Ashley Moody

Mrs. MOODY

Mrs. MOODY. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about an issue that is critically important to millions of Americans: how our Federal Government responds when disaster strikes and whether communities can quickly receive the help they are promised in a timely and transparent manner. As someone from the great State of Florida who is no stranger to natural disasters, we know how vital emergency recovery assistance is after disasters like hurricanes. Unfortunately, we discovered that recovery assistance--public assistance--can be delayed for years. That is very hard for communities that rely on that essential funding to recover. As a U.S. Senator, it is important to me to fight on behalf of Floridians to help aid in these recovery efforts and make sure that, if communities are entitled to public moneys to help them, those are efficiently received, because recovery doesn't end the day after a storm. After major hurricane strikes, like we have seen in back-to-back years in the State of Florida, it can take years to get communities back to normal, and the process can be onerous and confusing for leaders and communities. So to streamline it and make it more clear, I introduced legislation called the TRACK Act. I introduced this along with Senator Alsobrooks. The Transparency in Recovery Assistance and Claims Knowledge Act would implement a status tracker on the FEMA website. This is so victims of disaster can have easily available knowledge of insight as those claims progress. As I travel around the State of Florida, I continue to hear from folks that not just want more transparency but need that as they advocate on behalf of their communities--just a little more insight into the aid process when they are recovering from these catastrophes. While FEMA is making incredible strides under President Trump's leadership, the TRACK Act will bring more sunshine, more transparency. After disaster strikes, the most important thing is to get help to those who need it as soon as possible, and this bill helps us to do just that. While transparency and accountability are essential, they must also be paired with real action and real results. And so I am so proud to announce and inform my fellow Floridians that following very productive meetings with DHS, I was able to secure nearly half a billion dollars in FEMA public assistance funding, which was released, totaling in 535 projects across 14 disasters. And these had been requested for years. This is thanks to the advocacy and coordination from folks all across my State--from Bay County to Broward County; city managers, mayors, constituents. Truly, it was all of us working together to bring this to the attention of those here in Washington to not delay these funds. We are just getting started. I want to thank President Trump and his administration for his leadership and for standing with Floridians as we recover from these natural disasters. Indeed, I believe Floridians and their participation in coming to Washington and meeting with their representatives, making sure that they are heard by their government--the people's government-- that is why we have seen progress. If there is one thing I can say--and I continue to be inspired as Florida's newest U.S. Senator--government will only work if people remain engaged with their government. If we the people remain engaged with the representatives that serve us, we the people are an essential part of our Republic working. So I am proud to make this announcement about these moneys being released to help Florida recover and to further strengthen our State. But, indeed, it is just an announcement, because while I was the voice of so many, it was their work, their advocacy, them being a part of their government that got this done. Since becoming a Senator, I have been inspired by so many across my State that want to help in the administration of the people's government. They have shared their struggles in getting Federal aid. They have shared their needs as a result of natural disasters, hurricanes, flooding. And all of that went into making this a reality. And I am so proud to have worked to secure these long-awaited funds for my State. This urgency is why I am also urging my colleagues to join me in supporting the TRACK Act. It will improve transparency between Washington and communities back home. Indeed, it will allow Americans to be more a part of their government. I yield the floor.

Mrs. MOODY

Mrs. MOODY. Mr. President, as you may know, we are recognizing National School Choice Week, and I thank my colleague for organizing those of us who believe dearly in educational options for children to come to the floor and speak about what we have accomplished and what we hope to accomplish on behalf of America's kids. As you may know, in addition to being a U.S. Senator, I am also a mom of a kid in school who has gone to many different kinds of schools over the course of his educational career, and I am honored to serve as a cohost this week with the chairman of the HELP Committee Senator Cassidy, as well as my friend Senator Tim Scott to represent the long strides that my home State of Florida has taken to make us the best State, I believe, in the Nation for educational freedom. This did not happen overnight. It took decades of thoughtful policymaking and implementation and tweaks along the way, and we are still working to get it right. But I wanted to show up here today and tell my colleagues about how Florida has set its kids on paths to success by thinking outside the one-size-fits-all approach for education. That has happened from tireless work from parents, from advocates, and a State government that has transformed Florida from a State with poor performance across the board to a leader nationwide in education. We went from having graduation rates at just 60 percent, with less than 1 percent of K through 12 students attending a public charter school, and fewer than 10 students in the State receiving a K through 12 scholarship in 1999. I will say that again: a 60-percent graduation rate. In the decades that have followed--today, I am proud to say Florida now has a graduation rate of 92 percent of its kids graduating on time. That coincides with when we really started pushing educational options for our kids, beginning with Governor Bush right up until our current Governor Ron DeSantis, who got to make this great announcement. We were one of the first States, a few years ago, to adopt universal school choice. Close to 1 in 8 of our students now attends a public charter school--a public charter school--and more than 450,000 students receive some form of K through 12 scholarship, including the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship. For our children in Florida, school choice has been an invaluable tool for success no matter their background, their means, or what ZIP Code they live in. It is these accomplishments in Florida that drive me now as a U.S. Senator to ensure that all of America's kids can prosper. I have been a proud champion of the Education Freedom Tax Credit, which is now, I am proud to say, signed into law. Not only do Florida kids have access to all of the options that we have provided to them through State law, but they now have access to supplemental resources that were provided through the Education Freedom Tax Credit. I thank my colleagues, and I thank the President for supporting this measure as, now, 2 million children across the Nation will be able to seek the schooling that best fits their needs. This is another way that we are empowering parents: by supporting educational freedom across the country. As we wrap up National School Choice Week, we must remember and keep advocating publicly because there are some States that have the opportunity to opt in but refuse to do so, and that breaks my heart for the many kids who could benefit from what is available to them through educational choice. We must continue to remind the rest of America about the success we have seen in States that have embraced educational alternatives and have seen what it means when you place an emphasis on individual school needs and student needs, not ZIP Codes or economic means. The individual needs of students and the individual circumstances of students should drive their opportunities for success. The possibilities are endless when we do away with that one-size-fits-all approach and empower parents to choose what best fits their individual child. That is why I commit to continuing to advocate for school choice--so that all of America's kids see the same opportunities that we have been able to offer to the children of Florida. I yield the floor.

