Mitch McConnell

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. I further ask unanimous consent that the bill be read a third time and passed 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, 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. Now, Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 11 a.m., Saturday, December 19; 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, and morning business be closed; further, that following leader remarks, the Senate proceed to executive session and resume consideration of the Dietz nomination.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, our bipartisan discussions are continuing to make significant headway toward another relief package for the American people. The Democratic leader, Speaker Pelosi, Leader McCarthy, and I have been working around the clock for several days now. The talks remain productive. In fact, I am even more optimistic now than I was last night that a bipartisan, bicameral framework for a major rescue package is very close at hand. Well, let's face it, though, it doesn't help struggling Americans keep their jobs or endure unemployment or pay their rent or get vaccines any faster to keep hearing that we are having good discussions. What families across the country deserve--what they have needed and deserved for months now--is an outcome, another targeted relief package to get more assistance into their hands as fast as possible. Struggling small business owners have already waited too long for a targeted second round of PPP. Laid-off workers have already waited too long to have expiring programs extended. Kids, teachers, and families have already waited too long for funding to help schools reopen safely. We have already waited too long to fully fund vaccine distributions so our scientists' historic sprint toward a safe and effective vaccine is followed up by an equally important logistical effort. This has been an unbelievably hard year for our country. We have seen normal daily life grind to a halt and take a record-setting economy right down with it. And even as we have watched doctors, nurses, and researchers make lifesaving history, we have lost more than 300,000 Americans entirely too soon. Like I have said, the Senate will be right here until an agreement is passed, whenever that may be. We will just continue voting. There are some more well-qualified nominees for important posts that we can confirm in the meantime. So let's finish our business for the American people

