Mitch McConnell

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Armed Services be discharged from further consideration of S. Res. 326 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, last night, the United States accomplished something really remarkable. After years of work, dozens of hearings, and an open process, we passed a historic overhaul of the Nation's Tax Code. It will deliver real relief to families and small businesses all across our country. We passed tax reform to spur the American economy, to encourage job creation and grow economic opportunity, to bring jobs and investment home, and to put more money into the pockets of hard-working men and women whom we represent. We voted to repeal ObamaCare's individual mandate tax so that low- and middle-income families are not forced to purchase something they either don't want or can't afford. We voted to responsibly develop more of Alaska's oil and gas potential, strengthening our economy and our national security in the process. I would like to commend my colleagues in the Senate for their work to pass these historic reforms and bring our Tax Code into the 21st century. I want to extend special thanks to Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch, a skilled legislator whose expertise was essential to shepherding this legislation through a challenging process while faced with complete and total obstruction. I thank Chairman Mike Enzi for his assistance and Chairman Lisa Murkowski and Senator Dan Sullivan, who worked tirelessly to bring the people of Alaska a victory on energy exploration for which they have been waiting for almost 40 years. I am grateful to the other Senate conferees--Senators Cornyn, Thune, Portman, Scott, and Toomey--who worked day and night to get this legislation across the finish line. And of course, in addition to Senator Hatch, his colleagues on the Senate Finance Committee deserve our gratitude as well: Senators Burr, Cassidy, Crapo, Grassley, Heller, Isakson, and Roberts. This could not have happened without all of them. Of course, a great deal of credit goes to President Trump, Vice President Pence, and their dedicated White House team. Their efforts were absolutely essential to this process, and we are proud to have worked together to deliver on a key part of the President's agenda. It goes without saying that tax reform would have been impossible without Speaker Ryan, Chairman Brady, and the Members of the House who share our commitment to make taxes lower, simpler, and fairer. I am proud to call them my colleagues. When the final version of this historic law passes the House later today, it will await the President's signature. Then, families and small businesses--like so many in my home State of Kentucky--can begin to enjoy the benefits. Our constituents called out for relief from the Obama economy, and Congress delivered

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m., Thursday, December 21; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, and the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day; finally, that following leader remarks, 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, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that it stand adjourned under the previous order.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of S. Con. Res. 31, submitted earlier today.

Mr. McCONNELL. 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. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 20; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, and the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day; finally, that following leader remarks, 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. Madam President, today I wish to pay tribute to James Ritchie, of Somerset, KY, a brave Kentuckian who was honored by his community on Veterans Day. He was the feature of a newspaper story in the Commonwealth Journal, which detailed his life and his honorable career in the military. The article was a community's effort to thank him for his service to our country. In 1947, James decided to join our Nation's military. Seeking to enlist in the Navy, James walked in the wrong door and was convinced instead to join the marines. After his training, James was deployed to join the 1st Marine Division Air Wing in Pusan, Korea. However, the trip to Korea by way of San Diego proved treacherous when James' transport collided with a steamliner. Once he made it to Korea, James was responsible for providing protection for the Marine air base. Against North Korean and Chinese guerillas, he bravely faced the harsh realities of war. After his enlistment and am honorable discharge, he returned home. The same month, however, James felt the call to serve once again, this time in the Air Force. Eventually returning to Korea, he helped in the U.S. effort to transfer responsibilities to the South Koreans. In 1961, James chose to retire from military and answered another call, this time to serve as a minister. With his wife, Wilma, James raised five children. I would like to take this opportunity to thank James for his military service to our country, and I urge my colleagues to join me. Earlier this year the Commonwealth Journal published an article detailing Mr. Ritchie's service to our Nation. I ask unanimous consent that the article be printed in the Record.