Mrs. MOODY

Mrs. MOODY. Mr. President, it is an honor to stand on the Senate floor today and speak in support of my Pregnant Students' Rights Act. Today, I am proud to continue this important work to protect the most vulnerable among us and to support young mothers by urging my colleagues, both Democrat and Republican, to vote in favor of this important legislation. Navigating college can be challenging for any young student but especially for pregnant women. Unfortunately, many feel pressured when they become pregnant to either end their pregnancies or risk academic failure. No woman should ever have to choose between continuing classes or continuing her pregnancy. College and university young women who become pregnant should be informed of all of the resources available to them to help them carry their pregnancy to term, whether that is modified class schedules, excused absences, or other accommodations. This is commonsense legislation that ensures young women know their rights as pregnant college students and have the support they need to stay in school and support their baby. Far too often, young women are made to feel that having a baby as a student will be the end of their academic career. This is absolutely not true. With this bill, we are sending the message that women are supported and set up to succeed in school and raise a healthy baby. Through this bill, universities will now have to inform pregnant students of their rights and protections. It also instructs universities to tell students how to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if there is a title IX violation. No matter where you are politically--Republican or Democrat, pro-life or pro-choice--one thing I think we can all agree on is that the more information for women making life-changing decisions, the better. For these reasons, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote in favor of my Pregnant Students' Rights Act to support young mothers and protect life. I yield the floor.

Mrs. MOODY

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

Mrs. MOODY. I ask unanimous consent to speak for up to 5 minutes prior to the scheduled rollcall vote.

Mrs. MOODY. I ask unanimous consent to waive the mandatory quorum call with respect to cloture on Calendar No. 299, H.R. 6938.

Mrs. MOODY. Mr. President, I am honored to rise on the floor today to recognize some of Florida's--the Sunshine State--very best. As you know, last week we celebrated Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, and I wanted to recognize two great officers from the Tampa Bay area, where I, as one of the newest U.S. Senators, hail from. Last month, Tampa Police Department Officers Jason Sikoski and Kaleb Girard saved an 86-year-old man who was found dangling off of his roof. The senior had gotten to the roof to clear foliage, lost his balance, and had inched his way, with no success, to climb back up to the edge of the roof. When the officers found him, he was already dangling and was almost falling off the roof. And so you can imagine the quick response from Tampa Police Officers Sikoski and Girard, along with fire rescue, who showed up. They acted timely, without hesitation, and they were able to save this Florida man from falling. And it was obvious from the situation that they found, had they not shown up, had they delayed in any way, had they not responded swiftly and acted quickly, that Floridian would have fallen 30 feet to the ground, where no doubt this story would have ended with a very tragic conclusion. So I am very proud today to rise to recognize Officer Sikoski and Officer Girard on the Senate floor as some of Florida's finest and present them with our Florida's Finest Award. Certainly, as attorney general of Florida before I came to the Senate a year ago, I had always recognized law enforcement for their courage, for dedicating their professional lives to enforcing the people's law. Certainly without that brave commitment by them, our society would not function as we know it. It has been important to me to honor the extraordinary work of those selfless officers that protect Floridians. Our Florida's Finest Award honors those Floridians and law enforcement officers who demonstrate selfless courage, who go above and beyond to save lives. I am so thankful that these Tampa police officers saved this man's life and for all they do every day to keep the Tampa community safe. Congratulations to Officers Sikoski and Girard for helping us make Florida stronger and safer. I am so honored to recognize them today on the Senate floor. I will end by saying that each and every one of our law enforcement officers is essential to upholding the rule of law, the people's law. Without them showing up day after day, faithfully executing their duties without obstruction or threats or attacks, certainly government and the people's government could not function the way it is intended to. I will keep standing up for the men and women of law enforcement, every law enforcement officer, because we know that they are essential not only for a stronger and safer Florida but for a stronger and safer United States of America. I yield the floor. Cloture Motion

