Gary Peters

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise today on behalf of myself, my fellow Senate cochairs--Senator Collins, Senator Klobuchar, Senator Murkowski--and the entire Congressional Fire Services Caucus to recognize the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. On that tragic morning, nearly 3,000 innocent lives--including 343 members of the fire and emergency services--were taken in acts of terrorism that shook our country to its core. As cochairs of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, we stand today, 25 years later, to remember every individual loss, every family forever changed by unimaginable tragedy, and every community that continues to carry the weight of that day. As we reflect on the events of September 11, we pay special tribute to America's first responders. In a time of fear, confusion, and turmoil, members of the fire and emergency services rushed toward danger with unwavering resolve. They did not hesitate. They answered the call knowing the risks, guided by a profound commitment to protecting lives.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. I ask unanimous consent that the committee-reported substitute amendment be agreed to; that the bill, as amended, be read a third time and passed; and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I will shortly ask for unanimous consent to pass the Federal Building Threat Notification Act, a bipartisan legislation that I introduced with Senators Lankford and Ernst to improve emergency communications in Federal buildings. This bill was voted unanimously out of committee yesterday. The men and women who serve our country should be able to do their jobs in a safe and secure workplace, and members of the public who enter Federal buildings to receive essential services should be confident of that--if a violent threat occurs, that they will be quickly informed and told that they need to say safe. Unfortunately, that is not what is always happening today. Last January, shots were fired directly outside the McNamara Federal Building in Detroit, in my home State of Michigan. Yet the Federal employees working inside the building were not informed about the incident until hours after it happened. This is simply unacceptable. When a firearm is discharged near a Federal building and chaos ensues, the people inside should not be left wondering what the heck is happening. They should not have to rely on social media, a phone call from a family member, or news reports to learn about a threat outside of their workplace. They should receive clear and timely information from the officials responsible for protecting that building in an emergency because, as you know, every minute matters. Employees and visitors need to know whether they should shelter in place, evacuate the building, avoid a particular entrance, or take other immediate steps to protect themselves and to protect the public. The incident in Detroit exposed a serious gap in our Federal security procedures, and it occurred at a time when threats against government facilities are increasing. Over the last 5 years, there has been a sharp increase in terrorist attacks and plots against government targets, including bomb threats. We have a responsibility to make sure everyone inside these buildings has the information they need during a crisis, and that is exactly what this bipartisan bill will do. The Federal Building Threat Notification Act would require the Federal Protective Service and the Department of Homeland Security to develop and implement clear guidance for emergency communications within 1 year. That guidance would establish best practices and protocols for promptly notifying building tenants that violent threats are occurring inside or immediately surrounding a Federal building. That includes shootings and other firearm incidents, threats involving other types of weapons, and potential terrorist activity as well as suspicious devices. Just as importantly, the guidance must provide employees and other building tenants with clear instructions about the appropriate safety measures they should take in response. This bill would also ensure that every building protected by the Federal Protective Service has a designated security official responsible for carrying out these procedures. Finally, the Department of Homeland Security and Federal Protective Service would report back to Congress on the guidance they put into place. These are straightforward, commonsense protections, and I am proud to have the support of my colleagues from across the aisle, Senator Lankford and Senator Ernst. We know these threats are real, we know there is a gap in our current system, and we know what needs to be done to address it. This legislation is bipartisan because keeping Federal employees and the public safe should never be a partisan issue. We should not wait for another dangerous incident or a tragedy before taking action. So I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense bill, strengthen emergency communications in Federal buildings, and help ensure that employees and visitors receive timely information when their safety is at risk. Mr. President, notwithstanding rule XXII, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 545, S. 2542.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate stand in recess until 2 p.m. today.