Mr. McCONNELL

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

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, today I wish to remember the life of Lohren Martin, of Corbin, KY, who passed away on November 21, 2017, at the age of 87. A man of many talents, Lohren will be remembered most by those who loved him as a caring friend. A veteran of the Korean war, Lohren worked in his community as an attorney, a businessman, an entrepreneur, and a developer. Lohren's siblings and friends think of his humor, patriotism, and constant friendship. Elaine and I would like to extend our condolences to Lohren's wife, Arvilla, his children Eddie and Cindy, and all who knew and loved him. His life left a lasting impression on all of those around him, and I hope that their fond memories of Lohren will bring comfort in this time of grief. The Corbin Times-Tribune recently published an article on Lohren's life. I ask unanimous consent that a copy of the article be printed in the Record.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, today I would like to recognize the efforts of Clarence Floyd, a proud Korean war veteran, from Pulaski County, KY. At the age of 84, Clarence still works to serve his community, taking up a campaign to erect reserved-parking spaces for area veterans. These signs are a salute to the men and women who served our Nation in uniform. As the honor guard commander of Somerset's American Legion Post 38, Clarence cares deeply about America's veterans. To arrange reserved- parking spaces for veterans, Clarence works with local businesses and the city of Somerset's street department. Then, he and his wife, Nancy, install the signs themselves. He says, ``It takes me about 20 minutes to put up two signs.'' To date, there are 10 locations with veterans-only parking throughout Pulaski County. Clarence is also working with other local businesses to install more in the near future. I would like to thank Clarence for his service to our country and to his fellow veterans, and I urge all of my colleagues to join me in doing so.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, today I wish to congratulate Mr. Bill Daugherty of Lexington, KY, who was recently honored by Berea College with its distinguished alumnus award. Each year, the school recognizes notable alumni who have achieved success in their profession, contributed to the community, and have faithfully upheld Berea's mission. The college, founded in 1855 by abolitionists, fosters an educational institution that cultivates Christian values and challenges students to carry them into action in their community. Raised on a cattle farm in Jackson County, KY, Bill graduated from Berea in 1976, and he used his degree in agriculture to succeed in the natural resource industry. Less than 10 years later, he founded his own small petroleum business. His company evolved and grew to focus on natural gas in the Appalachian region. After years of success, Bill and his business partner founded an independent oil exploration and production company. Bill has served his community on the board of the Kentucky Energy Council, Kentucky Oil and Gas Association, and the Independent Petroleum Association of America. He currently serves as the vice chairman of the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission, which is tasked with helping States find environment-friendly ways to increase the supply of American energy. Finally, Bill and his business partner founded a successful horse racing and breeding enterprise. His success in the natural gas industry was matched in the thoroughbred racing industry. In fact, Bill's own horse, California Chrome, won the Kentucky Derby in 2014. The distinguished alumnus award is not only a recognition of significant accomplishment in the recipient's chosen profession, but it also serves as an inspiration to the current students at Berea College who are eager to make their own positive impact in the community. Bill and his wife, Zella, play active roles in the community by hosting events in support of the New Opportunity School for Women, an intensive 3-week program that offers coursework in job search skills, creative writing, and Appalachian literature. I want to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Bill for receiving this award and commending him on a successful career.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I move to proceed to the conference report to accompany H.R. 1.

Mr. McCONNELL

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

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I move to proceed to Calendar No. 165, S. 1519.