Mrs. MOODY

Mrs. MOODY. Mr. President, tomorrow is Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, and it was my intention to come to the floor today and talk about some great officers and celebrate the men and women that put their lives on the line to protect us every day. Indeed, I encourage every American across this great Nation to do just that, say thank you for signing up courageously for an often thankless job. But in light of recent events, I feel I must address a more pressing issue. The horrific situation that occurred yesterday morning in Minnesota is tragic. Radical protestors intending to run over Federal immigration officers with cars, that cannot happen. In fact, protestors that show up with intent to harass or obstruct or impede or aggressively approach or violently assault officers, it cannot happen. When they are doing their jobs, it is a precarious, often dangerous, situation. I can tell you that firsthand as the wife of a law enforcement officer. I beg anyone thinking about participating in this kind of behavior to think twice for all involved. They must be given space to focus. It is a very dangerous situation in some of these missions and law enforcement activities. That is why I introduced the Halo Act back in November because, as I saw the threats of political violence, of threats against our law enforcement officers were rapidly increasing, I knew that we had to do something. And so I introduced the Halo Act so that one of these events wouldn't occur. I don't know how officers are able to do their jobs with people impeding them and getting in their faces as they are trying to focus on executing their duties. It is deeply troubling to hear the anti-law enforcement rhetoric being used by so many when it comes to Federal officers simply trying to show up and do the jobs that we, as a nation, hired them to do. And what happened yesterday in terms of folks showing up with the intent to obstruct officers, that is not an isolated incident. It is part of this broader pattern of coordinated efforts, encouraged by elected politicians who keep increasing their rhetoric and almost encouraging--let me just take the ``almost'' out, encouraging people to get in the way of law enforcement officers trying to do their job, knowing how dangerous that is, not only dangerous for law enforcement officers but for those who show up and try to impede their efforts. Elected Democrat officials right now are using radical rhetoric and encouraging people in their cities and their States to harass and obstruct officers. Many of them are even using taxpayer funds to help speak out and coordinate. According to the Department of Homeland Security, assaults on police are up 1,300 percent, death threats on police up 8,000 percent. This alarming trend threatens public safety and the rule of law--the rule of law--and the expectation that we would support the men and women who uphold it. That is what is attracting people from around the United States of America to my home State, the great free State of Florida, because we support them. We protect our officers. In fact, we introduced legislation and passed legislation to give them a safety zone, a buffer zone to do their jobs and do them safely. The Halo Act, which I introduced 2 months ago, will ensure that Federal officers can perform their duties without fear of intimidation, interference, or violence. The legislation would make it illegal for anyone, after being asked, told to stand back, to knowingly come within 25 feet of an officer who is doing their job if their intent is to interfere with the officer's work or threaten them with physical harm. It is modeled after a law in Florida, and we know it will work. It will provide the necessary buffer zone to allow officers to focus on the execution of their duties, and that is what is safe for everyone. Essentially, the bill would institute the zones and keep the officers safe. It would also make sure that this buffer zone or safety zone is there to protect others. I implore my colleagues to join in this mission, in this proposed legislation, and cosponsor the Halo Act. It is obvious we must act now to protect these officers that protect us. And we must send a message that targeted attacks, interference with the duties of officers, threat, harm, violence against law enforcement must end. We owe it to our communities. We owe it to the brave people that sign up for these jobs to strengthen the protections around them. Ahead of Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, we have to acknowledge that without the men and women that put on that badge every day, this would not be the country that we know. It is a fragile line between order and chaos, and the people that sign up to stand on that line, come what may, need to be protected, and this act would do just that. I urge my colleagues to join me and support the Halo Act to have our officers' back, to ensure our communities are safe and that they can do their jobs. I yield the floor.

Mrs. MOODY

Mrs. MOODY. Mr. President, I rise today to move for unanimous consent on the American Shores Protection Act, and this would codify President Trump's 2020 moratorium on drilling off Florida's Gulf of America and Atlantic coasts. Florida has worked with President Trump for years to keep these operations off our pristine coast and not just for a sunny day to enjoy the gulf but because our coasts are a vital component of our State's economic success. In fact, Florida's beaches alone generate more than $127.7 billion a year in tourism spending and support more than 2.1 million related jobs. However, these great resources are vulnerable to risks posed by new offshore drilling. We all saw the devastating harm caused by the Deepwater Horizon oilspill in 2010. That disaster wiped billions of dollars from Florida's industries and caused horrific damage to our environment and coastal communities. Places like Panama City Beach, Pensacola, and Destin all saw dramatic drops in tourist revenues that summer, following the catastrophe. Even places like Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and Miami Beach suffered a decline in visitors after the oilspill. Our coasts also play an important role in securing our Nation. The Gulf Test Range, a big part of the Department of War's training to ensure mission readiness, is supported by multiple military bases in Florida's Panhandle. More than 50,000 jobs in the Panhandle depend directly on operations at military facilities in this area. Eglin Air Force Base, in Okaloosa County, alone employs 20,000 people and provides the country with $11 billion in economic impact every year. If there were new offshore drilling in the Gulf Test Range, these activities that support national security would have to be reduced, meaning job cuts in an area that depends heavily on military activities. As a fifth generation Floridian, preserving our State's natural beauty is deeply important to me and all Floridians and the millions that call the Sunshine State home, as well as those who come to visit and vacation. It is my mission to protect our State's coastline, from Pensacola Beach, where the Blue Angels fly, to Duval Street in Key West; from the iconic South Beach in Miami to Fernandina in the very tip of Northeast Florida, all for our next generation. I appreciate my colleague's support as we work together to ensure oil drilling stays off our beaches and we pass the American Shores Protection Act. And if I may defer to my fellow Senator from Florida, Senator Rick Scott.

Mrs. MOODY. Mr. President, as if in legislative session and notwithstanding rule XXII, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources be discharged from further consideration of S. 3082 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration; further, 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.

