Mitch McConnell

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, with only a few weeks to go until the end of September, we have no time to waste when it comes to appropriations. We had planned for the Senate to consider bipartisan bills from the Appropriations Committee as soon as next week and make significant headway before a partial interim continuing resolution becomes necessary at the end of the month. To this end, Democrats and Republicans in both the House and the Senate, plus President Trump, formalized an agreement 1 month ago. It set up funding levels to inform the appropriations process, and everyone on both sides agreed there would be no poison pills, no partisan wrenches thrown into the gears. Unfortunately, yesterday brought some disturbing signals that Democrats may be rethinking that commitment. New poison pills are apparently being discussed. But everyone knows what we agreed to last month. In fact, back on August 1, I asked consent to print the entire terms sheet that everyone agreed to in the Record. So I maintain hope that Chairman Shelby and Ranking Member Leahy can oversee a smooth process and that we can move all 12 appropriations bills in a bipartisan fashion. Both sides have every reason to want a smooth appropriations process to proceed as we had planned. I hope that is exactly what happens in committee this week and on the floor soon thereafter.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, on another matter, as he departs the position of National Security Advisor, I want to thank Ambassador John Bolton for his many years of valuable service to our country. Personally, I have always appreciated John's candor and clear advice. He possesses something crucial--the ability to understand the world the way it is. He knows that there are many threats to American interests and that those threats will not recede if we retreat. He understands that American leadership is essential to keeping these threats and enemies at bay and that our partners and allies rarely act without us. John appreciates the need to stand up to adversaries like Putin's Russia, to approach them from a position of strength, and to hold them accountable for their lies and their misdeeds. I wish him well wherever his career next takes him. Of course, the President deserves to choose his own team, and he has assembled a strong one. He and our Nation are well served by leaders such as Secretary Pompeo, Secretary Esper, and Director Haspel. I hope the President selects a National Security Advisor who will work well with these seasoned national security leaders who have been chosen by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, on another entirely different matter, for 18 years today's date has held a tragic meaning. September 11 is a day of mourning, a date stained by the terrorist murderers of so many innocent people in New York, Arlington, and Pennsylvania. With each passing day, the reality is still shocking, and the wounds are still painful. Each year we remember the innocent men, women, and children who lost their lives: workers rushing to meetings, vacationers headed home, emergency personnel whose quick response immortalized them as heroes. Each year we honor the memories of the heroes who sacrificed their lives to bring the perpetrators of this evil to justice and to prevent similar attacks. Our way of life was changed by 9/11. It changed our approach to security. It awakened us to determined new enemies. The dangers of radical Islamic terrorists remain real. Al-Qaida, its enablers, and its allies still plot against America from Afghanistan and Pakistan to Yemen, Somalia, Libya, Mali, and beyond. ISIS persists in Iraq and Syria through an underground network of terrorists who have not yet given up the fight. We cannot walk away from these dangers. We must not leave our work undone. Many nations have a stake in defeating the terrorists. NATO allies have been with the United States since the early hours of this fight. Eighteen years ago, this critical alliance invoked article V for the first time. Since then, many NATO partners have fought side by side with us in Afghanistan, in Iraq, and in Syria. We are not--and need not be--the world's policeman. Winning this long war, like the Cold War, will require sustained efforts and contributions not only from the United States but from our allies and especially from local partners. For example, in Afghanistan the vast majority of the fighting is done by local security forces, but we must always remember the global coalition to defeat the terrorists will not lead itself. So, today, as we remember the tragedies of the past, we must renew our commitment to leading the fight for a better future. Today, may the memory of the nearly 3,000 victims who lost their lives on this day in 2001 serve as a lasting reminder of what is at stake in the fight against terrorism and steel our resolve to continue the hard, necessary work of defending our homeland. May we always keep foremost in our thoughts all the U.S. servicemembers, intelligence officers, diplomats, and first responders who have given their lives in pursuit of our Nation's security.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that following the disposition of the Akard nomination, the majority leader and Democratic leader both have a minute to speak and the Senate then observe a moment of silence in remembrance of the events of September 11, 2001.

