Jon Ossoff

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of S. 3984 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.

Mr. OSSOFF. I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read a third time and passed and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 731, which is at the desk.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand adjourned until 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 13; that following the prayer and pledge, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the morning hour be deemed expired, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; that following the conclusion of morning business, the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the Chang nomination postcloture.

Mr. OSSOFF

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

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Univision 34 Atlanta's ``Liga de Campeones'' initiative for its 20-year commitment to empowering Georgia's Hispanic youth through education. Since 2004, this initiative has provided invaluable support to high school seniors and college students, recognizing their academic excellence, perseverance, and dedication to community service. ``Liga de Campeones'' stands as a beacon of hope, showcasing the resilience and determination of our youth in the face of adversity. By awarding scholarships and amplifying the stories of recipients on Univision 34 Atlanta's television and digital platforms, the program inspires others to pursue their dreams despite obstacles. Through ``Liga de Campeones,'' Univision 34 and its local partners have helped over 150 students overcome challenges and achieve their educational aspirations. As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I recognize and commend Univision 34 Atlanta as they celebrate this 20-year milestone of ``Liga de Campeones'' and for their continued positive impact on Georgia's Hispanic youth.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Madam President, for years, too many Democrats have been in denial about the national security risks at our southern border. And I have been critical of fellow Democrats who have failed to acknowledge these risks, who have failed to recognize that knowing and controlling who enters our territory is fundamental to our sovereignty and our national security. But now the situation has changed. There are more than enough Democratic Senators ready and willing to pass a strong bipartisan border security bill--a border security bill coauthored by a conservative Republican Senator, Senator Lankford of Oklahoma, who has done extraordinary work in crafting this legislation; a bill that would surge enforcement resources to the southern border; that would tighten asylum standards; that would expedite the removal of those who abuse asylum to enter our country unlawfully; that would hire urgently needed Border Patrol officers and take the fight to the drug cartels flooding our communities with fentanyl. This is a bipartisan bill to help defend the Nation against terrorists who would exploit weakness at our southern border to enter our country and kill Americans. And now it is Republican Senators who have already once blocked and this week are threatening again to block bipartisan border security legislation. Why, the American people ask, would Republicans in Congress block border security legislation amidst a national security crisis? The answer is simple. Asked recently on FOX News why Senate Republicans were blocking the Border Act, Senator Lankford, the Republican coauthor of the bill, put it very simply: President Trump said: Don't fix anything during the Presidential election. President Trump said: Don't fix anything during the Presidential election. The former President would rather wield the border as an election issue than see Congress secure it, and Republicans in Congress appear to be falling in line even though it leaves the country at grave risk. I urge my Republican colleagues to reconsider their position. Just as I have criticized Democrats who for years buried their heads in the sand about the threat at the southern border, just as I have criticized the Biden administration for its failures at the southern border, this is a time for Republican Senators to stand up to President Trump and say: No, we will not obey your command to leave the country at risk. Instead, we will do what is right for the Nation. The threat of terrorism associated with unlawful entry at the southern border is real; it is pressing. If the Senate fails to pass border security legislation, refuses to tighten asylum standards, refuses to hire more Border Patrol officers, refuses to expedite the removal of those who abuse our asylum system to enter the country unlawfully, our Nation faces a grave national security risk. The first vote we will take later this week on the Border Act will not even be a vote on the passage of the bill. It will be a vote on whether the Senate agrees to debate and consider amendments to the legislation. Senate Republicans think this bill is imperfect. If they want to offer amendments, they will have that opportunity. I urge my Republican colleagues: Ignore the former President. President Trump said: Don't fix anything during the Presidential election. He is not your boss. He is not your constituent. We have an obligation to national security. The country is at risk. Let us debate the Border Act. I yield the floor.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the confirmation on the Dalton nomination occur at 11 a.m. tomorrow, Thursday, May 23; further, that the cloture motion with respect to the motion to proceed to S. 4361 ripen at 2 p.m. tomorrow.