Mrs. MOODY. Mr. President, I thank my colleague for taking the time to come down here today. I will note that he spent a lot of time talking about the long bureaucratic process; that this must go through every single step; and that we must get the policy right and going through the things that might take years, as we have seen happen in the Senate. It is what the American people are tired of, and I did not come here as the newest U.S. Senator to do business as usual. In fact, do you see where my desk is? It is on the very last row, almost to the edge of the Senate, because I am one of the newest Senators. We need to do things different. We need to get things done. In respect to the pristine beaches of Florida, we have to act with a sense of urgency. As far as getting policy right, this simply codifies President Trump's 2020 moratorium on drilling off Florida's Gulf of America and Atlantic coasts. This policy has been negotiated and talked about, and it is already in a moratorium. This would simply codify that. I so appreciate my colleague offering to set this on the agenda, and I appreciate that. I hope my other Senate colleagues recognize the urgency to get this done. I can't think of anything more top of mind for Floridians right now. I am proud to be here, along with my colleague Senator Scott, to fight for Floridians and fight for Florida's livelihood, our pristine natural resources.

Mrs. MOODY. Thank you. I appreciate my colleague's willingness to work in the next week or few months. Thank you so much. I yield the floor.

Mrs. MOODY

Mrs. MOODY. As if in legislative session and notwithstanding rule XXII, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources be discharged from further consideration of S. 3082 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration; further, 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. And prior to any further ruling by the chair, if I might make a comment--I withdraw so I might be able to make a comment, and then I will resubmit it.

Mrs. MOODY

Mrs. MOODY. Mr. President, last week, across America we were shocked, astonished, gutted. The night before our Nation paused to give thanks for the blessings in our lives--the night before Thanksgiving--two of our country's finest were shot down mere blocks away from the White House. Two young National Guardsmen, who had served their country like the Presiding Officer, who were doing their jobs of keeping us safe, were ambushed by a gunman here on asylum. It was 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom who tragically perished from her injuries and 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe who remains in critical, yet stable condition. We all in the Senate and across America continue to pray for these guardsmen, for Andrew's recovery, and for their families and loved ones. After the suspect started firing--and many missed the news on this--a National Guard major who was just doing his rounds was nearby, checking on other troops. He started running toward the gunfire, and all he had was a pocketknife. I would like to think everyone in this room would have the immediate response to do the same, but I think we would all pause and question: Would you, with a pocketknife, run toward gunfire to protect others? There are heroes in this Nation who sign up to do that, like the Presiding Officer, who say that they will put their safety behind others. They will stand as a guardsman of their fellow countrymen, and that is what this man did. He rushed toward danger to protect other people. I am so grateful that there are heroes like him in our country. Last week--just a few days ago--in my home State of Florida, Sergeant Erik LeVasseur, from Port St. Lucie, while doing his job as a law enforcement officer, was shot in the face when he responded to a call for help. These attacks, threats, and harassment cannot begin to feel commonplace in our country--not in our States, not in our cities. We cannot get used to this, and we should always be outraged when they occur. Unfortunately, a tragedy like this is happening time and time again in a growing stream of incidents across our country, wherein our Nation's guardians, with whatever badge they wear and whatever oath they have taken--from our guardsmen to our Federal law enforcement, to our State law enforcement heroes--are being targeted. Then I hear dire language from the speaker before me--using the term ``death warrant'' as it related to an issue--but they won't fully engage and stand up against those who are supporting groups that are targeting our heroes. An attack on those who enforce our Nation's laws is an attack on what this country was built on. It is an attack on the people's law. Indeed, it is an attack on the rule of law. Over the last 10 months, our Federal officers and agents have faced a dangerously escalating pattern of violence, ranging from hitting, spitting, kicking, and biting during arrests to vehicle-ramming, open gunfire, and throwing Molotov cocktails--all because they are doing their jobs that they took an oath to do to protect other human beings. From January 21, 2024, through November 21, 2024, there were only 19 recorded assaults against ICE law enforcement. At the same time this year, ICE law enforcement has faced 238 reported assaults. It is a 1,153-percent increase in assaults on those law enforcement officers. These nationwide incidents show how officers are being targeted because of the badge they wear, because of the oath they take. And you know in many, many instances, they are going after people who have repeatedly harmed American citizens. The attacks are not just on the enforcement operations; they are an attack on the officers themselves. Incredibly, incredibly radical, Democrat-led cities and States in this country are using taxpayer money to encourage the harassment and obstruction of our law enforcement officers in the United States of America. I just introduced the Halo Act to protect Federal officers while they conduct their official duties, and I am proud to say that this week, more of my colleagues have signed up to cosponsor this important legislation. They have said: No more. Our heroes have to be able to do their jobs to protect us without feeling threatened in the execution of their duties. The legislation would make it illegal for anyone, after being told to stay back, to knowingly come within 25 feet of a Federal officer that is trying to do their job if the intent is to interfere with the officer's work or threaten physical harm. You know, personally, I am the wife of a law enforcement officer. It is incredibly dangerous, as they are trying to execute official duties, to have people interfere with them. The distraction of not being totally focused on what they are doing endangers not only them but those around them, and we have seen that happen in this country. I expect every one of the colleagues in this U.S. Senate to speak out against that, to stand up for the people we ask to take an oath to stand in harm's way to protect us. It is the very least they could do-- to use words of support for them. My guess is you will hear utter silence on that side of the Chamber. This act is modeled after something we have done in my great home State of Florida, where we are the most pro-law enforcement State in the Nation. I was proud to say that, and I worked towards that in my time as attorney general in the great State of Florida. That is why not only are we leading in the Nation in people wanting to move to our State for protection, the people who are doing that protection, our law enforcement officers, are coming from all over this Nation, uprooting their families, to be Florida heroes because they know we have their back. We need to do that for all of our heroes across this Nation, and it needs to start right here in the Senate. It takes a truly special person to answer that call, whether that is in our military or in our law enforcement professions--and I am proud to be the wife of a law enforcement officer--to be the one that runs towards danger to help others like that courageous National Guard major last week. They shouldn't be worried while they are doing their jobs unnecessarily by people wanting to target them or attack them. Indeed, if it weren't for our Nation's heroes, our society would fail, our rule of law could not exist. I came here to DC to fight for these heroes like you, and it is a battle. There are those that will stand up and fight for our heroes, and there are those that will not even remain just silent, they will actively work against them and support groups that are targeting them. It is battle, and it is one we must win. There is not an option. For our heroes' sake, for our country's sake, for the success of this great American experiment, living as a free man under the rule of law, I urge my colleagues to have our officers' backs while they cover ours. I hope they will join me in supporting my Halo Act. I yield the floor.