Mr. McCONNELL. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I think everyone knows today is the anniversary of 9/11. Many of us here remember evacuating this very building on September 11, 2001. We knew the world would never be the same. For the people of New York, an ordinary beautiful morning was brought to a screeching halt as the clear blue sky filled with smoke. For those at the Pentagon, the workdays in service of our Nation turned into a literal nightmare. For hundreds of air travelers, routine flights gave way to tragedy, and, thanks to the bravery of passengers and crew, incredible acts of heroism. The Senate stands with the entire Nation as we remember the terrible events of 18 years ago today and the nearly 3,000 innocent lives that terrorists stole away. We stand in solidarity with those who still grieve, and we honor the patriotic resolve that inspired first responders, U.S. servicemembers, and countless Americans who dedicated themselves, that day and since, to selflessly keeping our Nation safe. May our remembrances renew our commitment to building a world where terrorist evil has no home. May we never forget.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, the Senate is in the midst of confirming several more of the President's well-qualified nominees to important Federal posts. After we complete today's vote on Ambassador Kelly Craft, whom we confirmed a month ago to serve as Ambassador to the United Nations, we will turn to several more public servants whom the President has asked to serve at the Departments of State, Treasury, Health and Human Services, and Veterans Affairs, among others. Meanwhile, the Appropriations Committee is working to produce government funding legislation. With a good-faith, bipartisan, bicameral approach, we will be able to build on the agreement the President signed into law last month and ensure adequate funding for the American people's priorities. As always, I know my colleagues and I are grateful to Chairman Shelby and Ranking Member Leahy for their work. I hope we are able to consider significant bipartisan funding legislation here on the floor this month before turning to a temporary continuing resolution while work continues.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, now on an entirely different matter, today Congress observes the 400th anniversary of a reprehensible moment in the history of our land. In August 1619, an English ship landed at the tip of Virginia's Lower Peninsula. On board were 20-some Africans whom the crew had captured from a Portuguese slave ship. These men and women were sold to the Colonies, and with that, England's American Colonies had taken their first step into the already massive transatlantic slave trade. The shameful history of slavery in what would become our Nation had begun. In many ways, slavery is the original sin of the United States of America. This systematic racial exploitation wove its way into the Colonies' economies and societies. Almost two centuries later, the disgusting practice was a stumbling block in our founding debates. It ultimately was allowed to continue for the sake of union. Some of our Founders participated personally even as they argued the philosophical case for equality under God and under law. Thomas Jefferson owned slaves while he wrote the Declaration of Independence-- and the shameful inconsistency was not lost on him. Jefferson wrote: ``Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just: that his justice cannot sleep forever.'' Indeed, justice did not sleep forever. The last century and a half has seen the moral truths on which this Nation is founded slowly overcome one racist evil after another. After an unthinkably bloody Civil War, slavery in America was no more. Almost a century later--much too late--the failures of Reconstruction and the cruelty of Jim Crow began giving way to the heroism of the civil rights movement. Change has come too slow. The process has been incredibly imperfect. But every American should take pride in the undeniable progress we have made in overcoming the terrible chapter that was opened 400 years ago. We should take pride that our American ideals of equality and justice--not the sins of our forefathers--are the true, deepest bedrock of this great Nation. Today, with the Nation, Congress looks back to 1619 and remembers the size and scope of slavery's stain on our history. We mark this somber anniversary with grief for all the slaves whose God-given freedoms were so brutally denied. We reflect gratefully on the tremendous, rich contribution that generations of African Americans have made to this Nation despite this violence and adversity. We give thanks that true American values slammed the door on this unjust part of our Nation's history and continue to prevail today.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I welcome my colleagues back to the Senate. I hope all of us took advantage of the past weeks that we spent in our home States and with our constituents. Washington is where we come to work. We come here to fight for our neighbors and for the places we love and are proud to hail from. The American people know this is a highly charged political moment. They haven't sent us here to stage pitched battles or score political points. They elected us to make a difference for them and their families. We do that by taking care of the people's business and by collaborating in good faith to complete our work and attend to the pressing matters that are before us. While we were spread out across the country, we heard an unwelcome announcement from our dear friend and colleague, the senior Senator from Georgia. Senator Johnny Isakson has determined that his health challenges will lead him to conclude his distinguished 15-year Senate career at the end of December, putting Georgians first, like always. His departure will be a significant loss for the people of Georgia and for the 99 of us here in this Chamber. Senator Isakson is a tireless legislator. In particular, he is a dogged advocate for our Nation's veterans. But he is even more than that. Johnny is universally seen as one of the warmest, friendliest, most respectful, and most collaborative Members of this body. He has strong views and solid principles, but he knows that broad, often bipartisan cooperation is the way to advance those very goals.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. I hope that as the Senate tackles the important matters before us in the weeks and months ahead, we will not only make sure to savor our last few months working alongside this great friend and colleague but also to embody his example in our work. Here is what that work will need to include: Right off the bat this week, the Senate will begin working through a slate of nominations to important Federal offices. The American people deserve to be governed by the government they voted for, and every time we confirm another one of the uncontroversial, amply qualified public servants whom President Trump has selected for these executive branch posts, we fulfill a constitutional responsibility and make manifest the people's decision. Of course, in the days and weeks ahead, another major duty before us will be the appropriations process. Just like last year, under the leadership of Chairman Shelby and Ranking Member Leahy, I am confident we can make significant progress on regular appropriations this month and then pass an interim continuing resolution to prevent any funding lapse while that work continues. Let me say that again. A major focus of the Senate this month will be moving forward as many of the regular appropriations bills as possible and then passing a temporary continuing resolution for the outstanding parts of the government before the end of September. We have the parameters in place, thanks to the bipartisan funding agreement President Trump signed last month. Now it is time for the rubber to meet the road and for the Senate to pass appropriations bills this month.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that notwithstanding rule XXII, the postcloture time on the Craft nomination expire at 11:50 a.m. on Tuesday, September 10; further, that if cloture is invoked on the Darling nomination, the postcloture time expire at 2:15 p.m. and if either of these nominations are confirmed, the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action; finally, that notwithstanding rule XXII, following disposition of the Darling nomination, the Senate vote on cloture motions for the Akard, Cabaniss, and Byrne nominations.

