Mitch McConnell

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. I ask unanimous consent that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the en bloc consideration of the following nominations: Executive Calendar Nos. 541, 542 and 552.

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate vote on the nominations en bloc with no intervening action or debate; that if confirmed, the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table en bloc; that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action; that no further motions be in order; and that any statements related to the nominations be printed in the Record.

Mr. McCONNELL

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

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, as my good friend Carter Hendricks prepares to end his service as the mayor of Hopkinsville, he certainly has a lot to show for his years of leadership in Southwestern Kentucky. He has helped the region take full advantage of its great potential, and I know I join his friends and constituents in expressing our gratitude. Today, I would like to honor this remarkable Kentuckian and wish him well as he embarks on his next chapter. When he was first elected in 2014, Carter made headlines for becoming the second youngest mayor in Hopkinsville's two centuries of history. The local newspaper, the highly regarded Kentucky New Era, also reported that Carter was only the city's second Republican mayor. He quickly mobilized the city's administration with a bold strategy to make Hopkinsville an attractive destination for economic development. His flagship initiative, called ``Hoptown WINS,'' was a nearly $15 million capital campaign involving downtown improvements, as well as new parks, a sports complex, and a visitors center. These state-of-the- art amenities are meant to help draw investment and good jobs into Hopkinsville and the surrounding areas. Now halfway through his second term, Carter and his constituents are beginning to see the positive results of his leadership. His vision of Hopkinsville's bright future is helping to create the conditions for growth and prosperity. Carter had been encouraging economic growth in the region long before he first stepped foot into the mayor's office. For nearly a decade, Carter worked in senior positions at the Christian County Chamber of Commerce, including 4 years as its president and CEO. With local leaders and the business community, he helped develop creative solutions to the county's challenges. I have had the great privilege to work with Carter in both of these capacities. When I heard the area's lack of access to a Federal interstate was obstructing business investment, Carter and I teamed up to find a solution. In 2017, Senator Rand Paul and I secured the designation of a nearby section of the Edward T. Breathitt Pennyrile Parkway as Interstate 169. When President Trump signed our provision into law, he helped connect Christian County to the Federal interstate system and bolstered Carter's efforts to encourage growth in the area. We also partnered to support the brave men and women stationed at Fort Campbell in Christian County. The installation is part of Kentucky's critical role in our national defense structure, and the local community takes seriously its responsibility to support Fort Campbell's mission and the servicemembers stationed there. During his time with the chamber, Carter led the business community's efforts to be strong and supportive neighbors. Together, we wanted to welcome all members of the military and their families to Kentucky, make them feel at home, and help them prosper in this community. Carter said he didn't take the decision to leave the mayor's office lightly. When the chance to lead the South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council became available, however, he leapt at the opportunity. Formed in 2012, the organization represents Christian, Todd, and Trigg Counties and engages with job creators looking for their new home. Carter admits the job will present new challenges, but I am confident he will bring the same knowledge, determination, and high energy that has led to so much success. Although the city will certainly miss Carter's daily leadership, he said, ``I'm not leaving the team--if anything I'm just in a slightly different position.'' At the economic development council, Carter will continue supporting the city's efforts and continue working toward the same goal. He is certainly lucky to have a proud cheering section in his wife Faye and their two children. I would like to thank Carter for his constant dedication to creating opportunities for families in West Kentucky and to congratulate him on his great achievements. I hope my Senate colleagues will join me in commending this talented Kentuckian for his leadership and service and in extending our best wishes as he steps into a new role. Mr. President, the Kentucky New Era in Hopkinsville recently published a profile of Carter's distinguished service. I ask unanimous consent that the article be printed in the Record.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, at the beginning of a new year, most of us look ahead with plans, expectations, and resolutions. The residents of Monroe County in the Pennyroyal region of South Central Kentucky, however, are spending the first days of the new year looking back on their unique history. They are looking two centuries back, in fact, to the county's founding in 1820. I would like to join with these Kentuckians in kicking off a year of bicentennial celebrations of the county's blessings and its rich heritage. At its founding, local leaders looked to Presidential leadership when selecting the name for the county and its seat. President James Monroe was honored with the county's name while his Vice President, Daniel Tompkins, was the inspiration for the county seat's name, Tompkinsville. Early Monroe County residents took advantage of the area's fertile soil and its close proximity to the Cumberland and Barren Rivers. In this beautiful setting, they began developing deep agricultural roots with livestock and staple crops like tobacco and hemp. Like many Kentucky counties, Monroe's early economic development was stunted during the Civil War. Many local residents joined the war effort, and support for the Union led to the establishment of Camp Anderson and the raising of the 9th Kentucky Infantry. Unfortunately, Monroe County's location on the Kentucky-Tennessee border also caused multiple invasions by both Union and Confederate forces throughout the war. During one of these raids, a Confederate unit captured Tompkinsville and burned much of the town, including the courthouse, causing lasting devastation. Although the local economy was slow to rebound immediately after the war, the new century helped Monroe County get back on track. Since that time, families in the region have continued developing their rural traditions while making important investments into new local industries. A little over a decade ago, I was proud to partner with local officials in Monroe County to deliver Federal funding for a new water treatment facility, along with other upgrades. Together, we are helping to encourage new opportunities for economic growth and good jobs for Kentucky families. In addition, I greatly enjoy working with a proud son of Tompkinsville, Congressman James Comer, who is a strong champion for his hometown and all of the First District of Kentucky here in Washington. The yearlong bicentennial celebration will feature a wide range of Monroe County's history, as well as some of its local specialties. From its famous barbecue to a Gospel music event, the festivities will showcase the many talents of Monroe County families. They will also pay tribute to local veterans, honoring the county's long and distinguished record of contributing to our Nation's defense. In celebrating their wonderful history, these Kentuckians are also preparing to take advantage of their great potential ahead. With the principled leadership of Congressman Comer, State Representative Bart Rowland, County Judge/Executive Mitchell Page, and many other local officials, Monroe County is well-positioned for a bright future. It has been a privilege to help kick-off this bicentennial celebration, and I ask my Senate colleagues to join me in congratulating all the residents of Monroe County on this milestone. Together, we look forward to many more prosperous years to come.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 289, S. 2629.