Mrs. MOODY

Mrs. MOODY. Mr. President, I rise on the floor today to recognize one of the Sunshine State's best. On a Sunday morning in October, Officer Andrew Hinds was on regular patrol duty with the Riviera Police Department--Riviera Beach Police Department, they would correct me-- when he spotted smoke coming from a neighborhood. He didn't think twice. He immediately rushed toward the smoke, where he found a truck fully engulfed in flames, just feet from a family's house, threatening to spread and consume that house. Neighbors flagged him down and told him that people were still inside, including small children. Officer Hinds didn't hesitate. With fire consuming the truck and while suspecting the vehicle could explode at any moment, he quickly called dispatch, banged on the door to wake up the family, and quickly moved everyone out of the home to get them out of harm's way. The family of four inside was asleep and unaware of the fire, and it is no doubt that Officer Hinds' quick reaction and calm under pressure saved their lives and their home. I am so proud to honor this heroic act today on the U.S. Senate floor as one of the Nation's newest U.S. Senators with our ``Florida's Finest'' award. Ever since I was Florida's attorney general, and now as our State's newest U.S. Senator, it has been important to me to continue to honor the extraordinary work of our selfless law enforcement officers that protect Floridians every day. Our ``Florida's Finest'' award honors those Floridians and law enforcement officers who demonstrate selfless courage and go above and beyond in service to their fellow man. Because of this officer's quick response and his own willingness to put others' safety ahead of his own safety, a tragedy was averted. I am so grateful for Officer Hinds and all of Florida's amazing law enforcement officers who, on a daily basis, put service above self. They are all making our State--the great State of Florida--stronger and safer. Thank you for allowing me this moment, Mr. President, to recognize this incredible law enforcement officer with our ``Florida's Finest'' award. I yield the floor.

Mrs. MOODY

Mrs. MOODY. Mr. President, today is day 37 of the longest ever government shutdown, and American families and American workers are paying the price for Democrats to put on a show; from poetry being read at night, to protests, to press conferences, it is a high price to pay. And that means our troops, Federal law enforcement officers, air traffic controllers, other essential personnel, families in need that go paycheck to paycheck aren't getting a paycheck. For 6 weeks, Americans, many of whom our lives depend on, have wondered how they are going to pay their bills or keep food on the table for their families. It is ridiculous that because of this ongoing lapse of funding, heroes who protect and defend us are suffering. In fact, I found it incredible and embarrassing that the U.S. Army has published guidance on their website directing soldiers in Germany to emergency service benefits, loans, food banks, and food-sharing organizations where volunteers provide leftover food through public fridges. These are our soldiers, working day in day out, far away from home, away from their loved ones--indeed, the oldest boy in our family serves in the Army. He says he is not worried about himself, but he is worried about his friends that have kids and wonder if they are going to get paid. We have Federal law enforcement officers working tirelessly to get deadly drugs out of our communities and take down dangerous gangs like Tren de Aragua, doing it for free without being paid, because my colleagues are using the American people as political leverage. My Democratic colleagues have voted 14 times to keep our government closed, all while collecting their paychecks. Let me say that again. Our troops, our law enforcement officers, so many essential government employees are still working because the-- without pay--because the Democrats will not vote to open this government, and my Democratic colleagues are still getting their paychecks. It is far past time to end this. Maybe if my Democratic colleagues weren't getting paid or maybe if we posted on the Senate website that they could go to food banks and food- sharing organizations and public institutions to get food, they might think twice about voting no on reopening this government; voting no 14 times just to continue the funding that we spent last year. I have committed to donating my own paycheck during this shutdown to a crisis center back in Florida, and I am glad to know there are others that have committed to donating their pay during this time to help others. The American people did not send us here to let the government shut down and stop working, and our colleagues that are forcing this upon the American people and on our workers do so against the will of the people, against those that put them in office, against the wishes of even workers groups that have historically supported Democratic candidates. We were sent here to do important work and govern in good faith on behalf of the people. Americans should be furious at the display of recklessness with their country. I understand the President's frustration. I understand our leaders' frustration. I am livid. I have been here 10 months. It is no wonder people across America hate DC. We have much work to do to make this country stronger and safer. So I urge my colleagues to end this shutdown. Stay here until we get it done. Stay here until we pass the clean continuing resolution so we can continue the people's work. And while we are at it, let's pass legislation to make sure this cannot happen again. We could start with the No Budget, No Pay Act, meaning none of us here in Congress get paid unless we pass a budget and fund the government. That is common sense. Senators and Representatives shouldn't be paid until Congress does its base level job. We should also pass legislation to make sure that those in Congress don't leave DC until we deliver, and we keep government functioning. That is why I am cosponsoring the Eliminate Shutdowns Act and other legislation that would make sure this does not happen again and ensures that our government remains open and those heroes that put their lives on the line for us get paid. We owe it to the American people to ensure the government remains open, and we should not have another shutdown. Period. Thirty-seven days of chaos, uncertainty, and dysfunction is a disservice to the Americans we are here to represent, and this must end. Government must work for the people. If showboating politicians begin sabotaging the very operation of our government, corrupting rules, warping those rules' intended use to satisfy a subversive agenda, all options need to be on the table. Those options can take many forms, but this cannot continue. Maybe I should put this in terms that even my Democratic colleagues can understand: Maybe the Senate needs to reimagine the filibuster. Let's make Congress work again, and until we can do that, maybe we need to lock Congress in the Capitol until that happens--no bail, no revolving Capitol door. Let's get it done. I yield the floor.