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Now, on a completely different matter, Mr. President, I jump at any opportunity to praise my incredible staff. I am just sorry that one natural occasion is when great people head toward the exits. Phil Maxson of Lexington, KY, has mastered one of the toughest jobs on Capitol Hill. As chief of staff for my personal office, he oversees the operation that delivers for Kentucky families and Kentucky priorities. Here is what that role means in our tight-knit organization. It is like being the player-coach on an old baseball team who is also a utility player at the same time. Phil wears about 10 hats each day, orchestrating a seamless operation. He has mastered policy, political strategy, messaging, and constituent services. He has budgeted and managed the office itself, and Phil is also a liaison and colleague to my leadership office here in the Capitol. He is the linkage between the two sides of my operation, the single person most responsible for helping me harmonize home-State priorities with my national duties and keep the Commonwealth at the center of all I do. It is a tall order. It takes the best of the best, someone who is so capable that every important issue will involve them, but so humble that situations never become about them. Enter Phil Maxson--a kind, cheerful, and unbelievably confident servant leader whom I am convinced nobody in this planet dislikes. Phil climbed the Capitol Hill ladder the old-fashioned way. He joined my team as an intern a decade ago. Actually, I think Phil may have snuck a late application into a last-minute opening. If I am right about that, then his good fortune was ours as well. He has done every job: legislative correspondent, legislative assistant, legislative director, and then the top spot. As one of his old bosses reminded me recently, ``every time a gap in the office appeared, Phil was the natural choice'' to fill it. It is not like he elbowed his way up. It is that circumstances and our needs kept pulling him up. He is that good. For the past decade, Phil has walked into every meeting, every markup, every normal day at the office, and every grueling far-flung codel with total preparation, complete professionalism, and the score of the latest UK game. Another former supervisor of his put it this way: ``I don't think I ever asked Phil a single question he didn't already know the answer to, or didn't find the answer within about 10 minutes.'' That is high praise when your portfolio ranges from U.S.-Burma relations to the BUILD grants that improve our roads and everything in between. It helps that Phil is a Kentucky thoroughbred through and through. The man really is ``dyed in the bluegrass.'' As a young man in Lexington, he found part-time work giving tours at Henry Clay's Ashland estate. He also graduated from Henry Clay High School. You could say the Senate was a natural destination. Here, he met UK Coach Calipari, President Netanyahu, and families from Kentucky's smallest towns. And they all got exactly the same attention, enthusiasm, and warmth from Phil Maxson. He clicks with everyone. He is as affable as he is intelligent. In a town full of big egos and sharp elbows, he stands out because he doesn't try to stand out. For the better part of a decade, virtually every significant win we have notched for our Commonwealth has had Phil at its nucleus. But if you drop by the staff meeting the day after, what you would hear is Phil explaining why everyone else deserves more credit than he does, why it really all came down to my leadership or his peers' efforts or the hard work of the junior folks beneath him--in other words, everyone else but him. You would have to go to everyone else to learn that Phil was the human glue that, in fact, held it all together. It would take me all day to list every win Phil helped quarterback for our home State: a state-of-the-art chemical weapons destruction facility in Madison County, the transfer of the Rochester Dam to local ownership, a new wildlife refuge in Henderson County, environmental cleanup and health benefits for nuclear workers in Paducah, the planned construction of a new VA hospital in Louisville, Freedom to Fish and the raising of Lake Cumberland, and many, many more. But, alas, his dedication to Kentucky is so all-encompassing that he and his wife Sarah Beth have decided they don't want to raise their young family anywhere else. So ``Bee and Phil on Capitol Hill''--as friends have called them-- plus their two boys, Barbour and Theodore, are homeward bound. I made the same decision myself as a young man, trading in the life of a Senate staffer for a move back home. So I can't exactly fault his decision. Phil needs to spend fewer breakfasts and dinners with me and more with his own burgeoning clan. I get it, but I am sure sorry to see him go. Phil is the kind of Senate all-star who deserves a full-dress curtain call. He deserves toasts and a dinner and a big farewell party. I regret that in these bizarre pandemic times, a floor speech will have to suffice, at least right now. So, Phil, thank you for your years of dedication to the State we both love. We will miss your brain. We will miss your heart. You are leaving behind one heck of a fan club all throughout the U.S. Senate. We wish you all the best in the chapters ahead. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. I think that all of our colleagues understand our present situation. Both sides of the aisle are firmly committed to finalizing another major pandemic rescue package for the American people. Constant discussions have been underway for several days now. As of right now, we have not yet reached a final agreement, regretfully. I believe all sides feel we are making good progress on a major relief bill that would travel with a full-year appropriations measure. But, alas, we are not there yet. Given that, our urgent task is to pass a stopgap government funding measure. There is no reason the Federal Government funding should lapse while we hammer out our remaining differences. We are going to take up the continuing resolution, which just passed the House a few minutes ago on an overwhelming bipartisan basis. I hope this body will pass it easily and get this measure on the President's desk so Congress can complete our negotiations with no pointless lapse in normal government operations.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to legislative session and 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, at the end of last month, my friend Todd Ruckel closed out 8 impressive years of leadership as Lewis County judge-executive. This financial consultant turned public servant has given so much to his community. I would like to take a moment today to join Todd's admirers in thanking him for his service. As a former county judge-executive myself, I know just how close Todd is with his constituents. He hears their stories and has been instrumental in Lewis County's success. It is a difficult assignment but one with many rewards for a job well done. Todd ends his time in office with the respect of his colleagues and the gratitude of the families he served so well. He was even named the Kentucky Emergency Management Judge-Executive of the Year in 2017 for his work to keep his community safe. My team and I have worked with Todd over the years. In particular, we secured over $1 million from the Appalachian Regional Commission to upgrade the water infrastructure in Lewis County. It is just a snapshot of Todd's accomplishments for the families who placed their trust in him. Unfortunately, the pain caused by the coronavirus this past year has led to many challenges for local officials and communities. Todd recognized the danger early on. He took steps to protect families throughout Lewis County. I am proud the CARES Act delivered more than $2 million to the community, including to support Todd's team. Although the transition has begun toward new leadership in Lewis County, Todd is still working for Kentucky. He is joining the Kentucky County Judge-Executive Association as its new executive director. Now, Todd can use his talents to help local officials in communities across the Bluegrass State. I am sure everyone in the Lewis County courthouse is sad to see Todd and his wife Sandy go, but the results of his leadership will remain. On behalf of the Senate, I am grateful for Todd's continued service to Kentucky. We extend our best wishes and congratulate him on an accomplished career for Kentucky.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, over the course of 40-plus years, my friend Bob Hutchison and his brother Tom built an impressive network of restaurant franchises in Eastern Kentucky. The brothers employed thousands of Kentuckians, believing a firm commitment to their community would bring success. They were right. Bob and Tom recently announced the sale of their 13 McDonald's franchises to pursue new opportunities. On behalf of the families across the region who continue to benefit from their entrepreneurial investment, I would like to congratulate the brothers on their great achievement. While many folks are lucky enough to be born in Kentucky, some find their way to the Bluegrass State. As the Hutchison brothers scouted across the region for the right place to open their first restaurant, Bob saw something special in Paintsville. I think they found a wonderful community. They decided to open their store during the local festival called Apple Days. Some onlookers were skeptical the Hutchison brothers could be prepared for a successful opening during such a high-traffic event. Bob and Tom were undeterred. To put their best foot forward, they trained staff to flip Styrofoam patties in their living room as they prepared for the big day. When the restaurant opened on October 6, 1979, they surpassed all expectations. I have visited them during the Apple Days festival through the years as their restaurant continued to thrive. Together, the brothers developed a recipe that worked. Their first restaurant connected with customers, and they continued opening more franchises around the region. At each of their 13 restaurants, Bob and Tom made a commitment to investing in their employees and community. They gave many young people their first job, instilling the values of hard work and dedication. Scores of Kentuckians have grown up and achieved because of the brothers' influence. In addition to the McDonald's restaurants, Bob also founded the HUTCH Auto Group and a gasket and supply company in Ohio. I had the privilege to become friends with Bob as he grew more active in the community. He has promoted our shared values and made extraordinary contributions to a wide range of organizations, including the University of Pikeville, the Christian Appalachian Project, and the Boy Scouts of Eastern Kentucky. Working more than 20 years with the Paintsville/Johnson County Tourism Commission, Bob has helped others see the great beauty and potential of this community in the same way he did all those years ago. Although Bob and Tom are stepping away from their restaurants, they will keep working for Eastern Kentucky's future. I am grateful to the Hutchison brothers for their inspiring achievements. Whatever the future holds in store for them, I wish them the very best. Mr. President, the Appalachian News-Express published a profile on the Hutchison brothers' inspiring career in Eastern Kentucky. I ask unanimous consent the article be printed in the Record.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I move to concur in the House amendment and I ask unanimous consent that the motion be agreed to, and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask the Chair to lay before the Senate the House message to accompany S. Con. Res. 52. The Presiding Officer laid before the Senate the following message from the House of Representatives: Resolved, That the resolution from the Senate (S. Con. Res. 52) entitled ``Concurrent resolution to correct the enrollment of S. 3312.'', do pass with an amendment. Motion to Concur

