Gary Peters

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 200th anniversary of my home, Oakland County, MI. Established March 28, 1820, and situated just north of Detroit in southeastern Michigan, Oakland County has, over the past 200 years, transformed from a small rural settlement to a thriving economic hub. On January 11, 1805, Congress established the Michigan Territory, but nearly a decade later the area remained largely unsettled due to the reputation that it was too wild, even for the heartiest of pioneers. The territory began to modernize and attract settlers under the strong leadership of Governor Lewis Cass, appointed in 1813 by President James Madison as a reward for his military service in the War of 1812. Avon Township, now Rochester and Rochester Hills, became the first area settled in Oakland County thanks to a settlers from New England, New York, and southern Canada. Governor Cass requested the remaining territory carefully surveyed, which revealed a bounty of fertile land ripe for settlement in the area now known as Pontiac. Therefore, on March 28, 1820, Cass established Oakland County and designated the central city of Pontiac--no more than a day's journey from any point in the county--as county seat. In this newly established seat, Cass allocated land to erect a courthouse, jail, cemetery, market, schoolhouse, and several churches. At this time, Oakland County had a population of 330. It is crucial to recognize the inhabitation and development of the land prior to the arrival of European settlers. Native Americans from the Chippewa, Ottawa, and Potawatomi Tribes, collectively known as the Anishinaabe, occupied the region for thousands of years prior. Early European explorers to Michigan recorded the Anishinaabe development of the land, noting their key paths and roadways. When forming the county, settlers continued to use and build upon these thoroughfares, many of which still exist to this day. The Shiawassee Trail is now Shiawassee Street in Farmington; Saginaw Trail is part of Dixie Highway; and Grand River Trail is now US 16. The Anishinaabe indisputably shaped the current landscape of Oakland County and its trade and travel routes. Today, 200 years since Governor Cass established Oakland County, I recognize its transformation from a rural community to the home of 62 cities, townships, and villages, 11 colleges and universities, and a center for industrial and technological development. The economy employs over 650,000 workers, with the largest industries being manufacturing, healthcare and social assistance, and professional, scientific, and technical services. In addition to its robust private sector, Oakland County is the base for over 11,000 nonprofit organizations. But what truly makes Oakland County unique are the parks, museums, beaches, downtowns, and theaters enjoyed by the diverse population of residents from all backgrounds, faiths, and identities. As a fifth-generation Michigander living in Oakland County, I am honored to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the rich history of the region as well as this significant milestone. I wish Oakland County continued growth and prosperity in the years ahead.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, for over 200 years, the American people have shown resilience in the face of great challenges. From civil wars, international conflicts, and--yes--pandemics, we have faced these challenges united and with resolve. Like the challenges of the past, the novel coronavirus pandemic is a crisis that, together, we can and we will overcome. As the cases of COVID-19 increase each day, my top priority is protecting the health and the safety of Michiganders and people all across this Nation. There is no doubt we are facing an unprecedented public health emergency and an economic crisis at the same time. Families in my State of Michigan--and Americans all across this country--are worried about their health and their safety and whether they are going to be able to make ends meet during this emergency. We must act quickly to provide relief for struggling families and small businesses and healthcare providers. And even as we move with the urgency that this difficult time demands, we must ensure that this bill is done right and that we are getting the right help to the people who need it the most. We must act aggressively, and now we must do everything to provide relief to workers and families in Michigan and across the country. Americans are facing an unprecedented personal, health, and financial challenge. Workers in my home State of Michigan who are forced to stay home from work due to the coronavirus shouldn't need to worry about whether they can pay their bills or put food on their table. That is why I authored legislation that is included in this package before the Senate to expand unemployment assistance. We have never had unemployment benefits in response to a public health crisis, but we have never seen an emergency on the scale of what we are seeing right now. We must support workers who are not receiving a paycheck or have been laid off due to coronavirus. That is why I fought to create an unemployment compensation program to provide federally funded benefits to people who are unable to work during this pandemic. It would expand unemployment benefits to workers who have exhausted their State unemployment benefits, and it would make unemployment benefits available to people who don't usually qualify-- including small business owners, freelance writers and workers, independent contractors, seasonal workers, and people who have recently started or were about to start a new job. And it provides workers with extended unemployment insurance so that hard-working families can have some certainty that they can stay afloat financially during this crisis that is likely to last awhile. Our small businesses have been hit especially hard, and some are at risk of having to close their doors or lay off their employees. Our small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and they need support now more than ever. That is why I worked with my colleagues on the Small Business Committee to craft legislation to expand funding available for small business loans. As a result of those efforts, this package now increases the funding for the popular and successful 7(a) small business loans to $350 billion. I also pressed for additional funding--$240 million--for small business development centers and women's business centers and an increase in funding for minority business centers as well. These funds will go a long way toward helping small businesses pay their rent and keep their lights on. This legislation also includes significantly more funding that will go to our hospitals and healthcare system. This funding will ensure that our overstretched hospitals can make up for lost revenue, keep their doors open, and make payroll for the dedicated nurses, doctors, and healthcare professionals who are on the frontlines fighting day in and day out to stop this pandemic. I have been working closely with the hospitals and healthcare providers in Michigan, and they cannot stress how critical this funding is to their ability to continue providing care and comfort during this pandemic. I will keep fighting to ensure that they have the resources-- the supplies, the gloves, the masks--and the medical equipment they need to protect themselves and their patients from coronavirus. Finally, as the ranking member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committee, I