Mrs. MOODY

Mrs. MOODY. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary of the Florida Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, an institution at the forefront of agricultural innovation and scientific research located in Wimauma, FL. The Gulf Coast Research and Education Center was started in 1925 as a laboratory focused on solutions for Florida's threatened tomato production. Throughout its 100-year history, the center adapted, grew, and became a leader in advancement for farmers in the Sunshine State. Research efforts at the center have spanned a wide range of cutting- edge agricultural initiatives. Importantly, the center's efforts have not been a mere academic exercise. Scientists at the center have improved the quality and yield of the crops Florida's farmers grow and sell around the world. At 100 years old, the center is breaking ground on its next big venture: the Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture. This new chapter in the center's story will revolutionize the way the men and women who get up before the sun provide the food we eat. Long before the tourist attractions and bustling neighborhoods, there was the Florida farmer, raising cattle and growing winter vegetables. With 100 more years of the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, the Florida farmer will still be there. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring their century-long track record of excellence.

Mrs. MOODY

Mrs. MOODY. Mr. President, I rise to the podium today to address my colleagues as we are headed into one of the darkest times of the year, when daylight saving time ends and our clocks fall back 1 hour. This weekend, we will perform the outdated and unnecessary ritual of changing our clocks. Most countries don't even observe daylight saving time. The practice was first adopted in Germany in 1916, and the United States followed 2 years later. The United States did that to save fuel during World War I. Although most people think it was adopted to give farmers more daylight, the agriculture industry at the time actually opposed it. So flash-forward to now. We are still practicing shifting our clocks twice a year. In 2018, the great State of Florida, which leads the way on so many issues--the State where I am proud to say I am the newest U.S. Senator--Florida became the first State to call for year-round daylight saving time, but we need Congress to affirm this change through legislation. After Florida took that step and led the way, 20 States followed and have already passed laws or resolutions that would end the practice if Federal law permitted, and we almost accomplished this. In 2022, the U.S. Senate voted unanimously to end it, though it went nowhere in the House. When we choose not to end this absurd practice, we do so to the detriment of Americans' health, and it is not just about our health. It is about parental sanity. I am a mom with a young kid in school, and that is somewhat of a rarity here in the U.S. Senate. Yes, I am a rookie here, and I am also balancing having a kid in school. And there is nothing more frustrating than changing your clock twice a year and forcing your family to adjust to a whole new schedule. In my experience as a parent dealing with a kid that wanted to be outside playing sports, who anxiously awaited his law enforcement father to come home and throw the baseball, not having that extra hour of daylight was really difficult, especially when all kids want to do, at the end of their day of school and chores, is to be outside. Making daylight saving time permanent makes time together as a family outside with activities possible. We can lock the clock, once and for all, by passing the Sunshine Protection Act that I have cosponsored with my fellow Florida Senator Rick Scott. We don't have to continue to fall back. We can spring forward once and for all--no more changes, no more anxiety about waking up at the wrong time or worrying about getting to church on time. Florida is the Sunshine State. We are proud to lead this mission to give families more sunshine in their day. And as Florida's newest Senator, I am renewing the fight and urging my colleagues to put an end to this archaic practice. The Sunshine Protection Act has previously passed in the Senate unanimously. I am hopeful we can come together on this bipartisan issue once again, especially now that President Trump has said it is time to lock the clock. As a Senator but, more importantly, as someone who promotes common sense in Washington, and as a mother of a young child, I am fully supportive of ending this onerous twice yearly time change. With that said, I hope we can count on the Presiding Officer. I yield the floor.