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Mr. President, I rise to commend Friendship Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA, on its 162nd anniversary. Friendship Baptist Church was first established in 1862 and independently organized in 1866 in the days after the Civil War, becoming Atlanta's first Black Baptist Congregation. Originally run out of a refurbished railroad boxcar donated by the Ninth Street Baptist Church in Cincinnati, OH, Friendship Baptist Church has served as a launching point for several of Georgia's preeminent institutions of higher education, including Atlanta University in 1865 and both Morehouse and Spelman Colleges in 1879 and 1881, respectively. In the years since its inception, the leadership and congregation of Friendship Baptist Church have played an integral role in both the faith-life of Atlanta, serving as a ``mother church'' to new spaces of worship for more families across Georgia, and in the civic life of Atlanta. Having moved their physical church for the third time in over a century, Friendship Baptist Church dedicated itself to be a ``church with no wall,'' embracing the meaning of their name and becoming a friend to the people of Atlanta and the people of Georgia. Today, Friendship Baptist Church is led by Pastor Reverend Dr. Kelly Miller Smith, Jr., with over 600 congregants and continues to play a vital role in the community. I commend the Friendship Baptist Church leadership, clergy, and congregation on this 162nd anniversary and thank them for their leadership in the community.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Madam President, I fully support the provisions of the Department of Justice prosecutorial rules that forbid discriminatory or political considerations in prosecutions. Though I would want Senator Lee's proposal subjected to vigorous debate, I see no compelling reason why these principles could not be codified in Federal statute. Senator Lee's proposal has merit. However, adoption of Senator Lee's amendment would necessitate that the Senate, having passed the budget measure, send it back to the House for reconsideration and further votes, with mere hours until a partial government shutdown that would have a devastating impact on our economy. Therefore, at this time, I cannot support Senator Lee's amendment, as its adoption would ensure a partial shutdown of the Federal Government.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Mr. President, I rise to commend Nancy Flake Johnson of the Urban League of Greater Atlanta for her leadership and service to the State of Georgia. Ms. Johnson has served as president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Atlanta since 2008. She previously served as vice president of programs for the Detroit Urban League, led Howard University's Small Business Development Center, and operated an accounting practice. Under Ms. Johnson's leadership, the Urban League of Greater Atlanta has worked tirelessly to deliver impactful programs focusing on economic mobility; developing, delivering, and advocating for innovative policies; and creating partnerships in both public and private sectors. The Urban League works to empower Black-owned small businesses, provide direct support to young people, and help connect job seekers with workforce development and employment opportunities. This year, Ms. Johnson was named one of Georgia Trend's 2024 Most Influential Georgians. She was previously honored as one of 21 Women Who Mean Business for 2020 by the Atlanta Business Chronicle and was a 2019 Honoree as one of Atlanta's 500 Most Powerful Leaders by Atlanta Magazine. As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I commend Nancy Flake Johnson for her work and for her leadership as president of the Urban League of Greater Atlanta.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Mr. President, I rise today to honor State Representative Pedro ``Pete'' Marin, Georgia's longest serving Hispanic State legislator, as he concludes his distinguished career in Georgia's State House. Earlier this year, Representative Marin announced he would not seek reelection to Georgia's State House after over two decades of service representing the people of Gwinnett County. Born in Puerto Rico, Representative Marin moved to Georgia in 1995. He was elected to Georgia's State House in 2002, among a trio who became the first Hispanic lawmakers in Georgia's history. Throughout his tenure, Representative Marin has been a tireless advocate for his constituents, championing causes like education and social justice, helping bring the needs of Georgia's Latino community to the forefront of the legislative discussion. Representative Marin's commitment to education has been unwavering, ensuring that children in Georgia have access to a quality education, regardless of their background. His dedication to empowering Hispanic youth has and will continue to leave a lasting impact on the future of our State. Representative Marin has long worked to break down barriers and create opportunities for all communities, not just Georgia's Latino community. As we reflect on Representative Marin's remarkable career, let us express our gratitude for his service and leadership. His integrity and dedication to public service serve as an inspiration to us all. As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I recognize and commend Georgia State Representative Pedro Marin for his outstanding contributions to the State of Georgia, for his tireless efforts on behalf of Georgia's beloved Latino community, and for his decades of public service.