worked closely with Chairman Ron Johnson to ensure that this legislation has strong oversight provisions in place. We must ensure that the funds we are authorizing are going to the people, the small businesses, and the healthcare providers who need them the most. Our oversight provision creates a Pandemic Response Accountability Committee--a Board that is made up of agency watchdogs who will be charged with auditing and investigating the administration's coronavirus response efforts and how your hard-earned tax dollars are being used to address this serious crisis. We are also requiring the Government Accountability Office to audit where these funds are going and keep Congress and the American people up to date through real-time, publicly available reports. This model was used to successfully track spending from the 2009 Recovery Act during the great recession, and I was proud to work with my Republican chairman to get this important accountability measure included in this bill. This bill is an important step forward to address this crisis head-on and ensure our Nation can get back on track once we have addressed the serious public health threat and the resulting economic crisis as well. It is an important step, but it is not the last action we will need to take before this pandemic is over. I am going to do everything possible to continue working with my colleagues in a bipartisan manner to ensure Michigan communities and families have the resources and the support they desperately need. I will also continue working closely with Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, local leaders, public health experts, and national security officials. It will continue to take each and every one of us doing our part and working together to prevent the spread of this pandemic, protect public health, and continue to address this economic crisis. But together, I know that we will get through this, and we will come out stronger on the other side. I yield the floor.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary of the League of Women Voters of the United States. With a commitment to civic participation, the League has secured its place nationally as a relied-upon source of voter education and a protector of voting rights. The centennial celebration is a historical benchmark for the State of Michigan, as well as the entire Nation. Just 6 months before the ratification of the 19th Amendment, the suffragists of the National American Woman Suffrage Association as well as other suffrage groups embarked on a mission to ensure that voters, particularly women, would have the necessary nonpartisan information to make informed decisions on who and what to support in elections. With this newfound mission, the suffrage movement began a ``mighty political experiment'' designed to help 20 million women carry out their new civic duty. With Michigan women winning the right to vote in 1918, the mission to educate Michigan women voters started before the League was established nationally when the Michigan League of Women Voters formed out of the Michigan Equal Suffrage Association in 1919. The following year, they became part of the League of Women Voters of the United States. The early Michigan LWV advocated for changes to State-level voter registration laws and civil service reform; they also established citizenship classes through citizenship schools in people's homes. Many of their actions influenced early programs of the National League, and the intent of those programs continue today through the League's work. While the League is nonpartisan, even from their conception, the League used their voice and their platform for advocacy. One of their earliest initiatives was for child welfare reform, as well as civil service and election law reforms across the country. In 1941, the League advocated successfully for amending Michigan State law to forbid factory work by those under 16 and to mandate school attendance by all children between the ages of 7 and 16. Other major legislation the League advocated for includes the Equal Rights Amendment, National Voter Registration Act, and the Help America Vote Act. Today, Leagues from across the country advocate for issues such as fighting voter suppression, limiting the influence of money in politics, and redistricting. They are constantly encouraging and pushing for further investment in our election infrastructure and election security. With a presence in over 700 communities and across all 50 States, the League of Women Voters of the United States has become an activist, grassroots organization which plays a critical role in our democracy. It is my great pleasure to congratulate the League of Women Voters of the United States on the lasting impact it has made throughout our Nation's history and for the work it continues to do. As the League of Women Voters of the United States celebrates this centennial milestone, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in congratulating its members and extending best wishes for continued success in the years ahead.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Mr. Jim Byrum's term of service as president of the Michigan Agri-Business Association, as well as his contributions to Michigan's agriculture industry as a whole. Jim was born and raised in Onondaga, MI, the fourth generation of his family to live on the family farm. He maintained his passion for agriculture by spending his career advocating for individuals in the industry and the industry itself, first as the executive director of the Michigan Bean Commission, then as the State executive director of the Michigan Farm Service Agency, and finally as the president of the Michigan Agri-Business Association. Founded in 1903, the Michigan Agri-Business Association supports Michigan agriculture through State and national education, promotion, and advocacy. During his 24 years as president, Mr. Byrum has guided the association and its members through expansive changes in environmental awareness, agricultural genetics, and economic factors. With his past experience and in his role as head of the Michigan Agri-Business Association, Mr. Byrum solidified his reputation as a well-respected leader in agricultural policy and, through the association, represented and championed the needs of the over 500 member organizations from every agricultural sector in Michigan. He expertly communicated with lawmakers and stakeholders to ensure that Michigan remained a leader in agriculture, the State's second largest industry. It is my honor to congratulate my friend Jim Byrum for his decades of service to Michiganders, especially in his outgoing role as president of the Michigan Agri-Business Association. As the association reflects on the end of Mr. Byrum's term as President, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating him for his tireless dedication to Michigan's hard-working agricultural workers and all of us who depend on the goods and services they provide.