Jerry Moran

Mr. MORAN

Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces of the Committee on Armed Services be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on February 23, 2016, at 2:30 p.m.

Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Subcommittee on Personnel of the Committee on Armed Services be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on February 23, 2016, at 2:30 p.m.

Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Select Committee on Intelligence be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on February 23, 2016, at 2:30 p.m.

Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Veterans' Affairs be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on February 23, 2016, at 2 p.m., in room 345 of the Cannon House Office Building.

Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Veterans' Affairs be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on February 23, 2016, at 10 a.m., in room SR-418 of the Russell Senate Office Building.

Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on February 23, 2016, at 10 a.m., in room SD-226 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building, to conduct a hearing entitled ``The Unaccompanied Children Crisis: Does the Administration Have a Plan to Stop the Border Surge and Adequately Monitor the Children?''

Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on February 23, 2016, at 10 a.m., in room SD- 430 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building, to conduct a hearing entitled ``ESSA Implementation in States and School Districts: Perspectives from Education Leaders.''

Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Foreign Relations be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on February 23, 2016, at 10 a.m., to conduct a hearing entitled ``Review of the FY 2017 State Department Budget Request.''

Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Finance be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on February 23, 2016, at 10 a.m., in room SD-215 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building, to conduct a hearing entitled ``Examining the Opioid Epidemic: Challenges and Opportunities.''

Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on February 23, 2016, at 10 a.m., in room SD-366 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building.

Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on February 23, 2016, at 2:30 p.m., in room SR-253 of the Russell Senate Office Building to conduct a Subcommittee hearing entitled ``Magnuson-Stevens Act at 40: Successes, Challenges, and the Path Forward.''

Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on February 23, 2016, at 9:45 a.m., in room SR-253 of the Russell Senate Office Building to conduct a Subcommittee hearing entitled ``Passenger Rail: Opportunities and Challenges for the National Network.''

Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Armed Services be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on February 23, 2016, at 9:30 a.m.

Mr. MORAN

Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate stand in recess as under the previous order.

Mr. MORAN

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

Mr. MORAN

Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, the pending legislation to enact tougher sanctions on North Korea is a welcome development as Congress once again begins to assert its role in defending national security and curtailing the growing number of nuclear weapons around the globe. In the decade since North Korea's first successful nuclear test, the threat of nuclear proliferation has not diminished. The United States concluded an agreement with Iran that leaves its nuclear infrastructure in place, causing others in the region to declare their own interest in obtaining nuclear weapons. Pakistan's nuclear arsenal is the fastest growing in the world, and it continues to destabilize the region through its ties to terrorist organizations. North Korea continues to build its nuclear stockpile and its ability to deliver future weapons. In all three of these circumstances, Congress has been the source of pressure on these nations by enacting tougher sanctions on Iran, placing a hold on security funding for Pakistan, and now this legislation today builds on those previous efforts. The results may vary, but as I see it, my colleagues in this Chamber and in the House have been much more proactive than the administration in imposing costs for failing to adhere to international norms. President Obama's approach of strategic patience has failed to accomplish the objective of bringing North Korea back to the negotiating table, and there is certainly no agreement by them to dismantle their nuclear arsenal and their nuclear program. North Korea has tested three nuclear weapons on the President's watch, and some experts believe its stockpile could grow to 100 weapons by 2020--from 10 to 15 weapons today. In addition to nuclear weapons, the regime is believed to possess chemical and biological weapons. North Korea is advancing in missile technology and has engaged in cyber attacks against South Korea, Japan, and American entities. North Korean missiles might not yet be able to reach the continental United States, but American servicemembers stationed in South Korea and Japan and tens of millions of innocent lives are menaced by the threat of weapons of mass destruction in the possession of an aggressive regime with little regard for what the world thinks of it. The Arms Control Association notes: ``North Korea has been a key supplier of missiles and missile technology to countries in the developing world, particularly in politically unstable regions such as the Middle East and South Asia.'' The recipients of such expertise are said to be Pakistan and Iran, among others. In fact, American intelligence judged the Syrian nuclear reactor destroyed by the Israeli Air Force in 2007 to have been constructed with North Korean assistance. Equally worthy of attention is the brutal treatment by Kim Jong Un's regime of its own people. Just 2 years ago, the U.N. Human Rights Council published a report concluding that ``the gravity, scale, and nature of these violations reveal a State that does not have any parallel in the contemporary world.'' It would be disingenuous to stand here and place all the blame on the President or the administration. North Korea is one of the most difficult nations in the world to understand and regional complexities make it difficult to find a solution. North Korea took advantage of lapses in American resolve during both the Clinton and Bush administrations by conducting its first nuclear test in 2006. Nevertheless, it is obvious to me that a change in approach is necessary. ``Strategic patience'' has been exhausted. Stronger measures are necessary. While the ideal approach is to work in concert with the U.N. Security Council, we cannot afford to wait for consensus on punitive measures from the U.N. that may never come. The legislation that the Senate will pass today in a strong, bipartisan fashion seeks to compel Kim Jong Un to return to negotiations. My colleagues have written legislation that ensures sanctions are mandatory--to be waived only on a case-by-case basis that requires a written explanation justifying the waiver. The secondary sanctions will penalize those outside of North Korea who assist in the regime's nefarious behavior. Without China's support in restricting North Korea's ambition, America and the world face an uphill battle. Up to this point, China has believed that an unstable North Korea is more dangerous than a North Korea with an advanced nuclear program; therefore, the enforcement of secondary sanctions is a necessary step to seek cooperation in dismantling their nuclear program. I am pleased that the bill includes language to deter and punish cyber attacks by codifying sanctions as well as requiring the President to offer a counterstrategy to North Korea's cyber capabilities. The ongoing cyber activities are damaging to our security and our economy as well as the economy and security of our friends. The bill also attempts to address the deplorable treatment of the North Korean people by their own government. This legislation is certainly not without risk. China may retaliate in some manner, North Korea may become even more bellicose, and it could very well fail to pressure Kim's regime to surrender its nuclear program. Yet it is painfully clear that the status quo is not working and that global security is imperiled as our government stands by. Fear of risk and failure will not stop us from exhausting all peaceful options to curb nuclear proliferation. Every effort must be made to convince North Korea to surrender its nuclear weapons. Congress is once again doing its part in the fight against proliferation. Chairman Corker, Senator Gardner, and the members of the Foreign Relations Committee ought to be commended for their leadership on this issue, and I look forward to joining them in passing legislation later today that will put teeth to American diplomacy. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. MORAN

Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, agriculture is the backbone of our country. It is a significant economic driver, and perhaps more importantly, it offers our citizens a way of life that is unique in today's world. Within agriculture, I often encounter thoughtful, committed men and women who work every day to raise their families, run their businesses, serve their neighbors, and provide a better future for the next generation. Those qualities are found in Steve Pringle, who has served on behalf of Texas Farm Bureau for over 25 years. Under Steve's leadership, the organization has influenced agricultural policy, promoted rural values, and worked to show an increasingly urban populace how food is produced. I met Steve many years ago, and over those years, we grew to be friends. As agricultural issues repeatedly came to the forefront of debate in Washington--from trade and energy, to the economy, overregulation, and the farm bill--he was always someone whom I could count on to give me trustworthy advice and counsel. Steve is a veteran, a husband, and a father. His long and distinguished career includes stints at the House Agriculture Committee, Texas A&M University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. For over a quarter century however, Steve has been the face of Texas Farm Bureau. Steve's passion for improving the lives of farmers and ranchers and advocating for the future of rural America has always impressed me. Steve Pringle embodies many traits we can all admire, including a deep gratitude for the hard-working families who provide the food, fuel, and fiber Americans rely on. Texas farmers and ranchers found in Steve Pringle a true public servant who worked hard to make certain their voices were heard on Capitol Hill. These traits have earned Steve the respect of his peers in Texas, in my home State of Kansas, and from across the country. Steve, we are grateful for your service and wish you and your wife, Linda, well in the next chapter of your life.