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Mr. President, I rise to commend an Atlanta, GA, nonprofit organization for its two decades of service to Georgia and the country. Founded in 2002, Bert's Big Adventure provides an all-expenses-paid, 5-day journey to Walt Disney World for children with chronic and terminal illnesses and their families. In 2003, the organization took seven children with chronic and terminal illnesses and their families on the journey of a lifetime to Walt Disney World for the inaugural trip. Since then, Bert's Big Adventure has taken nearly 260 children and their families on a magical vacation. Following the annual trip, Bert's Big Adventure provides year-round support to children and their families through initiatives such as the Family Reunion Adventures, the Fairy Godparent volunteer program, and additional charitable services. Bert's Big Adventure gives children battling illness and their families a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and helps create lasting memories. As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I commend the Bert's Big Adventure team for its two decades of valiant service and commitment to giving back to those in need.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Mr. President, I rise today to commend the extraordinary efforts of the airmen assigned to the 38th and 41st Rescue Squadrons of Moody Air Force Base, GA, for their lifesaving mission conducted on December 1, 2023. On this day, these squadrons demonstrated skill, readiness, and unwavering dedication to their motto and mission. Facing a life-or- death medical emergency in North Florida, the Rescue Squadrons were called in to assist with a rapid patient transport from Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital in Miramar Beach, FL, to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, as adverse weather conditions rendered all civilian aerial transportation options infeasible. The squadron's ability to conduct search and rescue operations in challenging weather conditions, where civilian resources could not, highlights the unique and indispensable role they play in our Nation's emergency response framework. As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I commend and celebrate the heroic actions of the 38th and 41st Rescue Squadrons at Moody Air Force Base and thank them for their service to our country.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Mr. President, I rise to commend Judy Murphy for her commitment to the well-being of residents across Augusta. For nearly two decades, Ms. Murphy has been volunteering at nursing and retirement communities across the Augusta area. Her weekly craft class at Thrive Senior Living in Augusta is frequently attended because of her passion and commitment to serving her community. Ms. Murphy recently received WJBF Augusta's Giving Your Best award after being nominated by Thrive's Social Network director, Robbie Harrell. As a retired nurse, Ms. Murphy remains committed to a life of service and finds joy in the life lessons and friendships she has earned because of her commitment to doing good. As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I commend Judy Murphy for her service and commitment to her community.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Mr. President, I rise to commend Harold ``Harry'' Sanders III for being named the 2022-2023 Georgia Logger of the Year. A third-generation logger, Mr. Sanders serves as vice president of Sanders Logging Company based in Cochran, GA. The Georgia Forestry Association--GFA--and Southeastern Wood Producers Association--SWPA--bestowed Mr. Sanders the award in recognition of his company's work and involvement in the community. Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, Mr. Sanders took over daily operations of the family business in 2014 after receiving his B.S. in forestry from the University of Georgia's Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I commend and congratulate Harold ``Harry'' Sanders III, the 2022-2023 Georgia Logger of the Year.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Mr. President, I rise to commend Grannies on Guard for their work to keep the Chattahoochee River Valley safe. Grannies on Guard was cofounded in 2021 by Charlie Adams and Rasheeda Ali, who lost her grandson Jaleel Rasheed Ali to gun violence. Their organization works to create a positive community environment for children ages 5 to 12. Partnering with parents, schools, civic and faith-based organizations, Grannies on Guard helps provide an alternative to gangs and violence through monthly meetings and community events at no cost to families. As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I commend Rasheeda Ali, Charlie Adams, and the Grannies on Guard team for their work in the Columbus community and for their commitment to our children.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Mr. President, I rise to commend Victoria Chacon for her leadership, commitment to local journalism, and passion for keeping Georgia's Latino community informed. Born in Chancay, Peru, Ms. Chacon arrived in the United States without speaking any English. She worked many different jobs in construction, commercial and residential cleaning, and maintenance in Atlanta before becoming a small business owner in the cleaning and maintenance industry. She later founded Atlanta's first bilingual newspaper, La Vision, which is now distributed across the State of Georgia. Ms. Chacon has dedicated more than 30 years to helping the Latino community in Georgia. As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I commend Victoria Chacon for her leadership, her work to uplift Georgia's Latino community, and her commitment to keeping Georgia's Spanish-speaking community informed.