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, Congress is standing at the doorstep of a historic opportunity. Today the House will vote on the conference report on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the most significant overhaul of our Nation's Tax Code in more than 30 years. This major tax reform legislation will provide much needed relief to middle-class families and small businesses and will set America on a trajectory toward more opportunity and greater prosperity. After the House votes this afternoon, the Senate will begin debate and will proceed to a vote on passage later this evening. The final text of this bill is the product of extensive open debate. It is a result of dozens of hearings on tax reform in recent years and an open amendment process. Then, the House and the Senate joined together in a conference committee that carefully reconciled the two Chambers' bills. Now the time has come to vote. When Senators vote for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, they will be voting for a bill that substantially cuts taxes for middle-class families. By reducing rates, it will let working Americans keep more of their paychecks and send less of their hard- earned money to Washington. In addition to lower rates, middle-class families will benefit from a standard deduction that is almost double its present level and from a doubling of the child tax credit. They will benefit from the ability to deduct more of their medical expenses, increasing their tax savings during difficult times. Despite what opponents of the bill have claimed, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act achieves all this while preserving charitable deductions and the adoption tax credit. It protects the exemption for university tuition benefits. A mortgage interest deduction remains, as does a deduction for State and local taxes. The result is a comprehensive tax reform bill that does what we set out to do: take money out of Washington's pocket and put it back into the pockets of middle-class Americans who earned it. Consider a typical family of four who earns the median family income. A vote for the conference report is a vote to cut their tax bill by more than $2,000 next year. After a disappointing decade of stagnant wages and shrinking opportunity under the Obama administration, middle-class families are counting on Congress to keep our promise and give them that much needed relief. In addition to directly cutting taxes for American families, this landmark bill will also set America on a trajectory toward higher wages and better job opportunities by making our country a better place to do business. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act contains a number of provisions that will make it easier to run and grow a small business, to create jobs, and to invest right here in the United States. The bill creates new tax relief for Main Street businesses. It makes it easier for American companies to bring their earnings back home instead of parking that money elsewhere. It eliminates incentives to shift jobs and manufacturing overseas and replaces them with new incentives to invest and expand operations here at home. To make America more competitive in the global economy, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act cuts our corporate tax rate from 35 percent--one of the highest rates in the developed world--to 21 percent. This is good news for workers. As more than 100 economists agreed in a recent open letter, ``the question isn't whether American workers are hurt by our country's corporate tax rate--it's how badly.'' Another expert put it this way in a recent op-ed: It is ``the consensus view of professional economists'' that ``lowering corporate income taxes would increase the wages of workers.'' Perhaps that is why reforming the corporate tax rate used to be a bipartisan goal. During the previous administration, prominent Democrats said they supported bringing our rate in line with our competitors overseas. There may be a new occupant of the White House, but the need for reform has not changed. I hope our colleagues on both sides of the aisle will support this pro-growth, pro-worker policy. It is no wonder that job creators are enthusiastic about what they will be able to accomplish when tax reform becomes law. I recently received a letter from the chief operating officer of a construction equipment dealer in my hometown of Louisville. This is a direct quote: ``We'll hire more employees and plan investments in our company that we weren't considering prior to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.'' This bill will also help Americans by repealing a punitive tax at the very heart of ObamaCare. For low- and middle-income families who are suffering under the individual mandate tax--including many in my home State of Kentucky--repeal means relief. If the health insurance plans available under ObamaCare are not affordable or not desirable, the blame lies with that failing law, not with Americans who are already struggling to make ends meet. It is unfair and illogical to penalize them further because ObamaCare is failing to meet their needs. By erasing this individual mandate tax, we will give Americans both tax relief and healthcare flexibility--two things that ObamaCare failed to provide. There is one more element of this bill that deserves special attention. It provides the Nation, and particularly the people of Alaska, with a tremendous opportunity to develop the State's bountiful natural resources. In 1980 Congress set aside a particular nonwilderness area within Alaska's National Wildlife Refuge for potential development of its oil and gas resources. This bill is our chance to finally make good on that promise, enhancing our country's energy security and creating good-paying jobs in the process. Unlocking the resources of this area will provide a boon to Alaska's economy, but more broadly, it will also advance America's standing as an energy superpower, helping to cut Americans' energy costs and strengthening our national security. For too long, special interests have stood in the way of responsible development. The people of Alaska have shown time and again that resource development can go hand in hand with environmental protection, and surface development will be limited to just one ten-thousandth of the total land in the reserve. It is long past time to finish what Congress started almost 40 years ago and to begin reaping the benefits of responsible development. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will deliver historic tax relief to American families. It will help put our country on a trajectory toward more innovation and better paying jobs. It will repeal an unfair tax at the center of ObamaCare and will help America achieve greater energy security. So this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. I want to commend the work of Chairman Hatch, Chairman Enzi, and Chairman Murkowski to bring it within reach. I urge all of our colleagues to join me in voting to approve the conference report and complete this victory for the American people. 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, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that it stand adjourned under the previous order.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, on a different matter entirely, the Senate has a number of important tasks to complete this week for the American people. On Friday we took another significant step toward delivering major tax relief for middle-class families and small businesses when the House and Senate conference committee released the final text of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. We are closer than ever to seizing this once-in-a-generation opportunity to update our Tax Code, to make America stronger, and to help middle-class families keep more of their hard-earned money. The last decade has not been easy for middle-class Americans. Families, like many I represent in Kentucky, were hit hard by the great recession. Many continue to feel its effects. But too often, instead of helping people get back on their feet, Washington has been an obstacle. Our broken and outdated Tax Code lets the government take too much money out of Americans' paychecks. The Obama administration's runaway regulations slowed job growth and destroyed opportunities just when people needed them most. Help is on the way. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is a major step toward a stronger, more prosperous America with higher wages, higher take-home pay, more jobs, and better opportunities for middle-class Americans. First and foremost, the bill provides immediate relief by letting Americans keep more of their paychecks. A typical family of four earning the median family income will get a tax cut of more than $2,000. We are taking that money out of Washington's pocket and putting it right back into theirs. By modernizing the way we tax businesses, we will make America a better place to invest, start small businesses, and create middle-class jobs. Our tax bill will make it less attractive for American businesses to send jobs and investments overseas and more attractive to expand and invest here at home. That is why American manufacturers say they are excited about this bill and plan to hire new workers, while Chinese officials say it has them worried. The conference report will also repeal the punitive individual mandate tax at the heart of ObamaCare. Under ObamaCare, Americans must either buy the kind of health insurance that Washington thinks they should buy or pay a heavy tax penalty. By repealing this unfair penalty, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will give low- and middle-class families even more tax relief, along with the flexibility to make their own healthcare decisions. The bill will also strengthen America's future by enhancing our energy independence. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provides for further responsible development of Alaska's oil and gas potential. Unleashing more of our own natural resources will create good jobs and improve America's energy security. The historic accomplishments in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will bring immediate relief to struggling families and set America on a trajectory toward greater strength and prosperity. I commend the conferees--especially Chairman Hatch, Chairman Murkowski, and Chairman Enzi--for their work to help finalize the conference report. I look forward to voting for its passage, and I urge all of our colleagues to join me in voting to give the American families the relief they need and richly deserve.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, to begin with, all of our thoughts this afternoon are with the victims of this morning's tragic train derailment in Washington State and with their families as well. Our gratitude is with the first responders who answered the call and rushed to the scene.