Mrs. MOODY

Mrs. MOODY. Mr. President, we are in day 23 of this shutdown--a shutdown that is sowing more uncertainty across our country by the day. It is one that is leaving our Nation vulnerable to adversaries abroad and seeing our servicemembers left wondering if their next paycheck will go through, as they seek not only to protect us but to support their families--a shutdown that my colleagues and I on the Republican side of the aisle voted against over a dozen times. We are trying to end the shutdown. Yet we are blocked at every point. Along with a few--very few--courageous Democrats, we voted for a bipartisan continuing resolution to fund the government. The opposing Democrats do so while knowing they are voting against paying our troops for our security, against paying law enforcement for safety, and against paying so many other people that are necessary for critical functions. They vote no. Republicans have voted to eliminate future shutdowns, to pay our servicemembers and other essential Federal workers, and for a full year of funding for our military. And yet, each time, these same colleagues blocked the efforts. They have now resorted to outright obstruction. I am the newest U.S. Senator from Florida, one of the newest U.S. Senators for our country. I have been here 9 months, and I am disgusted that we have colleagues coming in here, voting against continuing funding, reciting poetry. They are putting poetry over paying our troops. Since my arrival in Washington, I have watched every single effort by the Democrats to oppose the will of the American people, to undo the outcome of the election, attempting to paralyze not only the administration but our policy goals to get this country back on the right track. Now, these tactics have evolved into obstructing government itself, to hold the pay of Federal law enforcement and our military hostage-- let alone the thousands of other Federal employees who continue to show up and fulfill their duties without pay. Shockingly, even Senators with States that have large Federal workforces have set aside the interests of those families, beholden to some radical agenda. I implore my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to remember that the effects of this shutdown go well past the boundaries of DC. In my home state of Florida, we are seeing crisis centers which serve veterans, law enforcement officers, first responders, some of our most vulnerable that encounter hardships, all because colleagues have refused to open the government. In fact, I have committed to donating my salary every day the government is shut down to a crisis center in Florida because they are suffering as this continues to go on. The choice is simple for my colleagues at this point: Either you stand for this country, for our servicemembers, and for actually governing this Nation, or you stand against that. And, finally, I want to take a moment to thank every single Federal employee continuing to work without pay: our servicemembers, Federal law enforcement officers, Coast Guard members, air traffic controllers, so many others--including our own staff, including the staff on the Senate floor that show up and stay up all night as the Democrats recite poetry. Thank you for showing up without pay. Thank you for your patriotism, your work ethic, your embrace of duty and commitment to this Nation. Throughout history, it is the selfless work of patriots that helped build and sustain this incredible country of ours, and I look forward to the day when our colleagues on the other side of the aisle cease with their partisan games and that they put governing for the people back as their No. 1 priority, that they remember it is an incredible responsibility they undertook when they took the oath to become a Senator. I hope they remember that they were trusted to do this in good faith, on behalf of the people, and I hope that they join us in reopening the government and they join us in our bipartisan, clean continuing resolution to reopen the government. That is the only way forward, and it is the sole path available to continue our work on behalf of the American people. I yield the floor.

Mrs. MOODY

Mrs. MOODY. Mr. President, I am one of the newest Senators in this esteemed body. In fact, I just marked my sixth month here in the U.S. Senate. Over and over and over again, you could just plug and play the same speech because, apparently, everyone nominated by President Trump to every position that we have to confirm as a body is wholly unqualified. That is what the Democrats would have you believe. In fact, I don't think we heard much else about any of the nominations. If you look at the statistics going back administration after administration, Democrat and Republican, at this point in time, you saw 90 percent of nonmilitary civilian nominees confirmed. And how many of President Trump's administration have we confirmed? Zero. It is almost as though they are trying to thwart the will of the American people. I stand here to reflect on a situation that I am astounded by as the newest U.S. Senator. In November 2024, the American people elected President Trump to be the 47th President of this Nation. And with that election, the people expressed their willingness to see this country move down a new path, a better path, a stronger and safer path, a path where leaders actually looked at the well-being of this country and the security of this country and the interests of our people and made commonsense policy decisions based on that and not some radical wish list that filled some Marxist governing philosophy. How about we get back to the founding ideals of this Nation? How did the colleagues on the other side of the aisle respond to that election? What have we seen since January of this year when the 119th Congress set out to do the people's work? We have seen obstruction. It was the same response they have always had, a blend of histrionics and performance theater. Instead of committing to the calls for reflection from within their own party in the aftermath of an electoral loss, they resorted to obstruction in the name of democracy--in the name of democracy. I find it strange that in protecting democracy, it requires ignoring the will of the people. Here in the Senate, both on the floor and in our committees, we have found that carrying out the people's will is being stymied every step of the way. We have seen Presidential nominees and legislation as opportunities for a performance. And every day this goes on, important positions critical to the national security and the well-being of this country and improving the lives of our citizens, those positions go left unfilled. So while China continues to staff their diplomatic postings abroad and undercut the prosperity of our country, our Embassies go without Ambassadors. As our domestic Departments seek to unleash the American economy for the benefit of the working-class Americans, they are left without leadership. Our colleagues have sought to protect this country by obstructing the very exercise of the people's will, ensuring it is incapable of meeting the challenges of the moment. So here we are, on a Saturday in August, voting on the President's nominees because our colleagues continue to hold out. This ultimately places this body and our Nation at a crossroads. If we continue down this path, if we continue to allow obstruction at every turn or continue to allow people on the other side of the aisle to gain personal points or even political points, we weaken this body created by the Framers to carry out the responsibilities the American people have asked of us, protecting our liberty and protecting this Union. I hope that our colleagues will avoid this path and join us in moving forward with putting Americans and America first. I yield the floor.