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I swore an oath to defend the Constitution both as an officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve and as a U.S. Senator. At the beginning of the impeachment trial, I swore an oath to keep an open mind, listen carefully to the facts, and in the end deliver impartial justice. After carefully listening to the arguments presented by both House managers and the President's lawyers, I believe the facts are clear. President Trump stands accused by the House of Representatives of abusing his power in an attempt to extort a foreign government to announce a trumped up investigation into a political rival and thereby put his personal interest ahead of national security and the public trust. The President illegally withheld congressionally approved military aid to an ally at war with Russia and conditioned its release on Ukraine making an announcement the President could use to falsely discredit a likely political opponent. When the President's corrupt plan was brought to light, the White House engaged in a systematic and unprecedented effort to cover up the scheme. The President's complete refusal to cooperate with a constitutionally authorized investigation is unparalleled in American history. Despite the extraordinary efforts by the President to cover up the facts, the House managers made a convincing case. It is clear. The President's actions were not an effort to further official American foreign policy. The President was not working in the public interest. What the President did was wrong, unacceptable, and impeachable. I expected the President's lawyers to offer new eyewitness testimony from people with firsthand knowledge and offer new documents to defend the President, but that did not happen. It became very clear to me that the President's closest advisers could not speak to the President's innocence, and his lawyers did everything in their power to prevent them from testifying under oath. Witness testimony is the essence of a fair trial. It is what makes us a country committed to the rule of law. If you are accused of wrongdoing in America, you have every right to call witnesses in your defense, but you also don't have the right to stop the prosecution from calling a hostile witness or subpoenaing documents. No one in this country is above the law--no one--not even the President. If someone is accused of a crime and they have witnesses who could clear them of any wrongdoing, they would want those witnesses to testify. In fact, not only would they welcome it, they would insist on it. All we need to do is use our common sense. The fact that the President refuses to have his closest advisers testify tells me that he is afraid of what they will say. The President's conduct is unacceptable for any official, let alone the leader of our country. Our Nation's Founders feared unchecked and unlimited power by the President. They rebelled against an abusive monarch with unlimited power and instead created a republic that distributed power across different branches of government. They were careful students of history; they knew unchecked power would destroy a democratic republic. They were especially fearful of an unchecked Executive and specifically granted Congress the power of impeachment to check a President who thought of themselves as above the law. Two years ago, I had the privilege of participating in an annual bipartisan Senate tradition reading President George Washington's farewell address on the Senate floor. In that address, President Washington warned that unchecked power, the rise of partisan factions, and foreign influence, if left unchecked, would undermine our young Nation and allow for the rise of a demagogue. He warned that we could become so divided and so entrenched in the beliefs of our particular partisan group that ``cunning, ambitious and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government.'' I am struck by the contrast of where we are today and where our Founders were more than 200 years ago. George Washington was the ultimate rock star of his time. He was beloved, and when he announced he would leave the Presidency and return to Mount Vernon, people begged him to stay. There was a call to make him a King, and he said no. He reminded folks that he had just fought against a monarch so that the American people could enjoy the liberties of a free people. George Washington, a man of integrity and an American hero, refused to be anointed King when it was offered to him by his adoring countrymen. He chose a republic over a monarchy. But tomorrow, by refusing to hold President Trump accountable for his abuses, Republicans in the Senate are offering him unbridled power without accountability, and he will gleefully seize that power. And when he does, our Republic will face an existential threat. A vote against the Articles of Impeachment will set a dangerous precedent and will be used by future Presidents to act with impunity. Given what we know, that the President abused the power of his office by attempting to extort a foreign government to interfere with an American election, that he willfully obstructed justice at every turn, and that his actions run counter to our Nation's most cherished and fundamental values, it is clear the President betrayed the trust the American public placed in him to fully execute his constitutional responsibilities. This betrayal is by definition a high crime and misdemeanor. If it does not rise to the level of impeachment and removal, I am not sure what would. The Senate has a constitutional responsibility to hold him accountable. If we do not stand up and defend our democracy during this fragile period, we will be allowing this President and future Presidents to have unchecked power. This is not what our Founders intended. The oath I swore to protect and defend the Constitution demands that I vote to preserve the future of our Republic. I will faithfully execute my oath and vote to hold this President accountable for his actions.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Madam President, I swore an oath to defend the Constitution, both as an officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve and as a U.S. Senator. At the beginning of this impeachment trial, I swore an oath to keep an open mind, listen carefully to the facts, and, in the end, deliver impartial justice. After carefully listening to the arguments presented by both House managers and the President's lawyers, I believe the facts are clear. President Trump stands accused by the House of Representatives of abusing his power in an attempt to extort a foreign government to announce a trumped-up investigation into a political rival and thereby put his personal interest ahead of national security and the public trust. The President illegally withheld congressionally approved military aid to an ally at war with Russia and conditioned its release on Ukraine making an announcement the President could use to falsely discredit a likely political opponent. When the President's corrupt plan was brought to light, the White House engaged in a systematic and unprecedented effort to cover up the scheme. The President's complete refusal to cooperate with a constitutionally authorized investigation is unparalleled in American history. Despite the extraordinary efforts by the President to cover up the facts, the House managers made a convincing case. It is clear the President's actions were not an effort to further official American foreign policy. The President was not working in the public interest. What the President did was wrong, unacceptable, and impeachable. I expected the President's lawyers to offer new eyewitness testimony from people with firsthand knowledge and offer new documents to defend the President, but that did not happen. It became very clear to me that the President's closest advisers could not speak to the President's innocence, and his lawyers did everything in their power to prevent them from testifying under oath. No one in this country is above the law--no one, not even