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, today, I am honored to recognize an exceptional public servant and Michigander who is sitting right next to me here. His name is David Weinberg. For nearly 18 years, David has served on my team, guiding our office through major challenges and always delivering results for the people in Michigan as well as all across our country. David's Michigan roots run deep. His great-great-grandparents Max and Jenny Fisher left Eastern Europe in the 1890s and sought an opportunity in the United States of America. They eventually settled in Kalamazoo, where Max's work as a peddler went on to become a three-generation family business of buying scrap metal and fabricating steel. They also founded their synagogue in Kalamazoo, which remains there today. David's grandfather Martin Kalb first came to Michigan after enlisting in the Army, which stationed him at Fort Custer. He took an additional intensive language training program at the University of Michigan before deploying to Europe during World War II, where he served as an interpreter and a military police officer. Martin's education started a long line of Wolverines in David's family. His grandmother Marcia was the first in her family to go to college, graduating with a degree in political science. David's parents Neal and Susan, who are up in the Galleries here today, met at the University of Michigan in 1970. And just 35 years later, David graduated with a political science degree as well. Before becoming one of the longest serving members of my team, David got his start on Capitol Hill by working for two titans in Michigan's congressional delegation. David interned for venerable Congressman John Dingell and then served as a law clerk for Senator Carl Levin in his role as chairman of the powerful Subcommittee on Investigations. In the 18 years that David has worked for me, I have been able to watch him grow from a recent law school graduate and junior campaign staffer to one of the longest serving staff directors in the U.S. Senate. Over the years, David has helped shape some of the most consequential policies that I have been privileged to work on as a legislative assistant and as a legislative director in both my House and Senate offices and, most recently, as staff director of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. During my tenure in the House, David helped create--and later expand--the State Small Business Credit Initiative which helped small businesses grow and create jobs. He worked hand in hand with Senator Debbie Stabenow's team and across the aisle to deliver $170 million to support the city of Flint during its water crisis. (Mr. ARMSTRONG assumed the Chair.) On the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, David has led an incredible team, supporting my work to make government more efficient and effective for the American people. With his help, I have been able to enact bipartisan bills into law that save taxpayer dollars, streamline Federal contracting, track and improve Federal Agency performance, modernize Federal cloud computing, and dozens more. He and I share a mindset that Congress can't just focus on the problems right in front of us; that we also have to look ahead, look ahead to the challenges that we will be facing in the future. David helped me steer the Cyber Incident Reporting for the Critical Infrastructure Act of 2022 across the finish line, passing what the Washington Post called ``the most significant cyber legislation in history.'' Once this rule is finalized, it will help keep our critical infrastructure safe from dangerous cyber attacks and ransomware attacks. He has also helped me look ahead and prepare for emerging threats by working to pass bipartisan legislation that strengthens the cyber security for State and local governments, secures our Federal supply chains, and improves our disaster preparedness, gives us the tools to defend against drone threats, and protects Americans' most sensitive genetic data. He has also been instrumental in helping author cutting-edge legislation to prepare our Nation for emerging technologies. In 2017, he played a critical role in my efforts to craft bipartisan legislation--along with Senator Thune--to help guide the safe deployment of self-driving cars. Through that process, David and I both became equally steeped in artificial intelligence policy. And since then, he has helped me enact several bills to help drive the responsible adoption and use of AI by the Federal Government. David also understands the vital role that congressional oversight plays in making our government accountable to the public. He played a vital role in bringing together our Republican partners for major investigations led by my committee, including the January 6 Capitol attack and the assassination attempt on President Donald Trump. David has a keen--keen--understanding of exactly what it takes to be successful and be successful in moving bills or accomplish a goal in Congress. If there is a path of something getting in the way of being done, David will find it. Over the years, he has built incredibly strong relationships with fellow staffers on both sides of the aisle, which is how this place has to work. I watched him deftly handle markups on some of the most complicated legislation that this body considers. Helping to keep both Democratic and Republican Senators together is absolutely important to advance critical bipartisan bills. He knows when a deal can be made to compromise on legislation without ever sacrificing core principles that drive my work on behalf of the people of Michigan. He is able to see around corners, identifying potential roadblocks and determining how to break through them in order to get things done. David's ability to distill complex information to get to the heart of an issue and to find the right path forward have made him one of my most trusted advisers over these many years. I could speak at length about David's work ethic and the many ways in which he has helped me serve the people of Michigan. But I have also been proud to witness some of the key moments of his life outside of work, including his marriage to Meghan, and the joy with which he has thrown himself into being a dad to his two sons Jay and Elliott. In fact, David just recently celebrated perhaps one of his most important and impressive accomplishments: He is now a championship winning Little League coach. And after seeing David in action over the years, I can't help but think there is a lot of overlap--a lot of overlap--in the skills it takes to be an effective U.S. Senator and managing a dozen sixth and seventh graders. I have been proud to see everything that David has accomplished over these past 8 years, and I cannot wait to see all that he will accomplish in his next role. David, Colleen and I are so grateful for all of your hard work and leadership over the years. We wish you all the best of luck as you head into your next chapter of your career, but you will always--always--be part of Team Peters.