Mr. McCONNELL

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

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, it is a distinct privilege to recognize my friend, Henderson County Sheriff Ed Brady, who is celebrating 50 years of a remarkable law enforcement career. Throughout his distinguished service, Ed has answered the call of duty and protected Kentucky families and communities. I am proud to join his family, colleagues, and friends in marking this golden anniversary. Ed began his career in law enforcement as a dispatcher with the Kentucky State Police. He joined the department while in college, attending classes all day before working the dispatch's third shift overnight. It certainly wasn't easy, but the experience showed Ed's work ethic and steadfast commitment to the public's safety. Although his father was a Kentucky State Police Trooper, Ed never thought he would be one himself, but after a few years as a dispatcher, he heard the calling to leave the office and enter the academy. As the youngest member of his class--and for a time the youngest trooper in Kentucky--Ed focused diligently on his training to get the experience he needed to excel. For 22 years, Ed worked for the Kentucky State Police, earning a reputation for his leadership and service. Ed remembers his decision to leave the Kentucky State Police was among the hardest of his entire life, but he was presented with an offer too good to turn down. The City of Henderson, Ed's hometown, asked him to lead their police force as its chief. Although it was a major shift from his previous job, he was ready to hit the ground running. In fact, he was sworn-in as the Henderson Chief of Police only hours after turning in his State trooper badge. As the new police chief, Ed knew he had to work to earn the trust of both his law enforcement colleagues and the Henderson community. To address the former, he invested a great deal of time into hearing from his new officers and building relationships. To gain the respect of the citizens of Henderson, Ed implemented community policing practices. He and his officers went directly into previously underserved areas in a coordinated effort with the city government. He organized more bicycle and foot patrols and a committee focused on minority relations. Looking back on his career, Ed called the transformation of this area of Henderson his proudest accomplishment because, in his words, ``We gave people back their neighborhood.'' After more than a decade and half as a successful chief, Ed was on the lookout for a new challenge. He wanted to get back to his rural- policing roots and decided to run for Henderson County Sheriff. Since his first election and for the last 12 years, he has done just that. As Sheriff, Ed leads his deputies with distinction. Over the years, I have worked with Ed on a number of projects in our Commonwealth, including to deliver critical resources to bolster the work of local law enforcement. It is an honor to call him a dear friend. To celebrate his golden anniversary in law enforcement, Ed's family and colleagues surprised him with an event in his honor. He certainly deserves our recognition for his dedication to his community and his years of leadership in Kentucky. I would also like to recognize his wife Amy, an impressive public servant in her own right. As Henderson County's jailer, Amy is the other half of this remarkable team. I ask my Senate colleagues to join me in marking this wonderful occasion and wishing Ed and Amy many more successful years to come.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, recently my home State of Kentucky had the opportunity to celebrate the 103rd birthday of a truly remarkable individual. Brigadier General Ron Van Stockum marked the occasion by sharing his lifetime full of rich memories in Shelbyville's ``Sentinel- News.'' I would like to take a moment today to pay tribute to my friend and join Ron's admirers across Kentucky in thanking him for his service. Ron was born in England in the midst of the First World War. His father, a sergeant in the British forces, was tragically killed in the Battle of the Somme a week before the birth of his son. While her heart may have been broken, Ron's mother Florence felt determined to continue serving their Nation in uniform. Before his second birthday, Florence placed Ron in the care of their relatives and joined the Women's Royal Air Force. Through her service in the war effort, Florence first met Anton Van Stockum, an immigrant to the United States who volunteered to serve his adoptive homeland in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Florence and Anton quickly developed an affection for one another, sharing a letter- writing correspondence that lasted beyond the war's conclusion. Returning home, Anton settled in Seattle, WA, and worked at a lumber mill. Florence decided to travel with Ron, now nearly four, to visit her pen pal. It was a journey that would forever change their lives and set Ron on a previously unimagined path. After