the President. If someone is accused of a crime and they have witnesses that could clear them of any wrongdoing, they would want those witnesses to testify. In fact, not only would they welcome it; they would insist on it. All we need to do is use some common sense. The fact that the President refuses to have his closest advisers testify tells me that he is afraid of what they will say. The President's conduct is unacceptable for any official, let alone the leader of our country. Our Nation's Founders feared unchecked and unlimited power by the President. They rebelled against an abusive Monarch with unlimited power and, instead, created a republic that distributed power across different branches of government. They were careful students of history. They knew unchecked power would destroy a democratic republic. They were especially fearful of an unchecked executive and specifically granted Congress the power of impeachment to check a President who thought of themselves as above the law. Two years ago, I had the privilege of participating in the annual bipartisan Senate tradition, reading President George Washington's Farewell Address to the Senate. In that address, President Washington warned that unchecked power, the rise of partisan factions and foreign influence, if left unchecked, would undermine our young Nation and allow for the rise of a demagogue. He warned that we could become so divided and so entrenched in the beliefs of our particular partisan group that ``cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government.'' I am struck by the contrast of where we are today and where our Founders were more than 200 years ago. George Washington was the ultimate rock star of his time. He was beloved, and when he announced he would leave the Presidency and return to Mount Vernon, people begged him to stay. There was a call to make him a King, and he said no. He reminded folks that he had just fought against a Monarch so that the American people could enjoy the liberties of a free people. George Washington, a man of integrity and an American hero, refused to be anointed King when it was offered to him by his adoring countrymen. He chose a republic over a monarchy. But tomorrow, by refusing to hold President Trump accountable for his abuses, Republicans in the Senate are offering him unbridled power without accountability, and he will gleefully seize that power. And when he does, our Republic will face an existential threat. A vote against the Articles of Impeachment will set a dangerous precedent. It will be used by future Presidents to act with impunity. Given what we know--that the President abused his power in office by attempting to extort a foreign government to interfere with an American election; that he willfully obstructed justice at every turn; and that his actions run counter to our Nation's most cherished and fundamental values--it is clear the President betrayed the trust the American public placed in him to fully execute his constitutional responsibilities. This betrayal is, by definition, a high crime and misdemeanor. If it does not rise to the level of impeachment and removal, I am not sure what would. The Senate has a constitutional responsibility to hold him accountable. If we do not stand up and defend our democracy during this fragile period, we will be allowing the President and future Presidents to have unchecked power. This is not what our Founders intended. The oath I swore to protect and defend the Constitution demands that I vote to preserve the future of our Republic. I will faithfully execute my oath and vote to hold this President accountable for his actions. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Chief Justice, on behalf of myself and Senator Cornyn, I send a question to the desk for both House managers and the President's counsel.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Chief Justice, I have a question for the House managers that I will send to the desk.

Mr. PETERS. Chief Justice, I send a question to the desk.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Pastor Douglas P. Jones of Welcome Missionary Baptist Church of Pontiac, MI, as the congregation and the Pontiac community celebrate his 30th pastoral anniversary. Pastor Jones moved from his native Cincinnati in 1989 to Pontiac, MI, to assume leadership of Welcome Missionary Baptist Church. Under his guidance, membership at Welcome Missionary Baptist Church grew from a few hundred to more than 4,000 worshippers. From the very beginning of his tenure at the church, Pastor Jones has worked tirelessly to implement a vision of unity and kindness, bringing worshippers together so that they may find strength in their community and, with that strength, work toward positive change throughout the Pontiac area. His focus on ensuring that church members' needs are met can be seen in the number and diversity of ministries established at Welcome. In support of his younger members, Pastor Jones created both the Young Men Making a Difference Ministry for preteen and teenage boys, as well as the Teen Esteem Ministry for preteen and teenage girls. Pastor Jones has endeavored to create resources for the most vulnerable members of the Welcome community such as the T.I.P.--Tots, Infants, and Preschoolers--ministry, which looks after the congregation's youngest members, the Exodus Dependency Program, which assists those contending with problems relating to substance abuse and HIV, and the Domestic Violence Ministry. Pastor Jones has not limited his dedication to service to the members of Welcome Missionary Baptist Church but, rather, extended his unwavering faith and generosity to the broader Pontiac community. He has been fundamental in the positive growth seen throughout the city over the last 30 years. He has served on committees, boards, and partnerships in support of the community, including the Pontiac Youth Assistance, the NAACP North Oakland Medical Center, and the Woodward Dream Cruise, Inc., to name only a few. Seeing a lack of unity among those trying to create change, Pastor Jones founded the Greater Pontiac Community Coalition, a federation of over 190 Oakland County individuals, community groups, clergy, elected officials, and businesses that work together to encourage positive change on the individual, social, and institutional level through advocacy and community action. Pastor Jones has further been a driving force behind helping the students of Pontiac achieve their goals of pursuing higher education. Under his guidance the Pontiac Promise Zone Scholarship Program was created, which has given many Pontiac students the chance to obtain the financial aid necessary to pursue their dreams of higher education in the State of Michigan. Since his arrival in 1989, Pastor Jones has been a source of strength and good will for all those in the Pontiac community. He is often called upon to act as a consensus builder among groups and people of different perspectives, preaching partnership and cooperation in order to inspire success and transformation. He has worked tirelessly in pursuit of what he thinks is best for the community and has done so while spreading a message of morality and kindness. I have no doubt that the congregation at Welcome Missionary Baptist Church is proud to call Pastor Jones their leader and celebrate his many accomplishments over the last 30 years. I am grateful to Pastor Jones for his friendship and for his selflessness in serving the residents of Pontiac and surrounding area. I wish Pastor Jones, First Lady JoAnn, and their family continued happiness and success as they continue to work for the betterment of the community.