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary of the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City, MI. Traverse City is known as the Cherry Capital of the World for good reason. More than 70 percent of the Nation's tart cherries are grown in the Grand Traverse region, and for a century, this remarkable harvest has been celebrated through a festival that honors both the quality of the crop and the hard-working people who produce it. The inaugural Cherry Festival was held in 1926, though celebrations of the cherry harvest date back even earlier. In the 1910s, local growers gathered for an informal event known as the Blessing of the Blossoms, laying the foundation for what would become one of Michigan's most beloved traditions. Over the past century, the festival has grown from a modest 3-day event into an 8-day celebration of the dedication, resilience, and community spirit that define the Grand Traverse region. The National Cherry Festival is no small spectacle. Each year, hundreds of thousands of visitors travel to Traverse City to take part in cherished traditions, from the crowning of the Cherry Queen to the breathtaking performances of the Blue Angels over Grand Traverse Bay. The festival has also welcomed notable guests throughout its history, including three Presidents. In 1925, a giant cherry pie was presented to President Calvin Coolidge; in 1929, President Herbert Hoover attended the opening-day ceremony; and in 1975, President Gerald Ford proudly served as grand marshal of the Cherry Royale Parade. Yet the National Cherry Festival is about far more than celebrating a bountiful harvest. It is a tribute to the growers, families, businesses, and volunteers whose efforts sustain both the festival and the broader community. Thousands of volunteer hours are dedicated each year to preserving its traditions and creating memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike. Their commitment has helped make the festival a lasting symbol of civic pride and community engagement. For generations, the National Cherry Festival has created cherished summer memories for families from Michigan and across the Nation. Today, it remains as important to the Grand Traverse region as it was at its founding a century ago. As the festival celebrates this historic milestone, I congratulate its organizers, volunteers, growers, and supporters for carrying forward a tradition that showcases the very best of Michigan. I ask the Senate to join me in celebrating the National Cherry Festival as it marks its 100th anniversary. For a century, this iconic Michigan tradition has honored the growers and communities whose dedication has made the Grand Traverse region a leader in cherry production and a source of pride for our State. May the festival continue to strengthen community ties, celebrate Michigan's agricultural heritage, and bring joy to future generations for another hundred years.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise today to pay special tribute to former Congressman John Joseph Henry ``Joe'' Schwarz, M.D., my friend, veteran, physician, and dedicated public servant, who passed away on May 27, 2026. Born and raised in Battle Creek, MI, Congressman Schwarz's journey was defined early on by excellence in leadership, athletics, and service. At Battle Creek Central High School, he was elected as the class of 1955 president and earned varsity letters in football, baseball, and swimming. He went on to attend the University of Michigan, where he earned a degree in history in 1959. While at U of M, he participated in football, men's glee club, and was a lifelong member of the Theta Theta Chapter of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. He earned his medical degree in 1964 from Wayne State University. Before being elected to public office, Congressman Schwarz served in the U.S. Navy, where he was the battalion surgeon for the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment in Vietnam and Southeast Asia and later as assistant naval attache to Indonesia. He also worked with the Central Intelligence Agency to help locate prisoners of war. In 1974, he returned home to Battle Creek with his wife Anne and daughter Brennan and entered private medical practice. His commitment to public service began as a city commissioner and later mayor of Battle Creek, before being elected to serve 16 years in the Michigan Senate. Congressman Schwarz faithfully served the people of Michigan's former 7th Congressional District from 2005 to 2007. During his term in the House of Representatives, he earned a reputation as a principled decision maker, a tireless advocate for his constituents, and a respected colleague on both sides of the aisle. Even after leaving Congress, Joe remained deeply engaged in public life and his counsel was sought by leaders across the State of Michigan. He served as a trustee of the University of Olivet, a member of the university bank board and the Kellogg Community College Foundation Board, and on the Michigan Legislative Retirement Board, the Purple Rose Theatre Company Board, and the Brass Band of Battle Creek Board. He was a past president of the Calhoun County Medical Society and on the board of the Michigan State Medical Society. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and all who mourn his loss. While we grieve his passing, we also celebrate a life well lived and a legacy of service that will endure for generations. I ask the Senate to join me in honoring the life of former Congressman John J.H. ``Joe'' Schwarz, M.D. for his decades of service to the Battle Creek community, the State of Michigan, and our Nation.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I call up my amendment No. 5763 and ask that it be reported by number.