Mr. MORAN

Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, there are a lot of things that go on here in our Nation's capital, Washington, DC, that don't make sense to me. One of those things occurred about 10 days ago when the Obama administration announced it would pay $1.7 billion to Iran in settlement of a financial dispute dating back to the days of the Shah of Iran. That $1.7 billion was a payment to Iran for $400 million that was held in escrow after the Shah's demise and fall from power, and the remaining $1.3 billion was to pay interest on that $400 million. I think there are a number of reasons that this makes no sense. I will highlight the one that seems to me to be the least controversial or at least makes the most sense. We have American citizens who have claims against Iran. There are actual judgments entered by a court of law which determines that the country of Iran owes money to American citizens. The number that I was told that they owe is nearly $10 billion in judgments. What makes no sense to me is that the Obama administration would agree to pay the Iranian Government $1.7 billion without concurrently resolving the issues of what Iran should pay U.S. citizens. It makes no sense to me that we are not withholding the payment of that $1.7 billion until Iran pays American citizens the judgment amounts owed to them for their country's terrorist attacks. Why would we unilaterally pay Iran money that we may or may not owe them without resolving the issue of money that we know Iran owes to U.S. citizens? This makes no sense. We could at least have a broader conversation and discussion about this issue, although I don't know that it is necessary to go further with a discussion to reach the conclusion that the Obama administration should not be doing this. We could also have a conversation about whether this payment of $1.7 billion is ransom money. Was it paid because Americans were released from Iranian captivity on the same day? As the largest supporter and funder of terrorism and terrorist activity around the globe, we should have a discussion about whether we should be giving Iran any money at all. We know that part of the Iranian agreement related to nuclear weapons has the United States releasing money to Iran, and we know--in fact, administration officials have admitted to it--that we expect that money, in part, to be used to sponsor additional terrorist acts. Well, in addition to the flawed, mistaken agreement with Iran related to nuclear capabilities, we are now providing Iran with another $1.7 billion to use as they see fit, presumably with the admitted ability to use that money to further terrorist acts around the globe, including against U.S. citizens. We could discuss whether this is ransom or whether we should be giving any money to Iran. But on the surface, you don't need to go further than, in my view, what ought to be easily agreed upon, which is that no money should go to Iran until the claims of American citizens are paid by Iran. I am on the Senate floor to highlight to my colleagues that I have introduced legislation exactly to that effect: no money to Iran until the claims are paid to U.S. citizens by Iran. I encourage my colleagues to consider this legislation and join me in its sponsorship. It is S. 2452. I am grateful for the opportunity to bring this issue to the attention of the Senate--one more instance of something that makes no sense to me that could be resolved with a firm statement by the U.S. Congress: Mr. President, you can't pay Iran until Iran meets its obligations to pay what it owes U.S. citizens. Mr. President, I thank the Chair. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to speak as in morning business.

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

Mr. MORAN

Mr. MORAN. Madam President, Kansans celebrate a rich history of protecting man-made laws that deny natural rights. We have protested many things over a long period of time, and our history is significant in that regard. After years of bloodshed leading to the Civil War, Kansas was born a free State. Though we lament the use of any violence, residents of our State have acted on the firm conviction that human beings, regardless of their stage or state in life, could not be regarded as property by other people. We take pride in the fact that one of the first sit-ins of the civil rights movement took place at the Dockum Drugstore in Wichita, KS, leading the way for peaceful protests in the struggle for equality. Today I wish to call attention to a somber anniversary in our Nation's history that will be observed this week. Forty-three years ago, the Supreme Court determined an unborn child has no guaranteed right to life under the Constitution, paving the way to destroy the lives of 57 million unborn children since 1973. Many Kansans, most of them very young, will continue a decades-long tradition of standing up for the civil rights of an unprotected class of people as they come to Washington, DC. With their chaperones, they will comprise one of the Nation's largest groups attending the annual March for Life. They come each January, when it is rarely warm, and, as is forecast for this Friday's march, it will be snowy, cold, and probably very miserable. Despite the elements--despite the weather--when the hundreds of thousands of youth walk down Constitution Avenue past the Capitol and the Supreme Court, they give witness to the sanctity of human life from the moment of conception. They protest abortion providers receiving taxpayer dollars. They object to government policies that violate freedom of conscience. These Kansans have made a 20-hour bus ride and will yet again brave cold weather to demonstrate their commitment to the right to life--a right that those of us in positions of power have an obligation to protect. When visiting with these young advocates, I have been struck by the clarity with which they march. Motivated by a joy for life, a love for life, they come to Washington, DC, not to condemn, but rather to affirm that all life is sacred and to encourage a broader realization of that in our Nation. Every opportunity they have while they are here they will use to educate and to encourage a point of view that protects life. As other times in our struggle for civil rights in our country, they will make progress to pursue and secure the right to life, and none of those things have happened as quickly as we would like. As we work to expedite the day when the unborn are protected under law, I welcome to our Nation's capital all Kansans, as well as the hundreds of thousands more who will join them as they march for life. Every great movement begins with the first step, and these young Kansans can be certain their march will not be in vain. Madam President, I yield the floor.