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Madam President, today I rise to speak in opposition to the nomination of Paul Ray to be the next Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, more commonly known as OIRA. Although not many people outside of Washington have heard of OIRA, this office wields an important amount of influence over regulations that impact families, businesses, and communities in countless ways. If confirmed, Mr. Ray would be responsible for reviewing health, labor, environmental, and many other protections, from safeguarding our source of drinking water to ensuring the cars we drive are safe. In Michigan, communities like Flint, Oscoda, and Parchment cannot drink water from their own faucets without fear of ingesting toxic chemicals like lead or PFAS. When meeting with Mr. Ray, I stressed the need to prioritize protections that provide safe and clean drinking water and preserve our Great Lakes and other natural resources. I appreciate that Mr. Ray listened to my concerns. He is clearly very smart and passionate about administrative law and the rulemaking process. However, Mr. Ray is relatively new to Federal service and has relied primarily on his recent tenure at the agency to demonstrate his qualifications. Given his prior role, the best way for us to understand what Mr. Ray will do if confirmed is to take a closer look at what he has already done. In order to thoroughly examine his qualifications, we asked Mr. Ray to provide information about his tenure, which included reviews of proposals that would weaken critical protections for workers, veterans, children, disadvantaged communities, and the environment. Unfortunately, the nominee and the agency's Office of General Counsel have refused to meaningfully respond to committee members' request for information or fully participate in the Senate's efforts to meet our constitutional responsibilities. While Mr. Ray expressed a commitment to transparency, his inability to ensure compliance with the committee's requests--including for material that is routinely provided to the public in response to the Freedom of Information Act--raises serious doubts about whether he will cooperate with Congress if confirmed. Given the unprecedented actions taken by this administration to roll back safeguards, it would be irresponsible to confirm Mr. Ray to OIRA without an opportunity to thoroughly evaluate his record. I have sought to carefully consider Mr. Ray's nomination, but due to this serious lack of transparency, I cannot support his confirmation. For that reason, I will be voting no, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. I yield the floor.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that Senator Johnson and I be able to complete our remarks prior to the cloture vote.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise today in support of Judge Stephanie Dawkins Davis for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. I had the honor of introducing Judge Dawkins Davis at the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing more than 6 months ago. As I told the members of the committee, Judge Dawkins Davis is a highly respected member of the Michigan legal community, and she will serve our State well as a district court judge. Judge Dawkins Davis has been an exemplary public servant who has worked hard and honorably to serve the people of Michigan. She has earned the respect of colleagues across the State and has garnered numerous awards throughout her career. She began her career as a civil defense attorney at Dickinson Wright and later joined the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, prosecuting cases at both the trial and appellate levels. She also spent time as a deputy unit chief of the Controlled Substances Unit and as a high intensity drug trafficking area liaison. Her successful work led to her appointment as executive assistant U.S. attorney, and after that, she became a magistrate judge for the Eastern District and was selected to serve at the Flint Federal courthouse. Judge Dawkins Davis is a qualified jurist. The American Bar Association unanimously rated her as ``well qualified.'' She was also the first African-American woman nominated by President Trump for a Federal judgeship. I am proud to recognize Judge Dawkins Davis for her many accomplishments and for the diverse voice and perspective she will bring to the bench. This seat has been vacant since October 26, 2016; that is more than 3 years. It is past time that the Senate consider Judge Dawkins Davis's nomination, and I am glad it is finally happening today. Thank you. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary of the American Legion Auxiliary. I appreciate the opportunity to speak about this esteemed organization and recognize their efforts supporting American servicemembers, veterans, and their families. The centennial celebration is a historic occasion for the State of Michigan, as well as the entire Nation. The American Legion Auxiliary was founded in 1919 to support the efforts of the men in the American Legion. The women of the Auxiliary saw an opportunity to embark on a mission of their own, to not only support active servicemembers and veterans of World War I but also their communities and families. This mission resonated among others and by November 1920, there were 1,342 Auxiliary units founded across 43 States. During World War II, the Auxiliary jumped into action again to serve brave servicemembers joining the fight. They established scholarships for students to train as nurses and fulfill needs on the frontlines, donated six mobile blood units to the Red Cross, and established an Emergency Voluntary Committee to support the war effort. At the beginning of World War I, there were approximately 500,000 enrolled members. After World War II, membership rose rapidly and peaked in 1955 with 1,001,545 members. Today, the American Legion Auxiliary consists of approximately 800,000 members who continue to support troops and veterans across the world in war and peacetime. Communities throughout the State of Michigan, as well as across the country, benefit from the Auxiliary's advocacy and outreach. This past year, their work has culminated into over 40 million volunteer hours and $37 million to charitable efforts across the United States. Their own charitable causes include Girls Nation and State, the Auxiliary Emergency Fund, and American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, as well as numerous scholarships and helping to fund veteran support services. In addition to philanthropic work, the Auxiliary has advocated for veterans' rights and increased support for those who have served our Nation. They have advocated for legislation such as the GI bill, legislation that would expand U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits, and efforts to help end homelessness among veterans. It is my great pleasure to congratulate the American Legion Auxiliary on its centennial milestone and recognize the meaningful impact they continue to have in the State of Michigan and across our Nation. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating its members and their dedication to support servicemembers, veterans, and their families by promoting fellowship, patriotism, peace, and security throughout the world.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I yield the floor.