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, when my Republican colleagues passed President Trump's Big Beautiful Bill, last year, they exploded the deficit spending $4 trillion to give tax cuts to billionaires, and there are still billions of dollars from that bill that haven't even been spent, while today my Republican colleagues are trying to spend an additional $70 billion on top of that without any accountability. This level of unchecked spending is completely irresponsible. Our national debt continues to rise, and, just last month, the size of our debt surpassed the size of our economy. If we don't take action to address this reckless spending and bring additional revenue, our country will continue barreling down this fiscally unsustainable path to face damaging economic, fiscal, and geopolitical consequences. This amendment is very simple. It would simply return $30 billion of unspent funds from the One Big Beautiful Bill to the U.S. Treasury to reduce our national deficit. And I would urge that my colleagues not just talk about reducing the deficit. Let's actually reduce the deficit today and go on the record and vote for it.

Mr. PETERS. I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the International Hearing Society as they celebrate 75 years of advocacy, education, and support for hearing aid specialists in Michigan and around the world. Since its founding in 1951, IHS has grown to become the leading organization representing the interests of hearing aid specialists, spanning a vast network of healthcare professionals, advocates, and policymakers. Through this work, the organization aims to live up to its mission of ``advancing global hearing healthcare by strengthening professionals through education, advocacy, and ethical patient care.'' It is a privilege to recognize such an important Michigan institution as they celebrate this anniversary. For over seven decades, IHS has grown to meet the needs of its expanding membership of healthcare providers through the sharing of best practices that ensures a stable continuity of care. The organization demonstrates its commitment to education and quality care by offering industry-standard specialist accreditations, competence certifications, and a multitude of expertly crafted online courses for aspiring specialists. Not only do these opportunities provide critical support for providers, but they also expand hearing healthcare accessibility for patients and improve quality of service systemwide. IHS also maintains a robust network of advocates at the State, Federal, and international level, ensuring that hearing health providers can communicate their needs and expertise to lawmakers. The organization has continuously supported legislation intended to expand access to hearing aid specialists for millions of Americans, particularly veterans and those from rural and disadvantaged backgrounds. Their work has led to a meaningful expansion of hearing- related care and quality of service in the United States, and the country is better for it. Given their 75 years of service, I ask you to join me in recognizing International Hearing Society as they celebrate this momentous occasion. I am grateful for the valuable work they have done to improve hearing care for countless Michiganders and fellow Americans, and I wish them all the best as they continue to support specialists and patients alike for years to come.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Margaret Doud, the longtime, highly regarded mayor of Mackinac Island. Mayor Doud has made an immeasurable impact on Mackinac Island as she has faithfully led the city over the past 51 years, and it is a privilege to recognize her here today as we celebrate her 52nd term, and her status as the longest serving mayor in the United States. Mayor Doud is a native of Mackinac Island, a small island in the Straits of Mackinac home to roughly 500 full-time residents. A former teacher and current owner of the iconic Windermere Hotel, she almost did not run for office when she was first approached, believing she would not get elected. The following year in 1975, she won her first election--and 51 more since then. On Mackinac Island, mayors only serve 1-year terms, which means she has had to run for reelection for all her years of service. Her ability to have won reelection for the past 51 years--receiving 100 percent of the votes just this year--is a testament to the trust she has earned from her community. While Mackinac Island may only have 500-full time residents, it is also one of the busiest and most visited destinations in the State of Michigan. Every summer, over 1 million visitors come to island to visit its historic sites, enjoy