Mitch McConnell

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, in order to place the bills on the calendar under the provisions of rule XIV, I would object to further proceedings, en bloc.

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

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, on an entirely different matter, these events only compound what has already been a historically challenging time for our country. As our Nation continues to combat and contain the coronavirus, the Senate will continue to lead the response. To name one example, I hope and anticipate the Senate will soon take up and pass legislation that just passed the House by an overwhelming vote of 417 to 1 to further strengthen the Paycheck Protection Program so it continues working for small businesses that need our help. Even as we fight the pandemic, we will remember that other challenges face our Nation as well. Foreign adversaries are all too eager to exploit a distracted world. In recent days, agents of the Chinese Communist Party have taken to social media to openly taunt--openly taunt--the United States and defend their violent crackdown on the autonomy of Hong Kong. It has been almost a year since the world watched Hongkongers embark on the latest round of peaceful demonstrations against the repressive grip of the Chinese Communist Party. The world watched as Hong Kong voters, with American flags in hand, dealt crushing defeats to Beijing's preferred puppet candidates in elections last fall. But in recent weeks, as the coronavirus pandemic that China exacerbated has dominated the world's attention, the Chinese Communist Party is trying yet again to tighten their grip. New laws--supposedly related to national security--aim to stifle dissent and curtail Hongkongers' civil liberties. When I authored the U.S.-Hong Kong Policy Act way back in 1992, we wanted to ensure future Chinese regimes would respect the promises made regarding this unique, autonomous region, so we made sure the weight and suasion of the United States of America would stand with Hongkongers if need be. Unfortunately, these years later, such a time is upon us. Among other examples, we received word today that for the first time in 30 years-- 30 years--authorities in Hong Kong will not allow the annual candlelight vigil that commemorates the Tiananmen Square massacre to occur. For the first time in 30 years, no commemoration of the Tiananmen massacre will occur in Hong Kong. For three decades, Hong Kong has been the only place in China where full-scale remembrances of the massacre are permitted, but now they, too, will be going dark. So I am encouraged that Secretary Pompeo is tapping into that law to formally certify that Beijing's systemic efforts to interfere in Hong Kong have eroded the region's autonomy. I might say this is exactly what we were concerned about back in 1992 when the Hong Kong Policy Act was introduced by me and became law--exactly what we feared. I hope that the administration will soon identify the specific ways it will impose costs on Beijing and, just as important, continue American support for the people of Hong Kong. Under my original legislation, several tools are available. Their primary aim is to be an effective friend and partner for Hongkongers who share values of democracy and freedom and to help preserve the region's unique character, autonomy, and prosperity. Our Nation's commitment to those efforts must remain ironclad, and it must be 100 percent clear that the responsibility for threatening Hong Kong's economic, political, and social climate rests solely and squarely on the Chinese Communist Party--the regime that views free thought as a fundamental evil; the regime that sees peaceful demonstrations as an existential challenge. That is who is to blame for this, no matter what the Communist Party's two-bit propaganda is trying to claim--not the people of Hong Kong, not their friends in the United States, just the would-be tyrants in Beijing. Last year, as Congress passed Senator Rubio's update to my Hong Kong Policy Act, I also secured additional funding to provide legal protections to Hong Kong protestors and support democracy promotion activities. But if China moves in the coming days and weeks to implement its draconian new laws that strangle Hong Kong, there will be no rule of law left for protesters to appeal to. That is why the U.S. response should mirror those of other democracies that open their doors to Hongkongers fleeing oppression. Our Nation has a rich heritage of standing as a beacon of light and freedom, from refugees of war to those escaping the Iron Curtain. We should exercise it again for the people of Hong Kong. Finally, while we address these latest aggressions, we must not miss the broader lessons. The Communist Party of China does not play by the rules. They don't--not the rules of the international economy; not the rules of its bilateral agreements with other nations; not even its own rules, which are increasingly subject to the whims of President Xi. Whether they are cracking down on Hong Kong, trying to cover up a pandemic, or herding ethnic and religious minorities into modern-day gulags, this generation of Chinese leadership is telling the rest of the world every single day exactly who they are--exactly who they are. America and the world have watched China deepen its tyranny at home, assert its hegemony abroad, and undermine basic norms that protect the peace. The question before us is, What will we do to stop it?