traveling thousands of miles, Florence and Ron finally reunited with Anton in British Columbia. They married and settled in the United States to start a new family. Interestingly, no record was made of Ron's entry into our country. That oversight would prove challenging in the coming years when Ron, like his father, mother, and stepfather before him, chose to serve in uniform. While studying at the University of Washington, Ron sought to enter the Advanced Reserve Officers' Training Corps. It would be his first step in a distinguished career of service. Without an official proof of citizenship, however, he almost wasn't allowed in at all. Ron and his family were forced to gather multiple testimonials documenting his life in the United States and attesting to his story. He was permitted to join the ROTC and was later commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. The experience led Ron to value the high honor of calling himself an American. For the next three decades, Ron honorably served as a marine. During World War II, he was part of the amphibious assaults in the Pacific. Ron also served at sea with the Navy aboard a battleship and an aircraft carrier. Because of his diligent service and remarkable merit, he eventually achieved the rank of brigadier general. When Ron retired from active duty, he and his wife Susanne moved to her family's historic farm in Shelby County, KY. Since 1970, our Commonwealth has been made better because of Ron's many contributions to the State. Here, he began his second career in education. Spending 11 years at my alma mater, the University of Louisville, Ron served as the assistant dean for administration at the school of medicine and later as the assistant to the president of Uof L. In 1981, Ron began what he calls his second retirement, but his friends knew there was no chance he would slow down. Since then, he has written six books chronicling the history of our Commonwealth and his own family lineage. He has also taken to writing for the ``Sentinel- News,'' and he has published more than 250 columns on a wide variety of interests. Over the years, it is been a privilege to call this great American a dear friend, and I've enjoyed reading his reflections. As he celebrates his 103rd birthday, I share my sincere congratulations and best wishes. We are so proud of his contributions to our Commonwealth and his service to this Nation. I urge my Senate colleagues to join me in wishing a happy birthday and many future successes to Brigadier General Ron Van Stockum.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I want to take a moment today to honor Tony Reck, who recently marked 50 years of excellence in the railway industry. He has been a friend and a leader in western Kentucky for many years, and I would like to join his family, friends, and colleagues in celebrating Tony's great success. Interestingly enough, Tony never planned to enter the railroad business at all. He studied aviation and joined the Air National Guard, expecting to spend his career in the skies. Instead, Tony's half- century career in the railroad industry began as a summer job at the Illinois Central railroad after his first year of college. When he returned to school, Tony kept working at the railroad, eventually going to class all day and working at night. Clearly, Tony had developed an unbeatable work ethic early on, and it has served him well throughout his career. Tony was selected to join the railroad's sales department based in St. Louis, giving him the chance to travel throughout its service area. It was that position in which Tony began overseeing the operations in Kentucky. Changes in Federal regulations also meant big changes for Tony. When Jim Smith and David Reed purchased a Western Kentucky railway, they named it the Paducah & Louisville Railway and asked Tony to help them run the operation. Two years later, Tony was named the president of the P&L Railway, and in 1995, he became chairman and CEO. According to P&L, this full-service, 265-mile, regional railroad moves more than 21 million tons of freight each year and supports hundreds of good jobs in western Kentucky. Tapping into Paducah's geography as the inland waterways capital of the world, the railway coordinates with barge operators to expand its reach even further. Shipping many important products, including coal, P&L also connects to five of the largest railroads in the country. Tony's long career managing these complex logistics has earned him a top-notch reputation both in the industry and the local community. Tony's experience and leadership continue to serve western Kentucky well, and I am proud to help him celebrate this milestone accomplishment. I wish him and his wife Farideh many more happy years as they continue to help make Paducah a great place to live and work. I urge my Senate colleagues to join me in marking 50 years of Tony's remarkable career in the railway industry.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of H. Con. Res. 57, which was received from the House.