beautiful views, and shop at the many small businesses. Through it all, Mayor Doud has been steadfast in her commitment to making the island a safe, thriving area for both residents and visitors alike. Her fierce dedication to her community, whether it be its tourism industry, its small businesses, or its unique car-free status, is more than deserving of recognition. I cannot understate the impact that Mayor Doud has had on Mackinac Island and the State of Michigan over the last 51 years. As the mayor of Mackinac Island, her compassion, dedication, and strategic vision have led to its great success, and I know she will continue to serve her community in the highest regard. For this reason, I am honored today to recognize the great achievements of Mayor Doud. Please join me in celebrating her long, storied career leading Mackinac Island.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 60th anniversary of the Saginaw County Community Action Committee. Over the past 60 years, the Saginaw County CAC has served as a proactive and dedicated community partner, working to problem-solve for residents and help create a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. It is a privilege and an honor to celebrate the organization's 60th anniversary. The Saginaw County Community Action Committee was formally established on January 29, 1965, not even a year after President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Economic Opportunity Act in 1964, which created the Office of Economic Opportunity and led to the start of Community Action Programs all around the Nation. The focus was on fighting poverty on a local level, with a requirement for ``maximum feasible participation'' for the poor, recognizing that those closest to the hardship know best what their problems are and how resources can most effectively be deployed to address them. The Saginaw County CAC was founded through leadership from Kenneth V. Anderson, Henry Marsh, Thomas Retherman, R. Kenneth Letherar, Henry Nickleberry, Emilio Martinez, and Jack Frye, local civic leaders referred to today as the organization's ``Seven Pillars.'' They wanted to ensure that hard-working residents of Saginaw had the tools available to improve their own lives. Early programs included job training and employment programs, emergency assistance, housing referrals, and youth development initiatives. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the SCCAC continued to expand as Federal anti-poverty programs began to mature and funding stabilized. The agency became a local administrator of Head Start, bringing early childhood education to Saginaw County's youngest and most vulnerable residents. Services grew to include dental care initiatives, legal aid, weatherization assistance, food distribution, and more. In 1984, the organization moved to their current home at 2824 Perkins St, in Saginaw, establishing a permanent presence in the community it serves. When Michigan's manufacturing economy wavered in the early 2000s and the Great Recession worsened hardships for families across the State, the SCCAC played a key role in delivering Federal and State emergency assistance and expanded emergency assistance and added foreclosure prevention programs. The Saginaw County CAC continues to evolve to this day, adding home repair programs, neighborhood revitalization initiatives, and food access efforts. When the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020, the organization was once again there to help residents through. They provided CARES emergency assistance, including food distribution, diaper support, and outreach to vulnerable seniors across Saginaw County. Today, the Saginaw County CAC serves about 2,000 residents annually through emergency assistance programs. Over the years, the organization has generated over $90 million in grant funds and over $5 million of in-kind time value donated through volunteer engagement to the agency. The organization has allocated $3.5 million in housing and home repair projects and over $8.5 million of emergency assistance to Saginaw County residents facing hardships. Under the leadership of executive director Hurley J. Coleman III and deputy director Mary McMath, the Saginaw County Community Action Committee remains as committed as ever to the founding mission: reducing poverty and expanding opportunity for all Saginaw County residents. The Saginaw County Community Action Committee has spent the past six decades providing resources and support to help families thrive. I trust that my Senate colleagues will join me in congratulating the SCCAC and thanking everyone who has made this work possible.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 289, S. 874.

