members of his family. I also pray that God will protect his coworkers at AMR and all paramedics in Mississippi, who are still working tirelessly to protect our loved ones throughout this pandemic. They, like so many of our healthcare workers on the frontlines, deserve our support and appreciation during this time.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, as we continue to navigate this unprecedented position we find ourselves in because of this extremely contagious virus, I want to bring one issue to the attention of all of my colleagues. Anyone who has been on social media has seen the empty shelves in the grocery stores throughout the country. The last shortage we need right now is with our American farmers. We are going to be able to feed this country but only if we keep the farmers in business. With virtually every restaurant in this country now being on shutdown, we have never found ourselves here. They are not ordering the food they normally order because they are on shutdown. We are here, in the city of Washington, DC, and have every restaurant closed except for a few for takeout, which is one market our farmers have just lost with our being in the position that we are in. We don't need to be. We have to make sure our food production continues. As the former agriculture commissioner of the wonderful State of Mississippi, I can speak to this firsthand. When this market slows down, it doesn't move the needle a little bit; it moves the needle a lot. The emergency supplemental appropriations portion--division B of the phase 3 coronavirus legislation--provides that critical support for American farmers and ranchers who are truly being impacted by this virus. It is an important provision that the Democrats seem to oppose but that is just a no-brainer for me. Firstly, it reimburses the USDA's CCC that we have referred to, which is the Commodity Credit Corporation, in order to prevent any delays in program funding that is vital to U.S. agriculture. The second thing it does is to temporarily raise the CCC's borrowing authority to ensure that the USDA has the resources it needs to assist producers during this COVID-19 emergency. This is just basic economics. People come to the floor, and they talk about all of these programs that we need to be increasing right now. The Democrats want billions for domestic food programs, but what happens when those who are supplying our food go out of business? This is a $1 trillion-plus package, and as the dear Senator from Nebraska stated, we cannot leave our farmers and ranchers out--the backbone of rural America. I look at the Democrats' bill, and they are calling for the workers first. There is nobody working any harder right now to feed this country or to feed those medical workers who are being pushed beyond restraints to which they should never have to be pushed but who are willing to step up because they are within the medical community that is willing to take care of these patients. Every small business has employees, and they are going to have to be fed. We have to ensure that we continue to have the safest food supply--and cheapest, I might add-- of anywhere in the entire world. I appreciate the work of Chairman Hoeven and others of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture for including this in this bill--this provision that is very vital. It has to remain in there. I just want to stress the importance of making sure the farmers and ranchers can continue to do what they were born to do, including those wonderful farmers and ranchers in the State of Mississippi and throughout this country, and that is to produce our ag products in order to make sure this country will continue to sustain itself.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, I will vote to acquit President Donald J. Trump on both Articles of Impeachment presented by House Democrats. I have listened carefully to the arguments presented by the House Democratic managers and the White House defense team. Those prosecuting the President failed on a legal and constitutional basis to produce the evidence required to undertake the very serious act of removing a duly elected President from this office. This trial exposed that pure political partisanship fueled a reckless investigation and the subsequent impeachment of the President on weak, vague, and noncriminal accusations. The Democrats' case, which lacked the basic standards of fairness and due process, was fabricated to fulfill their one long-held hope to impeach President Trump. We should all be concerned about the dangerous precedent and consequences of convicting any President on charges originating from strictly partisan reasons. The Founding Fathers warned against allowing impeachment to become a political weapon. In this case, House Democrats crossed that line. Rejecting the abuse of power and obstruction of Congress articles before us will affirm our belief and the impeachment standards intended by the Founders. With my votes to acquit President Trump, justice will be served. The Senate has faithfully executed its constitutional duties to hear and judge the charges leveled against the President. I remain hopeful that we can finally set aside this flawed partisan investigation, prosecution, and persecution of President Trump. The people of Mississippi and this great Nation are more interested in us getting back to doing the work they sent us here to do. I yield the floor.