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, December 19; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, and the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day; further, that following leader remarks, the Senate be in a period of morning business, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each until 12 noon; and that upon the conclusion of morning business, the Senate proceed to executive session for the consideration of the Newstead nomination, under the previous order; finally, that following the disposition of the Newstead nomination, the Senate recess until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly conference meetings.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, on another matter, before the end of this week, Congress must agree on a continuing resolution to sustain the critical operations of the Federal Government. In this process, it is vital that we ensure that our men and women in uniform have the resources they need to protect Americans and face the challenges of a dangerous world. During the Obama administration, the readiness of our all-volunteer Armed Forces was hurt by irresponsible cuts to the Department of Defense, which have damaged combat readiness. The military suffered a disproportionate burden under the Budget Control Act. The arbitrary demand that increases in defense spending must be equally matched by increases in nondefense spending should not stand in the way of delivering the resources needed to restore near-term and long-term readiness. Earlier this year, we rightly set aside that misguided standard and took steps to fully meet the needs of our warfighters. This week, we need to do so one more time. If Congress fails to reach agreement on government funding, our military will suffer intolerable budget cuts that would jeopardize the tools and the training our servicemembers need to fulfill their missions. Our responsibilities run deeper than keeping the government open and ensuring our warfighters have the resources they need. Before the year ends, we must also deliver results in several additional areas of vital importance to the American people. We must renew funding for the Children's Health Insurance Program so the parents of 9 million children who are covered by CHIP can know that their children's healthcare is secure. We must reauthorize a critical foreign intelligence program that the men and women of American law enforcement need to keep our Nation safe from those who wish to harm us. We must renew the popular Veterans Choice Program, which aims to cut wait times for VA healthcare and to give our veterans flexibility to access care outside of the system. We must approve supplemental disaster funding for States and Territories that are still struggling to rebuild after a year of devastating disasters. We must pass a routine waiver to avoid unacceptable cuts of Medicare funding and other vital programs. Since the enactment of the pay-go law in 2010, Congress has never allowed a sequester to take effect, especially for tax bills, and we must act again this week to ensure that vulnerable Americans are not harmed. Of particular importance, faced with the continued failure of ObamaCare to keep health insurance affordable for working Americans, we must take this opportunity to pass bipartisan solutions that will help stabilize collapsing health insurance markets and lower premiums for individuals and families across the country. Across all these critical areas, Congress must do what is right for the American people and take action this week. I urge each Member of this body to come together and help pass a funding agreement that fulfills our responsibilities to the Nation. I look forward to working with our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make sure that happens. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of S. 654 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of Executive Calendar Nos. 548 through 551 and all nominations placed on the Secretary's desk; that the nominations be confirmed, 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 then resume legislative session.

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.