Mr. PETERS. I ask unanimous consent that the committee-reported substitute amendment be agreed to; that the bill, as amended, be considered read a third time and passed; and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, my bipartisan Expanding Whistleblower Protections for Contractors Act, which just passed in the Senate, basically closes loopholes in the law to ensure that Federal contractors are protected when they disclose information about fraud, waste, and abuse of taxpayer money. Each year, whistleblowers help the government save money and fight fraud when they make disclosures to Congress, inspectors general, and other oversight bodies. Currently, the law that protects contractor whistleblowers is weaker than the laws that protect both Federal and private sector employees. In some instances, loopholes have allowed Federal officials to retaliate against whistleblowers with absolutely no accountability. My bill would make it perfectly clear that Federal officials cannot direct retaliation against contractors any more than they can direct retaliation against Federal employees. If they violate the law, the bill will allow Agencies to take disciplinary action. The bill would also clarify that employers cannot evade whistleblower laws through nondisclosure agreements and other employment contracts and ensure that contractor employees are not retaliated against for refusing to perform an action that they believe is illegal. I would like to thank Senator Grassley for joining me in introducing this legislation and Representatives Garcia and Comer for introducing the House companion, which was unanimously approved by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. I urge my colleagues to continue to join me in passing this bill through the House and certainly appreciate the support that I received on the floor here today.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, recently, our Nation has been hitting a lot of very unfortunate milestones. Data from the National Association of REALTORS shows that the average age of the first-time home buyer in America has reached an alltime high of 40 years old, while the number of first-time home buyers has also reached an alltime low. We just experienced the highest monthly spike in gas prices in decades, thanks to the President's reckless war in Iran. And perhaps most staggering, just last month, we reached a new and unthinkable milestone when the national debt eclipsed $39 trillion, the highest it has been at any point in our Nation's history. For context, when I first came here to Congress in 2009, the national debt stood at $10.6 trillion. That means more than $28 trillion has been added to the debt in just 17 years. This illustrates what economists have warned about for years: The national debt is growing at an exponential rate, and it is past time to stop the bleeding. Yet, for decades, this issue has not received the attention and demands that Congress needs to act. That is why I am back on the Senate floor today to address my colleagues and the American people. The alarm bells cannot continue to fall on deaf ears. The fate of future generations of Americans depends on it. But I am not the only one that has been issuing this warning. In recent months, various actors from across the Federal Government--from the Congressional Budget Office to the Department of Treasury--they have all said the same thing: Our current fiscal policy is simply not sustainable, and without changes, we are headed toward an economic catastrophe. In its last financial report, the U.S. Treasury said our public debt- to-GDP ratio now sits at 99 percent. That means the amount of debt we owe is nearly the same size as the entire U.S. economy. Our debt-to-GDP ratio is the highest it has been since World War II, and experts say that ratio is expected to exceed 200 percent by 2048. This would mean serious economic harm for Americans in the form of higher interest rates, less money to support critical Federal services, and slowed economic growth. The Government Accountability Office says that in order to close this fiscal gap, we need to increase our revenues by 25 percent, while reducing our spending by 20 percent. And we need do that each and every year for the next 75 years. Our Nation's leading economists are telling us point-blank: We simply do not have time to waste. Dealing with our national debt is no longer a down-the-road problem or something that future Congresses will be dealing with. We won't put our country on more stable financial footing by avoiding the facts or pretending this problem simply doesn't exist. We won't reduce our debt by continuing the President's war in Iran. Not only are we sending our sons and daughters into harm's way, we are spending a reported $1 billion per day on a conflict that Congress has not approved and the American people simply did not ask for. The time for bipartisan action to address our growing national debt is right now. And that is why, just last month, I joined my colleagues in introducing a resolution that says, by 2030, we must lower our deficit to only 3 percent of GDP. And I am also proud to lead bipartisan legislation in the Senate that would examine how our national debt impacts our national security. These efforts alone won't solve the problem, but we have to start somewhere. We must put forward bipartisan responsible and achievable solutions that allow us to make headway in any way that we possibly can because I know one thing is absolutely for certain, to make it out of this national debt crisis is going to take a buy-in from everyone: Congress, the administration, and the American people. We are all in this boat together, and it is past time to start rowing in the right direction before the boat sinks. I yield the floor.