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 409, S. 2353.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I move to concur in the title amendment, and I ask unanimous consent that the motion be agreed to; and that the motion to reconsider be made and laid upon the table.

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask that the Chair lay before the Senate the House message to accompany S. 2174. The Presiding Officer laid before the Senate the following message from the House of Representatives: Resolved, That the bill from the Senate (S. 2174) entitled ``An Act to expand the grants authorized under Jennifer's Law and Kristen's Act to include processing of unidentified remains, resolving missing persons cases, and for other purposes.'', do pass with amendments. Motion to Concur

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I move to concur in the House amendment and I ask unanimous consent that the motion be agreed to.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of H.J. Res. 107.

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

Mr. McCONNELL. I know of no further debate on the joint resolution.

Mr. McCONNELL. 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 Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 591, S. 4222.

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

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, here is where we are: Conversations are still underway and making progress on the major pandemic relief package we have all been seeking for the American people. As I have been saying, families across the Nation have waited far too long already for another significant dose of assistance. We must not slide into treating these talks like routine negotiations to be conducted at Congress's routine pace. So we need to complete this work, and we need to complete it right away. That is what I have said. The Senate is not going anywhere until we have COVID relief out the door. We are staying right here until COVID relief is out the door. In the meantime, we are going to stay productive while these negotiations are going on. So for the information of all of my colleagues, we should expect continued votes on nominations throughout the weekend. We will continue accomplishing other aspects of the people's business--confirming well-qualified nominees to important posts--until we can act on the major rescue package the American people deserve.

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 move to proceed to executive session to consider Calendar No. 757.