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Mr. President, the Senator from Vermont last week proposed to discharge the Foreign Relations Committee of S. Res. 504, his resolution to require the production by the Department of State of a report on Israel's human rights practices. Senator Sanders' resolution is intended to serve the important purpose of ensuring robust Senate oversight of how U.S. security assistance has been deployed by the State of Israel in Gaza, where humanitarian conditions are catastrophic. However, Senator Sanders' measure as drafted is overbroad, with potentially significant unintended consequences. Beyond its reporting requirements with respect to ongoing Israeli operations in Gaza, Senator Sanders' resolution requires within 30 days the affirmative certification by the Secretary of State that no individual unit of the Israel Defense Forces receiving U.S. security assistance over the past 5 years has committed any gross violations of human rights. The Department of State cannot feasibly undertake within 30 days the far-reaching analysis of IDF operations over half a decade that would be required to make such a certification. The Department of State would therefore, in my view, be unable to comply with the reporting requirements in Senator Sanders' resolution, potentially triggering a mandatory cessation of U.S. security assistance to Israel before the Senate even had the opportunity to review its report. Accordingly, I voted to table S. Res. 504.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Mr. President, thank you for the recognition this morning. It is a pleasure to be with you, Mr. President, here this morning as we, together, represent the State of Georgia, an obligation that we both cherish, an obligation I cherish sharing with you. And it is a pleasure to be with you here, Mr. President, this morning to open the Senate, having heard such a moving prayer and such words of wisdom from Rabbi Peter Berg of The Temple in Atlanta, GA. Rabbi, on behalf of the U.S. Senate, we thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule tending to your congregation and providing light and inspiration to our constituents in Georgia to provide such wisdom and a blessing to those of us here in this Chamber who labor each day to do the work of the people and to advance the interests of the United States. I thank you, Rabbi Berg, for your leadership at this moment of trial for Jewish Americans in Georgia, across the country, and for Jews around the world at this moment that frays the bonds between faith communities. I thank you for your interfaith leadership, for your consistent calls for solidarity, compassion, and mutual love and respect between all people of all faiths. It is particularly fitting, Rabbi, that you joined us during Hanukkah. And, Mr. President, to have Rabbi Berg here as we approach the sixth night, during this moment when so many Jews feel such anxiety and fear amidst the overt expression of anti-Semitism such as we have not seen for a generation, we draw upon the Hanukkah story--one of endurance and resilience and survival--for inspiration, a story that can inspire all people of all faiths. Finally, Mr. President, I would note, as you and I together represent the State of Georgia--for the first time in its history represented by a Black man and a Jew--that to have Rabbi Berg here representing The Temple's civil rights commitments in history--The Temple, which in 1958, as you know, Mr. President, was bombed by White supremacists in an attempt at vengeance for Rabbi Jacob Rothschild's alliance with civil rights leaders and Dr. King in the American South--it is particularly powerful to have Rabbi Berg here with us this morning. He leads, of course, the congregation where I was bar mitzvahed. We are grateful for Rabbi Berg's spiritual leadership. I yield the floor.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Mr. President, today it is with great pleasure that I honor a dedicated Army noncommissioned officer, legislative liaison, and public servant. I wish to recognize SGM Tyrone C. Marshall for 2 years of exemplary service with the Senate Liaison Division and congratulate him on his selection to serve in the Pentagon as an operations sergeant major with the Office of the Chief of Public Affairs. On this occasion, I recognize Sergeant Major Marshall's distinguished 25-year career spent serving the American people, whether here in the Halls of Congress or with his boots on the ground. A native of Ashbury Park, NJ, and a fourth-generation soldier, he enlisted in the Army in 1998, serving first as an administrative specialist for 7 years before transitioning to public affairs in 2005. Sergeant Major Marshall deployed to Iraq twice, serving first in 2005 with the 25th Infantry Division public affairs, Task Force Lightning, and later with Task Force Wings as Brigade PAO for 25th Combat Aviation Brigade in 2008. In 2011, Sergeant Major Marshall began his first tour at the Pentagon as the senior public affairs NCO for the Defense Media Activity's Armed Forces Press Service, Pentagon Bureau, later designated DoD News. In this role, he served as the sole military adviser to a 20-person civilian news team supporting the Office of the Secretary of Defense and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. His service in this capacity demonstrates his steadfast commitment to the defense of the United States, whether on the ground or over the airwaves. In 2015, Sergeant Major Marshall returned to the line as a platoon sergeant at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, CA. He then returned to the Pentagon as Public Affairs and media adviser to the 15th and 16th Sergeants Major of the Army and as an operations NCO. In 2020, Sergeant Major Marshall arrived on Capitol Hill to serve as a defense fellow for Representative Elise Stefanik of New York before his selection as a legislative liaison in the Senate Liaison Division. In each of these positions, his primary responsibility was to help continue and strengthen Army relationships across both Chambers of Congress. Over the past 2 years, Sergeant Major Marshall has done just that: He has been an indispensable resource and representative of the Army and traveled all over the world facilitating congressional and staff delegations. He will now continue his distinguished Army career, once again returning to the Pentagon as an operations sergeant major. He will assume responsibility for his new position later this December. I am personally thankful for his shared wisdom, service, and sacrifice. I am grateful to him for the help he provided my staff and me to better serve our Georgia Army families and communities. And on behalf of the U.S. Senate, I thank SGM Tyrone C. Marshall for his time here in the Senate as a legislative liaison and wish him, his wife Tammy, and his children Kya, Kaden, Tre'Yon, Elijah, and Tyrone all the best.