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, the right to vote is the very bedrock of our American democracy. Two hundred fifty years ago, our Founders set out to create a nation governed by the people. At the time, they were renouncing a monarch who they called a tyrant for his overreaching actions. The new government the Founders created in response, which has endured for 2\1/2\ centuries, was built upon entirely enshrining the fundamental principle that power lies with the people, and they exercised that power to hold their leaders accountable through their vote. Two weeks ago, President Trump signed a sweeping and unconstitutional Executive order that would place the most significant restrictions to the right to vote in recent memory. There is no question this order is an attack on the right to vote, and it goes against the very heart of the free and fair elections that make our Nation a strong democratic Republic. To preserve the power of the people to determine who their leaders are, our Constitution gives States the power to conduct elections. There is no authority for the President or the executive branch to make sweeping changes to our elections. The Founders designed it that way precisely to ensure that no single leader--especially one as powerful as a President--could hold sway over the outcome of those elections. To be clear, in our country, the voters choose their leaders. Leaders do not have the power to choose their voters. But that is exactly--that is exactly--what President Trump is trying to do with his Executive order and what our Republican colleagues are trying to do by passing the SAVE Act. Under this Executive order, President Trump is illegally co-opting the Postal Service and the Department of Homeland Security to ensure that he can pick and choose who gets to vote. It is all done under the guise of protecting the security of our elections, under the guise that the 2020 election was stolen. Well, Mr. President, the facts simply do not back that up. In fact, there is no evidence--no evidence--that election fraud or noncitizen voting is a widespread problem in our elections. And in the very few cases that we have, they are effectively prosecuted, and they should be. But the President and his allies want to use the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to create a new ``State Citizenship List'' that will determine who is eligible to vote in our election. Every State already determines whether people who register are actually eligible to vote. To ask Federal Agencies that have no election administration responsibilities to do this is not only against the law, it risks removing eligible voters from the voter rolls. The Department of Homeland Security has already admitted that the Federal data sources that would be used to compile these new State Citizenship Lists, such as the outdated Social Security records, are absolutely riddled with inaccuracies. If that data is applied to voting, it risks American citizens being incorrectly purged from voter rolls and denied their constitutional right to vote. The President's Executive order also weaponizes the Postal Service. It forces them to play a key role in elections as a regulator of absentee ballots. The reason the Postal Service is one of our Nation's most trusted institutions is because it is completely neutral. In fact, Congress intentionally created the Postal Service to be an independent establishment and gave the postal power to the Board of Governors. The Postal Service doesn't care which politicians you may support. Its only priority is to deliver the mail to every community in the country. The President is now trying to corrupt--trying to corrupt--this mission. If the President is successful in forcing the Postal Service to play a role in running elections, he will completely erode the trust of this storied institution. What is truly crazy about the President's Executive order is that the Postal Service regularly takes extraordinary measures to ensure that election mail is actually delivered on time regardless of partisan politics. In fact, mail-in voting is a safe and secure way for voters to participate in our democracy. Millions of Americans, including President Trump, use this method to exercise their right to vote. And the Postal Service record stands for itself. Last election, they delivered over 99 million ballots, and 97 percent were delivered within just 3 days. American elections have a long history of being free, fair, and secure, and vote-by-mail is a key part of ensuring that more Americans can participate in our democracy. The President's Executive order and the SAVE Act Republicans are trying to pass through Congress are basically nothing more than an effort to undermine the security and the integrity of our electoral process. I urge my colleagues and every American to stand up to this illegal power grab and help protect the core values that have always made our Nation great. I yield the floor.

Mr. PETERS

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

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, in just a little over a year since taking office, the Trump administration and the Department of Homeland Security have completely broken trust with the American people. In the last year, President Trump has made sweeping cuts to programs and personnel at the Department, undermining key missions from counterterrorism and cyber security protections to assistance following national disasters. These actions are putting the safety and the security of Americans at risk at a time when many of the threats the Department was created to address--like terrorism and cyber attacks--are on the rise because of the President's war in Iran. These cuts to critical national security missions have all been at the expense of the Trump administration's singular focus on indiscriminate immigration enforcement that has led to serious disruptions in communities all across our country. It was only 2 months ago when the country watched in horror as two U.S. citizens, Alex Pretti and Renee Good, were killed by Homeland Security law enforcement officers. We saw with our own eyes how officers have routinely deployed tear gas and pepper spray against Americans who were simply exercising their First Amendment rights. Secretary Noem's leadership as the Department head has been a disaster, and Americans want to see a course correction, but I am not convinced that one change in leadership is enough to right the ship. President Trump and advisers like Stephen Miller are continuing to drive so much of the chaos at the Department of Homeland Security. When the President nominated Senator Mullin to lead the Department, I came into the process with an open mind. However, I do not believe that he is the right person for the