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, when I travel across Michigan, one issue comes up regularly in my conversations with business owners, workers, and families, and that issue is the need to close the skills gap. There are good-paying jobs available all across my State but not enough workers who have the specific skills needed to fill them. That is why one of my top priorities in the Senate is to expand access to quality skills training programs, like registered apprenticeships, that are connected to today's in-demand jobs. Effective apprenticeships are good for business. They are good for workers in both urban and rural areas in Michigan, as well as all across our country. I have also heard from veterans, like Rick Donovan in Oakland County, about how there is a lack of apprenticeships available for veterans who qualify for them to use their GI benefits. The GI bill offers veterans an approved apprenticeship, additional financial support for housing, and other training materials as they progress through the program. Unfortunately, only a small portion of apprenticeship programs registered by the Department of Labor are also approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs. In Michigan, for example, there are over 1,000 registered apprenticeship programs but only a couple hundred in which veterans can use their VA educational assistance in connection with that program. This is simply unacceptable. Veterans should have access to as many opportunities as there are available. That is why Senator Capito and I introduced a bipartisan bill to ensure veterans' interests are not falling through the cracks between Federal agencies as they pursue apprenticeships to launch their career. Our Support for Veterans in Effective Apprenticeships Act takes three commonsense steps to expand opportunities for veterans to use their financial assistance for quality training programs that lead to good- paying jobs. First, the bill will ensure that every program applying to become a registered apprenticeship is proactively thinking about ways to support veterans. Programs would need to provide written assurance to the Department of Labor that they are aware of GI bill assistance and are committed to taking the steps necessary to enable benefits to use these benefits as apprentices. Second, the bill will clarify that skills and training that veterans gain during their military service would be a factor into how they are placed in the program. Many veterans may qualify for advanced placement with higher apprenticeship wages due to their unique experiences while bravely serving our country, and our bill will recognize those skill sets. Third, the bill will improve coordination between Federal agencies. It would direct the Department of Labor to notify the VA of newly registered apprenticeship programs. It is a simple, straightforward action to actively update new apprenticeship opportunities. Our Nation's returning heroes deserve every opportunity to pursue their professional dreams after their service. By expanding qualified apprenticeships, this bill will make a real difference in the lives of our veterans. Rick, a veteran advocate from Michigan, said he would never have known that he could use his GI bill benefits for on-the-job training had he not crossed paths with a more senior veteran who told him about it. It was a conversation that literally changed his life. With the support of the GI bill, Rick was now able to pursue an apprenticeship following his military service. He then used that training toward a college degree and has built a successful career as a union sheet metal worker in Michigan. We need to listen to and partner with veterans like Rick who are tirelessly advocating to open doors to help fellow veterans, Michiganders, and Americans so they can achieve economic success in the 21st century. As in legislative session, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions be discharged from further consideration of S. 760 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Peters amendment at the desk be agreed to and that the bill, as amended, be considered read a third time.

Mr. PETERS. I know of no further debate on this bill, as amended.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, today, I rise to oppose the nomination of Chad Wolf. Officially, we are considering Mr. Wolf's nomination to serve as Under Secretary for Strategy, Policy, and Plans at the Department of Homeland Security. In that role Mr. Wolf would lead the DHS policy office, an important but little-known part of the Department. However, that is not the role that Mr. Wolf will actually have. We have recently learned that the President has much bigger plans for Mr. Wolf. The President plans to make Mr. Wolf the next Acting Secretary for the entire Department of Homeland Security. Instead of running the policy office, which has a staff of about 160 people and an annual budget of $35 million, Mr. Wolf will lead all of DHS, the third largest executive agency, with a 240,000-person workforce and a budget of over $75 billion. Let's be clear, for all intents and purposes, we are essentially about to vote on the confirmation of a new Secretary of Homeland Security, a position responsible for protecting this Nation from a vast and evolving array of threats. Despite the importance of this position and this vote, we have not been given a full opportunity to meaningfully examine Mr. Wolf's ability to take on this profoundly important and challenging role. Based on my evaluation of his qualifications to serve as Under Secretary, I do not believe Mr. Wolf has the experience needed to lead this critical Cabinet Department. I would like to recognize that Mr. Wolf does have several years of Homeland Security policy experience. In his current role within the Department's policy office, Mr. Wolf has engaged in productive dialogue with the Homeland Security Committee. In particular, I have personally appreciated his willingness to recognize the growing threat of domestic terrorism and White supremacist violence and the need for the Department to do more to keep our communities safe. However, Mr. Wolf's tenure as chief of staff to former DHS Secretary Nielsen raises serious concerns about his judgment and, in particular, his involvement in some of this administration's most misguided and harmful policies. As part of the Senate's constitutional responsibility to provide advice and consent, I have repeatedly asked DHS to provide documents directly related to Mr. Wolf's time as Secretary Nielsen's top adviser. However, the Department has failed to comply, leaving Congress without the information needed to fully and fairly evaluate Mr. Wolf's qualifications to serve as Under Secretary, let alone run the entire Department of Homeland Security. Unfortunately, this disregard for Congress's constitutional role as a check on the executive branch is not an isolated occurrence. Instead, it appears to be a defining feature of this administration. The Constitution requires that the President's nominees to hold key positions receive the advice and consent of the Senate. The Framers knew this arrangement was necessary to ensure that those who hold the most powerful and influential positions in government are accountable not solely to the President but to Congress and, most importantly, to the American people. However, this President has shown a willingness to abandon the foundational principle of advice and consent and to test the limits of his legal authority to unilaterally install acting officials of his choosing. This has resulted in far too many critical positions going unfilled. At the Department of Homeland Security, all three top positions-- Secretary, Deputy Secretary, and Under Secretary for Management have been vacant for more than 7 months, and the President has yet to name a nominee for any of those roles. Other key DHS components have seen temporary leaders come and go for months--even years--without a nominee for the Senate to consider. This President has declared that he prefers ``acting'' officials because it ``gives [him] more flexibility.'' Leadership turnover and acting officials are a part of