Mitch McConnell

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, speaking of continuing John McCain's legacy, I am also happy that our colleagues on the Armed Services Committee have officially chosen Senator Inhofe to serve as their next chairman. Jim Inhofe filled in for Senator McCain during a difficult year. He rose to the occasion and helped lead the committee in passing crucial legislation that honored the example of his predecessor and the volunteers who defend our Nation. He possesses rich experience on the committee, including decades of work on behalf of American servicemembers, as well as his own military service. Congratulations and thanks to Senator Inhofe.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, on another matter, the Senate continues work on a number of important priorities. This morning, I joined a number of our colleagues in the first conference committee meeting for the farm bill, including the occupant of the Chair. Others of our colleagues are continuing to confer with the House on appropriations bills so we can stay on track with respect to funding the government. On the floor this week, we will continue attending to personnel business. We voted yesterday to advance the nomination of Elad Roisman to serve on the Securities and Exchange Commission. After we confirm him, we will turn to eight more qualified district court nominees. Of course, the Nation turned its attention yesterday to the start of Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearings to serve as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. Those who tuned in heard about a well-respected judge and well-respected professor with flawless judicial temperament and integrity, someone who makes those around him better. They heard these accounts from a former U.S. Secretary of State, a sitting U.S. Senator, and a prominent liberal litigator with extensive experience before the Supreme Court. From Judge Kavanaugh himself, they heard about his guiding principles--among them, ``Interpret the Constitution as written, informed by history and tradition and precedent.'' In sum, the American people saw the impressive, talented, measured jurist they have heard so much about. Unfortunately, the country also saw disappointing displays of attempted partisan obstruction. The rude, disrespectful, and boorish behavior we saw yesterday in the Judiciary Committee was the confirmation hearing equivalent of an ``abolish ICE'' protest--the confirmation hearing equivalent of an ``abolish ICE'' protest right here in the Senate Judiciary Committee room. Well, I guess we shouldn't be too surprised. The antics confirmed two things that our Democratic colleagues have told us before: Their minds are already made up--they have already made up their minds about the Kavanaugh nomination--and they will try anything to stop it. Democrats interrupted Chairman Grassley literally scores of times. They treated the nominee rudely, even insulting the patriotism of this devoted public servant and highly esteemed judge. They offered one stale process complaint after another--completely ignoring the fact that more documentation has been produced for Judge Kavanaugh's nomination than for the last five Supreme Court nominations combined. I guess our Democratic friends' coordinated plan was to throw a pot of spaghetti at the wall and see if anything stuck. Nothing stuck. Nothing stuck except the complete contrast between a gracious, thoughtful, patient nominee and the hyperventilating by Senate Democrats who are obviously not interested in giving Judge Kavanaugh the fair consideration he deserves. Half a million pages of documents, 12 years of opinions, the testimony of peers and colleagues from across the political spectrum-- any Member who is actually willing to give Judge Kavanaugh fair consideration has every tool they already need to do so. I implore my friends across the aisle, let's put the partisan theatrics behind us--it is rather embarrassing to see that in the Senate--and continue these hearings with the dignity befitting the serious task before us.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the motions 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. Madam President, I have a request for the Judiciary Committee to meet during today's session of the Senate. I ask unanimous consent that it be agreed to.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, I would like to take a moment today to congratulate the city of Edmonton, KY, for reaching an historic milestone: its bicentennial anniversary. Throughout its 200 years, this southcentral Kentucky community has developed a rich heritage, and its weekend of celebrations this September is well deserved. Edmonton was founded in 1818 and named after Edmund Rogers, who owned the land and laid out the town. The community became the seat of Metcalfe County at its formation in 1860. Today it is home to more than 1,500 Kentuckians, and Edmonton displays many of the best rural values and traditions of our Commonwealth. Following the opening ceremonies of the bicentennial celebrations at city hall, there will be a parade throughout Edmonton, featuring floats carrying schoolchildren. There will be a wide range of events, celebrating the city's history and its promise for the future. From beard contests to antique car shows and from bicentennial skits to historical tours, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The celebration will also feature a local talent showcase and a performance by a hometown band, ``The Kentucky Headhunters.'' After the show, attendees can watch a fireworks show to provide a fitting end of the bicentennial celebration. I would like to join Mayor Howard Garrett and everyone in Edmonton in celebrating this occasion, and I would like to ask my Senate colleagues to help me commemorate this bicentennial anniversary.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Madam 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. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 12 noon, Thursday, September 6; further, that following the prayer and pledge, morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; and that following leader remarks, the Senate proceed to a period of morning business, with Senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate adjourn under the previous order, following the remarks of Senators Manchin and Inhofe.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, the Judiciary Committee has begun the hearing to consider Judge Brett Kavanaugh for confirmation as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. One of the distinguished professionals asked to introduce Judge Kavanaugh is Lisa Blatt, a prominent and accomplished Supreme Court litigator. She also happens to be a self- described ``liberal Democrat and feminist.'' Nevertheless, in a recent op-ed, Ms. Blatt laid out the case for why Democrats should support Judge Kavanaugh's nomination. Just last week, she spearheaded a letter that 41 veteran appellate advocates wrote to the committee. They said: ``Based on our experience with Judge Kavanaugh and his work over 12 years of distinguished judicial service, we are confident that he possesses the character, temperament and intellect that will make him an asset for our Nation's highest Court.'' Our colleagues on the committee also received a letter from Bob Bennett. Like Ms. Blatt, he is also a Democrat and, in fact, he served as a personal lawyer to one of America's most prominent Democrats, President Bill Clinton, during a particularly acrimonious time in recent history. Yet Mr. Bennett concluded, in a letter to our colleagues, that Judge Kavanaugh is ``the most qualified person any Republican President could possibly have nominated.'' He went on to say: ``Were the Senate to fail to confirm Brett, it would not only mean passing up the opportunity to confirm a great jurist, but it would also undermine civility in politics.'' Those familiar with Judge Kavanaugh's judicial record and temperament come away impressed. So has the American Bar Association, an organization our Democratic friends have called ``the gold standard'' in evaluating judicial nominees. They deemed Judge Brett Kavanaugh to be unanimously ``well qualified.'' That is the highest possible rating they can give, unanimously ``well qualified.'' Many of our Democratic colleagues have been determined to oppose Judge Kavanaugh's nomination, no matter what, since the day he was nominated. Some of our Democratic colleagues opposed him and anyone else before he was nominated, but they are running out of options. They can't find any substantive reasons why he doesn't deserve confirmation. That explains the hyperventilation and orchestrated antics at this morning's hearing, where they talked about almost anything besides his distinguished record. Our colleagues keep falling back on the same process complaints that have failed to persuade anyone for weeks and weeks. So let's review the facts. The Judiciary Committee has received half a million pages of materials with respect to this nomination. This is by far--by far--the most materials provided in support of a Supreme Court nomination in our Nation's entire history. In fact, it is more material than was produced for the last five Supreme Court nominations combined. Of course, this record-shattering tower of executive branch documents is all in addition to Judge Kavanaugh's 12-plus-year record on the DC Court of Appeals--obviously, the most relevant part of his record. Again, that judicial record was something our Democratic friends said was the best way to evaluate a judge, back when it was a Supreme Court nominee of a Democratic President whom the Senate was considering. Judge Kavanaugh has issued over 300 opinions from what the legal community widely considers the second highest bench in the country. By any objective standard, by any fair metric, any Senator who is willing to give Judge Kavanaugh full and fair consideration is more than amply prepared to do so, but, of course, many of our Democratic colleagues haven't been interested in doing that. As I said, many Senate Democrats made up their minds instantly upon Judge Kavanaugh's nomination that they would oppose him no matter what--no matter what his qualifications, no matter how many opinions are in the public record or how many pages of documents are provided. Many Senate Democrats were never going to give this nominee a fair hearing. There could be 1 million pages of documents or 5 million or 10 million, for that matter. Nothing will change the fact that one Democrat who serves on the committee declared she would oppose any nominee--any nominee--before Judge Kavanaugh was even announced. Nothing will change the fact that the very same night he was announced, two more Democrats on the Judiciary Committee publicly announced they finished their consideration and will vote against him. Nothing will change the fact that the very next morning, the Democratic leader stood up and said: ``I will oppose him with everything I've got,'' and more and more Democrats have followed suit. Our colleagues will have the opportunity to thoroughly examine this nominee during this week's hearings, and afterward he will receive a vote on the floor. No amount of partisan opposition or political theater will stop the Senate from doing its job.