Mrs. MOODY

Mrs. MOODY. Mr. President, today I rise to announce a resolution commending and congratulating the Florida Panthers on winning the 2025 Stanley Cup Final. Last month, our State--the great State of Florida--along with loyal fans nationwide, came together to cheer on the Florida Panthers as they fought hard to secure a victory and bring home the cup to Florida. And they cemented their place as back-to-back champions. This incredible effort marks the second cup won by the Panthers in franchise history, and our Sunshine State is so very proud. The whole Panthers' roster obviously contributed to this win, but we wanted to thank the staff and the coaches and all of those who supported the team on and off the ice. This success could not have been achieved without everybody who contributed. We watched that team compete with resilience and grit to keep the Stanley Cup where it belongs, which is, of course, in the great free State of Florida. Our entire South Florida community celebrates with the entire State, who all kept faith in this team. Everyone's encouragement throughout the season ensured our Panthers were ready to bring home the championship when the time came. The win was well deserved, and it was a great end to an amazing year. So with that, I thank the Presiding Officer for accommodating my request to pass a resolution on behalf of the Florida Panthers. Mr. President, notwithstanding rule XXII, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 333, which is at the desk.

Mrs. MOODY. I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate.

Mrs. MOODY

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

Mrs. MOODY

Mrs. MOODY. 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.

Mrs. MOODY

Mrs. MOODY. Mr. President, the Senator from Oklahoma certainly said some powerful things. I want to thank him, as the son of a cop, for making those statements and for leading this floor event today and allowing me to assist him with that. As the wife of a cop, it was very meaningful to me, and I know it was meaningful to many in this Gallery. Thank you. I rise today in celebration of officers but with solemn reflection during National Police Week. It is a time when our Nation pauses to honor the men and women of law enforcement and to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Certainly, as the newest Senator of the U.S. Senate, it is an honor for me to be here on the Senate floor to lead this floor event and these speeches that show united support for the men and women who serve. I want to thank Sheriff Bill Prummell from Charlotte County, who is here with us. He is also the president of the Florida Sheriffs Association. We have 67 sheriffs within our State, and he leads the herd of them. We are grateful that he is here, along with other men and women of law enforcement from Florida. He is certainly a hero whom I have become friends with and respect, not just for the person he is but for the person he was when he chose to take the oath and wear a badge. I think that takes a really selfless, special, brave person. I know we have students with us and visitors here today in the Gallery, and I would like him to stand so that they can recognize and see a true Florida hero. Thank you. Thank you, Sheriff Prummell. Police Week is more than a yearly tradition. It is a promise that we will never forget, that we will never take for granted the courage it takes to wear that badge, and that we will never stop saying the names or praying for the families of those whom we have lost. Every day, officers across the country put on their uniforms, they put on the badge, and they put on a bulletproof vest not knowing what that day will hold, and they do so out of a deep commitment and love for the communities they serve. They stand in the gap so that others may live in safety and peace, but that comes with risk. In Florida, I say time and time again--and we pride ourselves--we may have a bit of a debate and a friendly competition here, but I believe we will win--that we are the most pro-law enforcement State in the Nation. Our leaders back the blue, tan, and green, and we do whatever it takes to help those brave officers do their jobs. Today, we gather to honor those who gave everything in service to that oath. In honor of National Police Week, I was proud to join a bipartisan resolution designating May 11 through 17 as National Police Week. This Police Week resolution reiterates our unwavering support for law enforcement officers across this Nation. As Florida's former attorney general and the wife of a law enforcement officer, I have had the opportunity to work closely with so many brave men and women in law enforcement across Florida and indeed our Nation. They stand on that thin line between good and evil, between order and chaos. They do so, so that we may sleep safely and soundly at night. This week, we remember not only the uniforms and titles but the lives, the people behind them. I would like to recognize and ask for a moment to honor the following Florida heroes who gave their lives over the past year while protecting our communities: Deputy Sheriff William May from Walton County Sheriff's Office; Sergeant Elio Diaz from Charlotte County Sheriff's Office; Deputy Sheriff Ignacio ``Dan'' Diaz from Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office; Deputy Sheriff Ralph ``Butch'' Waller, Jr., from Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office; Corporal Luis Paez from Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office; Corrections Officer Bradford McNew from Jacksonville Sheriff's Office; Police Officer Jeremy Boykins from West Palm Beach Police Department; Master Deputy Sheriff Bradley Michael Link from Lake County Sheriff's Office; and Trooper Zachary Fink from Florida Highway Patrol. Each of those names represents not only a terrible loss to our State, but they leave a legacy of bravery, selflessness, and unwavering service. To the families, friends, and fellow officers of those we lost, we see you, we stand with you, we grieve with you, and we continue to pray for you. As the wife of a career law enforcement officer, I cannot imagine this loss or express words to ease the pain, but we offer our deepest gratitude and our support, and we are here for you in every way possible and thank you that you stood by them while they stood for us in ensuring our communities could live in peace and safety. Your loved ones were the heroes, the Florida heroes, and their memories live on in the communities they protected and the lives they touched. To every active-duty officer here in Washington, DC, here this week for National Police Week and those back at home protecting our communities right now as I am speaking on the Senate floor, thank you for your courage. Thank you for answering this important call to stand strong and brave on that line. Thank you for serving even when it is difficult, even when it is dangerous, and even when it comes at great personal cost. On a personal note, please let me thank those families that stand behind you. They stand behind you even when there is an unpredictable schedule, even when there are unique stressors that you bring home. Thank you to those families for loving and supporting our brave Florida heroes. Let us carry forward the legacy of the following: duty, honor, and service. Those indeed were the mission and the dedication and service of those that we have lost. That is how they lived their lives every day. They stood for something greater than themselves. I yield the floor.