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, I ask unanimous consent that notwithstanding the provisions of rule XXII, the cloture motions filed on May 21 ripen at 11:45 a.m. tomorrow. I further ask unanimous consent that if cloture is invoked on the Mercado nomination, the postcloture time expire at 2:15 tomorrow. Further, I ask that if cloture is invoked on the Miller nomination, the postcloture time expire at 4:30 p.m. tomorrow. Finally, if either of the 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.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Now, Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m.; 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 to resume consideration of the Mercado nomination; finally, that the Senate recess following the cloture vote on Mercado 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.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. 3846, which was introduced earlier today.

Mr. McCONNELL. I further ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read three times and passed and that 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 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, I understand there are two bills at the desk, and I ask for their first reading en bloc.

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I now ask for a second reading, and I object to my own request, all en bloc.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn to then convene for pro forma sessions only, with no business being conducted on the following dates and times, and that following each pro forma session, the Senate adjourn until the next pro forma session: Friday, May 22, 9 a.m.; Tuesday, May 26, 9:30 a.m.; Thursday, May 28, 11 a.m. I further ask unanimous consent that when the Senate adjourns on Thursday, May 28, it next convene at 3 p.m. Monday, June 1, and 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, upon the closing of morning business, the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the Tipton nomination; further, that at 5:30 p.m., the Senate resume consideration of the Badalamenti nomination under the previous order; finally, notwithstanding the provisions of rule XXII, Monday, June 1, count as the intervening day with respect to cloture motions filed during today's session of the Senate.

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 Sullivan.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate now proceed to the en bloc consideration of the following Senate resolutions, which were submitted earlier today: S. Res. 597 through S. Res. 599.

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I know of no further debate on the resolutions.