Mr. McCONNELL

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

Mr. McCONNELL

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

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar Nos. 1069, 1070, 1071, 1072, and all nominations placed on the Secretary's desk in the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy; that the nominations be confirmed; that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate; that no further motions be in order; that any statements related to the nominations be printed in the Record; that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action, and the Senate resume legislative session.

Mr. McCONNELL

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

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I would like to pay tribute to a young man who recently lost his courageous battle with cancer. Jesse Schott, a 17-year-old student at North Bullitt High School near Shepherdsville, KY, became a local hero and will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved him. Although first diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of 3, Jesse spent his life chasing his dreams. In fact, it was often during the darkest moments of his fight that Jesse accomplished his most impressive feats. As a first sergeant in his Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps, JROTC, Jesse commanded the color guard under the bright lights at the football stadium. Last December, after learning his cancer had spread, Jesse surprised many when he competed in a drill meet. When he was too ill to complete his Eagle Scout project to build a receptacle for old or damaged flags to be properly retired, his fellow scouts helped finish the task. Whatever the hardship that confronted him, Jesse didn't complain. Reassured by his faith and his loving family, he persevered and kept fighting. Jesse encouraged those around him with bravery beyond his years. A fellow member of the JROTC said, ``He was going through the battle of his life and he never gave up so why should I give up on anything?'' His life may have been cut short, but Jesse clearly left a lasting impact on those he met. His community honored his life and his example. The Zoneton Fire Department named him an honorary firefighter. Jesse was named the honorary mayor of Hillview. The Kentucky National Guard made him an honorary member earlier this year. Jesse's life will continue to inspire those who knew him and those who will hear his story for many years to come. I urge my Senate colleagues to join me in extending our condolences to Jesse's family. I hope that their happy memories of Jesse will ease their grief during this difficult time.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of the following calendar bills en bloc: Calendar No. 420, H.R. 1109 and Calendar No. 469, S. 186.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the committee-reported amendments be agreed to, the bills, as amended, be considered read a third time en bloc.

Mr. McCONNELL. I know of no further debate on the bills, as amended, en bloc. PRESIDING OFFICER. The bills having been read the third time, the question is, Shall the bills pass en bloc? The bill (H.R. 1109), as amended, was passed. The bill (S. 186), as amended, was passed.

Mr. McCONNELL. I ask unanimous consent that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table, all en bloc.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I have a request for one committee to meet during today's session of the Senate. It has the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders. Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committee is 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 Tuesday, September 4, 2018, at 9.30 a.m. to conduct a hearing on the nomination of the Honorable Brett M. Kavanaugh, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 551, H.R. 5772.

Mr. McCONNELL. 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.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of H.R. 5385, which was received from the House.

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, 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.