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

Mr. MORAN

Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, on November 16, Kansas lost one of its greatest citizens when Glee Smith, Jr., passed away at age 94. Today, I pay tribute to Glee and celebrate his life, his legacy, and his service to our State and Nation. Glee was born and raised in 1921 in Rozel--a rural central Kansas town with a population of 156. After high school, like so many members of our ``greatest generation,'' Glee served our Nation during World War II as a first lieutenant in the Army Air Corps. After the war, he returned to further his education at the University of Kansas, where he earned a bachelor's degree in journalism in 1943 and a juris doctorate in 1947. During this time, Glee married Gerry Buhler, his wife of more than 70 years. Together, they moved southwest to Larned, where Glee partnered with Maurice Wildgen to found the Wildgen & Smith Law Firm. Within 2 years of establishing his law practice, Glee was elected to his first position of public service as Pawnee County attorney and later to the Larned Board of Education, on which he served for 12 years. These two roles provided the bedrock for Glee's work on behalf of Kansans and instilled a deep respect for the rule of law and commitment to education. He was a 67-year member of the Kansas Bar Association--20 of which were spent as a member of the Board of Governors. In addition, President Gerald Ford appointed Glee to the First Board of Directors of the National Legal Services Corporation, which he served on from 1975 to 1979. He also served on the Kansas Board of Regents for 8 years, including 2 as chairman. These are just a few of the many other causes that Glee took part in and often ended up leading. Many remember Glee's leadership from his 16 years in the Kansas State Senate, during which he served as Judiciary Committee chairman, Ways and Means Committee chairman and president of the senate for his final 8 years. The comments left on Glee's obituary in the Lawrence Journal-World do service to the impression that he left on those around him: ``Glee was a great person and a true gentleman[.] He was a great person to work with in governmental affairs and socially as well.'' ``[I] loved his stories of how Ger[ry] and he met and that he loved her from the moment he saw her!!! Their love and devotion have been inspiring . . . It was an honor to get to know him.'' ``There will always be an empty seat at First Presbyterian Church where Glee sat beside his beloved Gerry. He was a stately gentleman and a truly gentle man. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.'' ``One of the rewards of serving on the Kansas 4-H Foundation was serving alongside people like Glee. Leadership, Vision, Wisdom, Caring, Friend--a few words that describe Glee Smith.'' ``Although his impact was great in his efforts on behalf of the State of Kansas and KU, it was most significant in all the lives he touched along the way.'' Glee Smith taught through his actions that true satisfaction in life comes from service to others. This is the legacy we should all hope to leave behind for the next generation. I always believe what happens in the nation's capital is important, but the truth is that we change the world one person at a time. While our work in the Senate matters, much more is accomplished by a person like Glee. I would ask my Senate colleagues to join me in extending our sympathies to Glee's wife; three children, Sid, Stephen, and Susan; three grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren as they begin this new year in the absence of their loved one.

Mr. MORAN

Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I am disappointed the Senator from Ohio has objected, and I will continue our efforts both in the committee and on the Senate floor to see that this legislation or legislation similar to it is advanced for the purposes of reaffirming the constitutional grant of sovereignty--the sovereignty of those who preceded us in the country.

Mr. MORAN

Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, on a different topic, just for a moment I would like to indicate that it is time, unfortunately, for me to say good-bye to one of my long-time employees, Brian Perkins of Wichita, KS. A Kansan through and through is departing our staff at the end of the year. Brian came to our office when I was a House Member in 2009 and followed me here to the U.S. Senate. Among the issues that I consider most important as we try to care and work on behalf of Kansans and Americans are issues related to health care and issues related to education. Brian has been front and center in our office, day in and day out, on these issues. I have many wonderful and qualified staff members, but I think Brian is the role model for all of them, including for me. We have seen Brian time and again step up and act above and beyond the norm. In every setting he is genuine, he is sincere, and he demonstrates his care for Kansans in each and every circumstance. He is intelligent and knows the details of health care and education law, but the compelling factor about Brian is that he cares so much about getting it right and doing things for the right reasons. I understand there is sometimes a lack of appreciation by Americans across the country for the people who work here. I would exclude me and other Members of Congress from this statement, but I would think that almost without exception all of our staffs are worthy; those who work in the Senate, who work in our offices, and who work in committees are worthy of esteem and respect. These are people who work hard every day for a good and worthy cause. Most of them have an interest in policy or an interest in politics and decided that Washington, DC, the Nation's Capital was a place where they could do something for the good of their country. Brian exemplifies that. It is not easy to say good-bye to Brian. As Senators, we spend a lot of time with our staff. I want to express my gratitude to him on behalf of my family and me. I wish him and his family, Beth and their children, all the best as they move closer to family. It is another attribute of Brian; I think he has the sense that he hates to leave, but he knows he has a responsibility to his family. That is something Kansans also admire and respect. Brian, thank you very much for all the hours, days, weeks, months, and years in which you have advanced the good cause of government for the people of our State and the people of our country. Mr. President, I yield the floor.