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

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. All month, the Senate has been on the job attending to the needs of our country. We legislated, we confirmed nominees, we held major hearings, and conducted oversight on the historic response to COVID-19. Yesterday, we learned that our Senate action will continue to contrast with our absentee neighbors across the Rotunda. While essential workers across the country continue to clock in, the Democratic House of Representatives has essentially put itself on paid leave for months. Since the early days of this crisis, the self- described ``People's House'' has been suspiciously empty of people. I understand they have convened for legislative session a grand total of 2 days in the last 8 weeks. At this point, I am wondering if we should send Senators over there to collect their newspaper and water the plants. It is not just their physical absence; it is House Democrats absent from any serious discussions at all. About the only product to emerge from their lengthy sabbatical has been a 1,800-page, $3 trillion messaging bill that couldn't even unite their own conference. Yesterday, the Speaker announced this arrangement will continue for another 45 days at least, but there is a new wrinkle. House Democrats jammed through a precedent-breaking remote voting scheme that will let 1 Member cast 10 additional votes--1 Member cast 10 additional votes. Actually, 1 person, 11 votes. Remember, these are the people who want to remake every State's election laws. There are several problems with this. One of them happens to be article I, section 5 of the U.S. Constitution, which says a majority of each House shall constitute a quorum to do business. For about 231 years, Congress has managed to fulfill this job requirement. They worked through a Civil War, two World Wars, terrorist threats, and a major pandemic without trying to shirk this duty. The 12th Congress endured the War of 1812, including the occupation of Washington and the burning of this very building that we are in right now without abandoning in-person meetings. The Constitution requires a physical quorum to do business. Normally, both Chambers may presume one. But any House Member has a right to demand an in-person attendance check. The Democrats' new rule says one person may mark himself and 10 others present, even if they are nowhere in sight, which is a flatout lie. There will be enormous constitutional questions around anything the House does if they fail to demonstrate a real quorum, but plow ahead anyhow. They have had 2 normal workdays in 8 weeks and one absurd, unserious proposal. And now they are playing games with the Constitution so they can continue their never-ending spring break well into July. Let's come over here to the Senate. In the past 3 weeks, we have filled crucial posts at the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the Department of Homeland Security. Today, we will confirm the next Director of National Intelligence. John Ratcliffe will lead the intelligence community in countering threats from great powers, rogue nations, and terrorists, and ensuring that work is untainted by political bias. The Banking Committee heard from Chairman Powell and Secretary Mnuchin on the workings of the CARES Act and the state of our economy. The Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee has reported the nominee to be Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery Programs. The Special Committee on Aging is examining all the ways this crisis has hurt America's seniors. The HELP Committee has discussed with top experts like Dr. Fauci and Admiral Giroir how schools, universities, and businesses will begin to reopen. Senator Cornyn and I are working on legal protections that our healthcare workers deserve and institutions will need if they want to return to anything reassembling normal. On the floor, we have passed major bills, renewing key national security tools and dialing up the consequences for Communist China's abuse of human rights. In short, the Senate has just followed the lead of the American people. For months now, healthcare workers have been clocking in to help and heal strangers. Every minute on the job is an act of selflessness and bravery. Families have forged new routines and set up home offices and home schools overnight. Community volunteers have found new ways to pitch in and help the vulnerable from 6 feet apart. Tens of millions of workers have kept collecting paychecks instead of pink slips because of our Paycheck Protection Program, which sent hundreds of billions of dollars to keep small businesses alive. COVID-19 has killed nearly 100,000 Americans. It has cost tens of millions their jobs. This is a generational tragedy. But in the midst of it, our country is pulling together. My home State of Kentucky is showing us how it is done. A glass producer transformed its operation to make protective shields for businesses. A high school principal, Evan Jackson, invented a virtual commencement so graduates didn't go uncelebrated. Dr. Erin Frazier, a pediatrician, somehow found the spare time to stand up brandnew food pantries. Restaurants are spreading hope and hospitality by donating meals to first responders. And one group of restaurants headquartered in Louisville called Texas Roadhouse has gone to great lengths to avoid layoffs. The founder gave up his salary and put his own money into a worker assistance fund. So far they have spent $17 million on their workers, covering everything from healthcare premiums to bonuses. These past few months have been trying indeed, but the American people have been truly inspiring. This spring, the Senate wrote and passed the largest rescue package in American history to try to help bridge this period. This Nation of nearly 330 million people put their lives on pause to protect our medical system, and it worked. The American people did what Americans do: They got it done. We kept our healthcare system intact; we did not let this virus break us; and as far as we know, not one single American who needed a ventilator could not get one. We have not yet won the war, but the citizens of this Nation have won an important battle. What comes next? Sustaining this flattened curve will take vigilance. Safely reopening schools, universities, and businesses will take care and leadership. The race for even more testing, therapeutics, and of course a vaccine will be one great national project. Rebuilding the prosperity we had just a few months ago will be another. Life will not go right back to normal. Repairing the damage will take creativity. But the greatest country in world history will find a more sustainable middle ground. Every one of my Senate colleagues should be proud of how we helped our Nation win this battle. Every day, our historic rescue package has continued to push out money and aid. Every day, we are working on ways to smooth the road toward reopening that lies before us. The American people have already been heroes. It is our honor as Senators to stand with them

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the actions of the Senate with respect to S.J. Res. 72 be vitiated.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I move to proceed to legislative session.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I move to proceed to executive session to consider Calendar No. 644.

Mr. McCONNELL

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

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the mandatory quorum calls for the cloture motions be waived.

Mr. McCONNELL

Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I move to proceed to executive session to consider Calendar No. 655.