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Mr. President, I rise to commend a Savannah, GA, nonprofit organization working to support our children and schools. Founded in 2008 by Molly Lieberman, Loop it Up Savannah is a nonprofit community art program that began as a children's knitting and crochet class at the West Broad Street YMCA. Since then, it has grown into a community-wide program, helping bring art forms to children and adults across Chatham County and the Savannah area. Partnering with schools, community centers, museums, and local businesses, Ms. Lieberman and Loop It Up Savannah work to provide creative art experiences and connect resources to children and families throughout Savannah. Loop It Up Savannah's programming includes visual and performing arts, early literacy programming, school garden projects, yoga and mindfulness-based practice, and STEAM Programming throughout Savannah and Chatham County. These events, programs, and workshops help build strong relationships, greater academic successes, and a more connected community. I commend Molly Lieberman and the entire Loop it Up Savannah team for their work in the Savannah community and their commitment to our children.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Mr. President, I rise to commend an extraordinary Georgian for her lifetime of service to the State of Georgia and to our entire country. This month, Ms. Kim Riggins will retire as a congressional liaison in the Atlanta VA Regional Office's Congressional Unit, where she works to ensure Georgia's veterans and their families can access the benefits they have earned, and to coordinate that work with Georgia's congressional offices. In 1979, Ms. Riggins enlisted in U.S. Navy, and she served on Active Duty from October 1979 until October 1983. While stationed at Fort Myers, VA, she met and married Charles Riggins, a soldier, in 1983. The couple had two sons, Charles Jr., an educator, and Terron, Active-Duty Army. Both are married and captains in the National Guard and Active Army, respectively. Upon her discharge from Active Duty, Ms. Riggins joined the Navy Reserves and remained in the Reserves until 1994. In June 1994, Charles and Kim Riggins moved to Georgia. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, she was recalled to Active Duty and served from February 2002 until October 2003. Ms. Riggins retired from the U.S. Naval Reserves in 2005, and in May 2008, she graduated magna cum laude from Clayton State University, earning a bachelor's degree in accounting with a minor in finance. She began working at the Atlanta VA in August 2009 and was hired under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act--ARRA--of 2009 as a veterans service representative, VSR. Ms. Riggins was part of the pre- development team from 2009 to 2012, where she was selected by the veterans service center Manager--VSCM--to be detailed to congressionals on the public contact team, where she has been serving Georgia's veterans for the past 11 years. For her lifetime of service to our Nation in the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Navy Reserves, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, I commend Kim Riggins and congratulate her and her entire family on her retirement.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Mr. President, I rise to commend Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany for receiving the Commander in Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence in June 2023. This award is presented in recognition of outstanding and innovative efforts of the people who operate and maintain U.S. military installations. In May 2022, the base announced it had become the first DOD installation to reach electric Net Zero. Partnering with Georgia Power, MCLB Albany was awarded funding via the electrical vehicle Make Ready Program. The effort consists of 21 charge points at nine locations across the installation and includes underlying infrastructure to allow for future growth. In March 2022, MCLB Albany opened the first hybrid dining facility to feed both Active Duty and civilians, emphasizing nutritional density while maintaining compliance with the Military Dietary Reference Intake. The base is also recognized as a Military Community of Excellence through various partnerships with industry, schools, local, State, and Federal leaders. As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I commend Col. Matthew McKinney, U.S. Marine Corps, and all who serve and work at Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany for their outstanding and innovative efforts to support Department of Defense missions.