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the concurrent resolution be agreed to and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m., Tuesday, September 10; further, 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, morning business be closed, and the Senate proceed to executive session and resume consideration of the Craft nomination under the previous order. Finally, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate recess following the cloture vote on the Darling nomination until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly conference meetings.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that it stand adjourned under the previous order, following the remarks of Senator Gardner.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, my office and I are closely monitoring a significant explosion of a natural gas transmission pipeline early this morning near Danville, in my home State of Kentucky. As of this morning, one fatality and five more injuries have been reported, and others may be unaccounted for. We hope and pray that these figures do not increase. Several structures have been damaged or destroyed. The Lincoln County emergency manager reported: ``The part of the area that has been compromised, there is just nothing left.'' The fiery explosion was so large that it was picked up by weather satellites, and witnesses report the smoke can be seen from my hometown of Louisville, almost 70 miles away. Obviously, the investigation is just beginning. My staff and I will continue to stay on top of this and be a resource for everyone affected. This morning, our prayers are with the families whom this disaster has touched, and our gratitude is with all the first responders who rushed toward the towering flames to protect their neighbors and communities.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, now on a completely different matter, the Senate has accomplished a significant amount of business this week for the American people. We have made a big dent in the backlog of President Trump's well- qualified nominees for Federal office. With respect to the judiciary, we have confirmed 13 impressive individuals to lifetime seats on the Federal bench. We have also ensured that two more key components of the President's foreign policy team will be on the job before the Senate adjourns for the August work period. We confirmed the Deputy Secretary of Defense and a new ambassador to the United Nations--both with bipartisan support, just as it should be for nominees who are so fully prepared for jobs that are so important.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, today the Senate will turn our attention to legislation. We need to address the debt limit and secure the full faith and credit of the United States. We need to continue to secure the funding our national defense demands. Fortunately, the pending legislation will accomplish precisely that. In recent weeks, key officials on President Trump's team engaged in extensive negotiations with Speaker Pelosi and the Democratic House. Given the exigencies of a divided government, we knew that any bipartisan agreement on funding levels would not appear perfect to either side, but the administration negotiated a strong deal. First and foremost, it ensures our Federal Government will not approach any kind of short-term debt crisis in the coming weeks or months. It secures our Nation's full faith and credit and ensures that Congress will not throw this kind of unnecessary wrench into the gears of job growth and a thriving economy. What is more, despite the desires of the Democratic House, the administration has successfully kept far-left poison pills and policy riders entirely out of the process. We had heard that our Democratic colleagues across the Capitol were clamoring to take us backward on the issue of life, perhaps even targeting the Hyde Amendment or forcing more taxpayer dollars back toward Planned Parenthood. We had heard they were clamoring to try to handcuff the administration's important work on border security, but on those fronts, and many others, the far left was denied any such victories. There are no poison pills--a big win for the White House. I ask unanimous consent that the terms of this agreement and the specific prohibition of poison pills be printed in the Record.

Mr. McCONNELL. Now, perhaps more importantly--particularly to my Republican colleagues and to me--this legislation sets a sufficient funding level for our national defense. Over the past few months, as we have worked through important legislation like the NDAA, we have been reminded of one glaring reality: The forces that seek to harm the United States and our interests are ever-changing, and they demand the full attention of a fully equipped, modern, and ready military. Since President Trump took office, Republicans in Congress have made remarkable progress. Working together, we have begun rolling back the damage caused by the previous administration's neglect, atrophy, and misguided approach. We have begun to rebuild and restore our military. We have taken important steps toward modernization, so we aren't just rebuilding the capabilities we need today but investing in those we will sorely need tomorrow. I trust none of my colleagues are under the illusion that our work is finished. As our adversaries grow stronger, critical gaps remain in our ability to counter expansion, influence campaigns, and direct acts of violence toward America and our allies around the world. The bipartisan funding deal is the opportunity--the only opportunity on the table--to continue filling in these gaps before it is too late. So make no mistake, Russia is not waiting idly by as we sort out whether to deliver full funding to missile defense or uphold our support of partner forces in Europe. China will not scale back its own aggressive ambitions and military investments if Americans decide to take a breather ourselves. Iran's financing of terrorist organizations and regional troublemaking is not going to stop if we stop investing in our own ability to check their efforts and project power. So if we say we are serious about countering threats to our homeland, our allies, and our men and women deployed overseas, then we have to actually deliver on our promise to equip our forces for the job. We have to invest in improved readiness to help our military commanders plan for emerging challenges--in research and development to support the U.S. military of the future--and in rock-solid support for our alliance commitments, which help preserve the peace and extend the reach of our values. This deal is an opportunity to do exactly that. This is the agreement the administration has negotiated. This is the deal the House has passed. This is the deal President Trump is waiting and eager to sign into law. This is the deal that every Member of this body should support when we vote later this morning.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. I send a cloture motion to the desk.