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the committee-reported amendment be agreed to and the bill, as amended, be considered read a third time.

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I know of no further debate on the bill, as amended.

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Environment and Public Works be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 263 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read a third time.

Mr. McCONNELL. I know of no further debate on the bill.

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I have 2 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 the Judiciary The Committee on the Judiciary is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, January 9, 2020, at 10 a.m., to conduct a hearing on the following nominations: Andrew Lynn Brasher, of Alabama, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit, John Charles Hinderaker, and Scott H. Rash, both to be a United States District Judge for the District of Arizona, Joshua M. Kindred, to be United States District Judge for the District of Alaska, Matthew Thomas Schelp, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Missouri, and Stephen A. Vaden, of Tennessee, to be a Judge of the United States Court of International Trade. Select Committee on Intelligence The Select Committee on Intelligence is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, January 9, 2020, at 2 p.m., to conduct a closed hearing.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of H.R. 925, which was received from the House.

Mr. McCONNELL. I ask unanimous consent that the Barrasso substitute amendment be agreed to and the bill, as amended, be considered read the third time.

Mr. McCONNELL. I know of no further debate on the bill, as amended.

Mr. McCONNELL. I ask unanimous consent that the Barrasso title amendment be agreed to and the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation be discharged from further consideration of S. 1982, and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Sullivan substitute amendment at the desk be considered and agreed to, and the bill, as amended, be considered read the third time.

Mr. McCONNELL. I know of no further debate on the bill.

Mr. McCONNELL. I ask unanimous consent that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I take a moment to congratulate the occupant of the Chair for this important piece of legislation that will help us deal with ocean debris in a hopefully very successful way.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the en bloc consideration of the following Senate joint resolutions introduced earlier today: S.J. Res. 65, 66, and 67.