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Mr. President, when Hamas gunmen stormed into towns and kibbutzim in southern Israel and massacred over 1,000 Israeli civilians--killing families, raping women, abducting babies, torturing and beheading Jews--in the very state that was established after the Holocaust to be their sanctuary, the overwhelming majority of Americans were and still are united in our grief, outrage, and solidarity with the Israeli people. For Jews, these events call to mind the Einsatzgruppen SS, the Nazi death squads who hunted and massacred our relatives across Eastern Europe 80 years ago. The slaughter of Jews at such scale and with such cruelty reopened deep Jewish wounds suffered throughout our history. Salt in those wounds was the minimization and even celebration of this massacre by a few, including a few in the United States who attempted to excuse such atrocities as a righteous comeuppance for Israeli policies or the inevitable consequence of Israel's very existence. That moment required moral clarity. No matter one's objections to Israeli policy or one's perspective on history, there is no justification and can be no apology for the deliberate massacre and torture and abduction of civilians. There is no excuse, there is no context, historical or political, that mitigates the crime. It is clear that under such circumstances, Israel has an obligation to protect its citizens and a right to do so with force, and this, too, requires moral clarity. No government could be expected to tolerate such an attack and such a threat without taking decisive action to defend itself and to bring the perpetrators to justice. Mr. President, now 5 weeks since the October 7 massacre, Israel's military response, which is substantially armed by the United States, directly impacts the lives of millions of people, the future of the Middle East, and America's national security, and it is therefore a necessary subject of scrutiny by the U.S. Senate. So the Senate must acknowledge that conditions for civilians in Gaza are catastrophic and that this unfolding humanitarian catastrophe is both an immense tragedy and a threat to our national security. Hamas imbeds its military capabilities within Gaza's civilian infrastructure. It hides behind and beneath Gaza's civilian population. But the depraved tactics of Hamas do not relieve Israeli leaders of their obligations to protect innocent life, nor should they harden our hearts against the innocent people who live under their rule. In 5 weeks, relentless airstrikes and the continuous use of massive munitions in dense urban areas have killed thousands of civilians and seriously wounded many thousands more, including many children. In a territory half the size of DeKalb County, GA, tens of thousands of homes have been destroyed or damaged beyond use, and more than 1\1/ 2\ million people have been displaced. Clean water, food, and medicine are scarce, and the continued obstruction of aid necessary for sanitation and healthcare will worsen suffering, disease, and death. Small children are wasting from malnutrition and falling ill in overcrowded shelters and makeshift camps. Imagine the desperation of families with young children just trying to survive. And this, too, requires moral clarity. The extent of civilian death and suffering in Gaza is unnecessary, it is a moral failure, and it should be unacceptable to the United States. There is no doubt that to defeat the threat posed by Hamas, force is required. With the use of force, no matter how judicious, facing an enemy hiding behind civilians, there will be civilian casualties. But restraint and the acceptance of some military risk out of concern for innocent life are demonstrations of strength, even and especially when confronting a brutal enemy like Hamas. Concern for the innocent, especially when fighting an enemy unbound by any morality, demonstrates the values for which the United States should stand and which Israel proclaims--the same values meant to be the bedrock of our alliance. An unmitigated humanitarian disaster in Gaza is not just a moral failure, it undermines American national security; it heightens the risk that the war might spread and draw American forces further into combat. It sows the seeds of hate and dims the prospects for a long-term sustainable peace between Israelis and Palestinians. It gives fodder to terrorists who would strike Americans and our allies abroad and at home. It damages the credibility of the United States and our allies as champions of a future defined by humanitarian values--the same values at stake in Ukraine, where Russia would push dictatorship into Europe, and in Asia, where China threatens the future of human freedom. If, in 6 months, Gaza is rubble, with tens of thousands of civilians dead and millions of desperate refugees, with no viable plan to govern its ruins, that would be a disaster not just for all those killed and wounded and immiserated, but also for Israel, for the region, and for the United States. The United States has stood with Israel since October 7 and still does. The President powerfully condemned Hamas atrocities. He flew to Israel while Israel was under fire. He rushed supplies to the IDF and sent powerful military assets to deter Iran and its proxies. Americans are working around the clock to secure the release of hundreds of hostages. Nevertheless, requests by the United States that the Israel leadership conduct a more targeted campaign, that they permit and provide safe passage for aid essential to the sustenance of innocent life, that they clearly define objectives, that they prevent extrajudicial killings by extremists in the West Bank, and that they present a credible plan for Gaza's future governance have mostly been ignored. I fervently want Israel to succeed, both in defeating the threat posed by Hamas and as a historic effort to secure a safe homeland for Jews. But I do not accept that the total deprivation of millions of innocent civilians is necessary for Israel to secure its objectives or in the national interest of the United States. And where the United States is committing arms, funds, and support for those efforts, we must guard our principles and our interests. Mr. President, I urge Israel's political leaders to act with wisdom, to listen to Israel's greatest friend and ally, the United States. Just as I pray for the freedom of hostages taken so cruelly from their families, as a pro-Israel Jewish American, I urge mercy for the innocent civilians in Gaza. I yield the floor.