every administration, but widespread and deliberate reliance on temporary leaders defies the constitutional principle of advice and consent, harms the Department's critical national security missions, and puts the American people at risk. The dedicated men and women at DHS who are working tirelessly to keep our country safe deserve much better. The American people deserve much better. To his credit, I believe Mr. Wolf recognizes the untenable situation caused by the President's refusal to submit nominees to the Department's highest offices. When asked about the impact of vacancies across the top ranks of DHS, he stated ``I believe having Senate- confirmed leaders in the senior levels of any cabinet agency is a benefit to the morale of the workforce and the success of the agency.'' I continue to urge the President to nominate qualified, principled leaders to lead the Department of Homeland Security. I remain committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to carry out our constitutional duty to provide advice and consent by promptly, fairly, and thoroughly vetting the President's nominees. I am also committed to working across the aisle in Congress to ensure that the Department of Homeland Security has the resources and authorities it needs to keep Americans safe and to provide oversight--robust oversight--of the Department's actions and use of taxpayer dollars. I have sought to fully and carefully weigh Mr. Wolf's qualifications for Policy Under Secretary. Unfortunately, due to the lack of transparency in Mr. Wolf's involvement in very troubling Department decisions, I cannot support his current nomination, much less his elevation to Acting Secretary. If he is confirmed, I will do my part to support Mr. Wolf and help him be successful in an incredibly important job while also working to hold him accountable. But today, I will be voting no on his confirmation, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

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

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise today to remember John James Conyers, Jr., of Detroit, MI, the longest serving Black Congressman in history and a champion for civil rights and social justice. Sadly, Mr. Conyers passed away last week at the age of 90. Mr. Conyers was passionate about serving his country and his constituents, always fighting for those without a voice. Mr. Conyers was born in Detroit, MI on May 16, 1929, to John and Lucille Conyers. After graduating from Northwestern High School, Mr. Conyers worked as a welder for Lincoln automotive while attending Wayne State University. He served in the Michigan National Guard before enlisting in the U.S. Army during the Korean war, where he served as a second lieutenant. After 4 years of service, he was honorably discharged and returned to Wayne State University to obtain his bachelor's degree in 1957 and his law degree in 1958. In 1958, Mr. Conyers continued his life of service as a legal aide to Representative John Dingell, Jr., of Detroit. He then ran for Congress in 1964 and for the next 53 years, represented metro Detroit in a career full of many historic firsts for civil rights and the Black community. Mr. Conyers was on the frontlines of the civil rights movement. He was a cosponsor of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and worked with Martin Luther King, Jr., in Selma, AL to advocate for equal rights. In 1967, during the civil unrest in Detroit, Mr. Conyers was in the streets, encouraging peace and an end to the rioting. After the tragic assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., in 1968, Mr. Conyers introduced legislation to forever remember Dr. King's legacy with a Federal holiday. He reintroduced his bill every session until it was signed into law in 1983. He also hired civil rights legend Rosa Parks to work in his Detroit office, where she stayed for over 20 years. In Congress, Mr. Conyers was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus. He also served on and was chairman of the House Oversight Committee and the House Judiciary Committee. By the end of his service, he was the longest serving African-American Congressman in history, as well as the dean of the House of Representatives. As an activist, trailblazer, and leader, Mr. Conyers will be greatly missed across Michigan, as he touched the lives of many people throughout Michigan. Mr. Conyers is survived by his wife of 29 years, Monica, and his two sons, John and Carl. Mr. President, I cannot express enough the impact Mr. John Conyers, Jr., had on the city of Detroit and the State of Michigan. He was a pillar of our community and a model of humble leadership. His passion and tenacity will be missed. However, I am confident his legacy will continue to inspire others to serve and fight for justice and equality for all.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise today to discuss an issue that I hear from families all across Michigan, the rising cost of prescription drugs. Recently, I held roundtables in several communities across Michigan to hear directly from families, local health providers, and medical professionals about the increasing cost of prescription drugs. I want to share a few of those stories. I heard from Diane in Grand Rapids, whose son, Jared, suffered a severe asthma attack that tragically resulted in his death. He was just 25 years old. Diane said her son had insurance, but it was not enough and he tried stretching out usage of his asthma medication to deal with ever-rising costs. Diane shared just how unimaginable her pain was to lose her child to a condition that should have been manageable, with affordable life-sustaining medications. I heard from Rachael from Greenville who has three children with Type 1 diabetes, but insurance denied coverage for her children's insulin, making it simply unaffordable. So Rachael's family drove across the border into Canada where she said they were able to purchase insulin for $71 per box, compared to about $600 for the exact same insulin in Michigan. Rachael is rightfully angry that she needed to travel to another country simply to get her children the insulin they need to stay alive. Sheron from Detroit told me about the financial challenges of treating sarcoidosis, a rare disease, while also fighting triple- negative breast cancer. Sheron said that insurance was going to charge her $5,000 for medication she could easily take at home, but it would completely cover it only if she went to the hospital. The last thing Sheron wanted to do was trek to the hospital as she coped with the side effects of chemotherapy. And I heard from Jeanette from Burton, who had a nearly $500 co-pay for a prescription while undergoing treatment for thyroid cancer, but without the help of a charitable patient group, she could not afford the medication. While working to get assistance, she went without her medication and could have suffered serious complications. Unfortunately, these are not isolated stories, and these are not isolated individuals. Too many Michiganders are struggling with rising prescription drug costs, and the consequences can be literally life- threatening. Between 2012 and 2018, prices for brand-name drugs in the United States have increased 68 percent, making critical medications out of reach for most families. The list price in 2017 for a 1-year supply of Humira--the No. 1 selling brand-name drug that treats arthritis, psoriasis, and Crohn's disease--was over $58,000. That is more than the annual median income for people in the State of Michigan. The price of insulin has spiked in recent years, growing by 55 percent since 2014. That is simply outrageous, and it is simply unacceptable. Guided by the stories from Michigan families and medical professionals, I am working to examine and tackle the rising cost of prescription drugs. Earlier this week, through my work as ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, I announced I am conducting an investigation into the skyrocketing costs of prescription drugs. I am also investigating the growing shortages of critical medications affecting hospitals and patients throughout the country. Unaffordable prescription