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Madam President, today I rise for the opportunity to commend Senator Johnny Isakson on his retirement from the U.S. Senate. I am a relatively new Member to the Senate, but I think we all remember the first time we ever walked onto the Senate floor. I know I certainly do because that is the day I met Senator Johnny Isakson. With both of us being from the South, I knew we would probably have a lot in common, a similar view on life, and a heart for the South, but it didn't take me long to learn that Johnny has a universal heart. I am guilty of the expression, ``Nothing is special until you make it special.'' Johnny has such a generous gift of making things special. He has the gift of making everyone around him feel special. His heart and his attitude sees the best in people and yet goes further to let them know how much they mean to him. He exemplifies being a leader, an encourager, and an investor of people. He is never too busy to ask how you are doing or to ask about your family. Common courtesy sometimes isn't always that common anymore, but I assure you it is with Johnny Isakson. His brilliance is unquestionable. His ability to articulate what is important to him is just simply amazing. He can deliver a message that not only expresses his concern but also has answers and solutions based on his experience and his tremendous wisdom. He is the gentle calm in a tremendous storm. He has the words of wisdom when so many are bewildered. He is the guiding light in the darkest times. He provides the needed laugh in times of tension and the voice of reason in times of uncertainty. His love is deep, and his compassion is true. He knows how to be a friend. He was a born leader and has the ability to capture opportunities and turn them into successes. My world has been enhanced and enriched by this wonderful and precious human being. Johnny learned a long time ago that the joy of living comes in giving. You know when a person has in his heart that joy, that wasn't put there by the world. When I think about the true statesmen I have met in my brief time in the Senate, I will certainly have ``Georgia on My Mind.'' Thank you.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, reserving the right to object, legislation that would affect the rights of American citizens under the Second Amendment should not be fast-tracked by the Senate. Efforts to criminalize otherwise lawful conduct with firearms by law-abiding gun owners should not be exempt from consideration by the appropriate committee of jurisdiction. It should not be exempt from debate on the Senate floor. If this so-called commonsense, bipartisan legislation was indeed crafted with strong bipartisan input, it shouldn't have any problems advancing by regular order. Many questions about this legislation need to be answered before it is forced upon law-abiding gun owners. If I wanted to give my best friend's son or grandson my hunting rifle, would we first have to appear before a licensed gun dealer and go through a lengthy and potentially expensive background check? This is my understanding. We have many questions like this. My constituents would like to have an opportunity to weigh in on measures like these, which is why we can't fast-track legislation that affects America's Second Amendment rights. I object to this unanimous consent. I yield the floor.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, I am pleased to commend Dr. W. Mark Donald, who has been elected as speaker of the House of Delegates for the American Dental Association, where he will serve a 3-year term. Dr. Donald has long been a leader in the dental community in Mississippi, and I look forward to seeing his success in this position with the American Dental Association, ADA. A native of Louisville, MS, Dr. Donald graduated from the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry in 1988. Following graduation, he completed his general practice residency program with the VA Medic Center and the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry in Jackson, MS. In 1990, Dr. Donald opened his general dentistry practice in Louisville, MS. For three decades, Dr. Donald has been very active in the dental community in Mississippi. He has served as speaker, president, and as an ADA delegate for the Mississippi Dental Association. In addition, he served as speaker and president of the Academy of General Dentistry and as president of the Academy of General Dentistry Foundation. His other experience includes serving as a member of the ADA Council on Dental Practice in 2018; as chair, vice chair, secretary/treasurer, and parliamentarian of the ADA 5th District; and as Mississippi Mission of Mercy Project chair in 2011, 2013, and 2019. Since 2015, Dr. Donald has taught the next generation of Mississippi dentists as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry. In 2017, Governor Phil Bryant appointed Dr. Donald to serve on the Mississippi Board of Dental Examiners, where he still currently serves. Dr. Donald's contributions, dedicated service, and commitment to excellence have made a difference for dentists and dental patients across my State. In his new role serving as speaker of the House of Delegates for the American Dental Association, I believe he will continue to commit himself to bettering the dental profession and improving the lives of patients across the nation. Mr. President, Mississippi is extremely proud to have Dr. Mark Donald serving as speaker of the House of Delegates for the American Dental Association. He has my appreciation and gratitude for all he has done for the great state of Mississippi. I wish Dr. Donald, and his family, all the best in their future endeavors.