and hospital-administered drugs--and the increasing number and length of drug shortages--have become an economic, national security, and public health crisis for Michigan, as well as for the rest of the country. Through my investigation, I am working to: 1, identify solutions to address increasing drug costs; 2, evaluate the effect of drug shortages on patient care; 3, examine the national security implications of our growing reliance on drugs manufactured overseas, primarily in China and India. This investigation builds on some of my previous efforts, including my call for the Food and Drug Administration to share information on the Administration's efforts to counter drug shortages--and my bill advancing in the Senate to lower healthcare costs for seniors through Medicare Part B. For many people in Michigan and across the country, being able to afford your medicine is a matter of life and death, and we must take action. We must allow certainly for safe drug importation from Canada, but let me be clear: Going to Canada is not a solution. You need to be able to purchase affordable, quality, safe prescription drugs in the United States. We must improve competition, end price gouging, increase price transparency, and hold drug companies accountable. We must enable Medicare to negotiate drug prices for seniors. We must eliminate drug shortages to ensure that all patients can get the medication they need when they need it, and we must work to bring more affordable generic medications to the market. Families in Michigan and across the country are counting on us. Families should never be forced to choose between paying their bills or getting the medication they need. But sadly, that is the choice that too many families are facing today. I yield the floor.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary of Kettering University. Located in the heart of Flint, MI, Kettering University provides world-class education and has helped propel students into careers that sit on the forefront of innovation. In 1919, in the infancy of what would become the automotive stronghold within Southeast Michigan, Kettering University began as the School of Automobile Trades, eventually renamed the Flint Institute of Technology, under the direction of Mr. Albert Sobey, who trained mechanics and engineers for Buick. The General Motors Corporation would then take over administering the institute, establishing the General Motors Institute, GMI. The institute continued to train not only engineers and mechanics but also managers and administrative staff. This training was highly successful, and in 1945, GMI added a fifth-year thesis requirement and became a degree-granting college. Due to innovation through the 1950s and 1960s, GMI continued to evolve with the inclusion of majors such as electrical engineering and added over 70 new courses. Presidents Guy R. Cowing and Harold P. Rodes--who updated labs, equipment, and began building the campus as we know it today--added buildings such as the Campus Center and Thompson Residence Hall. In the early 1980s, GM divested itself, which led to GMI becoming a private, nonproft university, but it was not until 1998 that the institution changed its name a final time to honor one of the founders of the institution, Charles Kettering, who was an early and strong proponent of professional cooperative education. Kettering University continued to grow and develop as technologies and advancements changed throughout the late 1980s and 1990s. Today, Kettering University offers a variety of programs in addition to engineering related programs which include pre-med, bioinformatics, engineering, physics, and the expansion of their business program, including a master of business administration degree. Kettering University continues to evolve to meet the needs of a technology- infused and rapidly changing society, whether in the automotive industry or in science and business. This includes new projects such as the GM Mobility Research Center and ventures into autonomous vehicles as well as artificial intelligence. In addition to their academic initiatives, Kettering University has consistently given back to the Flint community through service and community engagement. Kettering helped establish the University Avenue Corridor Coalition to beautify and draw investment to the area. Students continue to give back through community service, whether it is helping to clean up a yard or engineering a solution to aid the greater community. During the height of the Flint water crisis, when the community was in dire need of assistance, a group of Kettering's engineering students took action and developed an adapter to allow water filters to be accommodated to all types of faucets. Kettering University has become a hub of modernization and inventiveness, proven by their ranking as fourth in the country in producing alumni who hold patents. Kettering's alumni have become leaders in a variety of fields and lead notable organizations such as Henry Juszkiewicz, who is the former chairman and CEO of Gibson Guitar, James McCaslin, former President and COO of Harley-Davidson Motor Company, and Mary Barra, current chairman and CEO of General Motors Corporation. Kettering's graduates have reshaped industries and continue to do so today. Throughout its 100-year history, Kettering University has fostered an environment of innovation, ingenuity, and community. The university is deeply rooted in the city of Flint and has been an indispensable partner in the city's development and renewal. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this important milestone in the history of Kettering University as it celebrates its centennial.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Madam President, today I wish to recognize Mr. Scott Kaufman's term of service as chief executive officer of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, which includes the contributions he has made to Metro Detroit and its Jewish communities. Founded in 1926, the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit has supported the Jewish population in the greater Detroit area by addressing their health, welfare, educational, cultural, and spiritual needs, not only in Southeast Michigan, but also in Israel and throughout the world. Under Mr. Kaufman's stewardship, the federation has expanded these efforts, which have strengthened the Jewish community, and Southeast Michigan, as a whole. Mr. Kaufman has been with the federation since 2007, serving in a variety of roles including director of strategic initiatives and director of the federation's yearlong effort to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Israel in 2008, as well as leading multiple family missions to Israel. Mr. Kaufman has also ensured the longevity of the federation by encouraging its engagement of young Jewish people. Mr. Kaufman's leadership in those efforts led to the development of programs such as CommunityNEXT and NEXTGen Detroit. These programs have gone on to become models of engagement for Jewish organizations across the country. His initiatives have focused on addressing crucial needs within the community, such as JHelp, where individuals in need can find resources to aid them in areas such as housing, disability services, and mental health. These efforts have led to the expansion of the federation's scope and mission, as well as the impact it continues to make in Metro Detroit. The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit is a dynamic organization whose endeavors have been felt far and wide in communities across metro Detroit. Its rich history of service to the Jewish community and all residents of Southeast Michigan continue to enhance of vibrancy of Metro Detroit. As the federation celebrates and reflects on the end of Mr. Kaufman's term as CEO, I ask all my colleagues to join me in congratulating him, as well as the employees and volunteers of the federation, whose impact has and continues to improve the lives so many. I wish the federation success in the years ahead as it continues in its mission, and I am confident Mr. Kaufman's will continue to lead endeavors in metro Detroit that strengthen the community.