job. We need a Secretary who has a clear understanding of the Department's many different missions and a keen awareness of the challenges that the Department faces. We need a Secretary who is a steady leader, who won't rush to judgment without having all the facts, and who won't add fuel to the fire when there is a crisis. At a time when political violence is rising, we need a Secretary who will condemn violence, not encourage it. And we need a Secretary who can be trusted to be transparent and open with information to both Congress and the American people, especially-- especially--when an emergency strikes. Unfortunately, I have not seen the nominee exhibit these desperately needed characteristics in his confirmation process, and I urge President Trump to reassess his administration's prior record and nominate someone who will help return the Department's focus to all of its critical national security missions. We need someone who will be more than just another rubberstamp. We need someone who will be thoughtful, deliberate, and work to restore the trust in the Department. Therefore, I will be voting no, and I urge all my colleagues to do the same. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. PETERS

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

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, in just a few moments, Senator Murray is going to get up and offer an opportunity for us to open up key components of the Department of Homeland Security--components that need to be opened up, components that should not be held hostage by my Republican colleagues while they push back on our efforts to bring in just commonsense guardrails when Federal officers are operating on our streets. The bill which she will put forward has unanimous consent. Every Democrat has already consented to this bill. We want to get this done. The question now before us is whether the Republicans will object. If they object, it will send a very clear signal that they are not interested in opening up the TSA at our airports, FEMA for natural disasters, or CISA to protect us from cyber threats. I would hope my Republicans would join us to open up the government as to these key components of Homeland Security. We are concerned about lines at our airports. We are concerned about our TSA agents being able to pay their bills for their families. If Republicans do not object to Senator Murray's bill, they will move forward. They will get paid. Those resources will be released. If Republicans don't, it is on them. It is on my Republican colleagues to keep the TSA closed. Let's be very clear: This is very simple. On FEMA, as we are moving into a time when natural disasters will be hitting us--we had a natural disaster in Michigan just this week with tornadoes--we need FEMA operating. We need FEMA employees being paid and being able to do their jobs. Senator Murray is going to fix that unless--unless--we get Republicans who oppose it, and then Republicans will own it. We are also at war right now with Iran. In speaking as the ranking member of Homeland Security, probably one of the most significant threats to the homeland from Iran are cyber attacks. They are good at it. We know they are. We know we have to have persistent defenses against those cyber attacks against the homeland. I will just say, even prior to this debate about appropriations, let's also be clear that the Trump administration has basically fired one-third of all of our cyber experts who would be on the frontline protecting the homeland from a cyber attack. They fired them. They got rid of them. The Agency doesn't have the tools necessary to protect the homeland at a time when we are at war. It is unacceptable. But now we have got to make sure that those folks who are remaining will continue to get paid and have the resources to protect us. That will happen unless Republicans object to the bill that Senator Murray is going to put forward. I will just say, if they object today--if my colleagues on the Republican side object--and we are hit with a cyber attack and aren't fully prepared, they will own that, not the Democrats. The Democrats, right now, are saying to move this bill. We all agree that it has to be done. I know we might hear some arguments about the CBP and ICE. We know that they are already funded. Let's be clear: The big bill that passed last year basically provides five times the amount of money that is actually in the appropriations bill that we are currently debating; so they are getting their resources. The only thing that is happening, if Republicans object to this bill, is that TSA is closed and isn't getting support, as well as FEMA and CISA, and let's not forget the U.S. Coast Guard and all the amazing work they do protecting us each and every day. We want to fund the Coast Guard, TSA, FEMA, CISA. That will happen today out of the Senate as long as my Republican colleagues do not object. But I want the American people to be clear: Don't listen to all the rhetoric from the other side. Republicans will own this if they object. So I would encourage all of my colleagues to let this move forward, and when Senator Murray puts forward this proposal, please do not object. Let's do this for the American people.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, on Saturday morning, the United States military started conducting airstrikes on Iran, dragging America into yet another war in the Middle East. Since President Trump's reckless decision to escalate this conflict, at least six Americans have been killed in service to their country, and many more have been injured. And President Trump himself has said: There will likely be more before it ends. And then he also said: Well, that's the way it is. Well, my heart goes out to their families and loved ones, and I will be forever grateful for their service and for their sacrifice. It has been days since this attack, but President Trump has yet--has yet--to make it clear to Congress--and, more importantly, to the American people--what exactly our objectives are. What does victory look like? What he does say seems to change daily, if not more frequently. The American people have a right to know the facts and a right to know the truth. And our Constitution leaves no room for doubt that Congress--not the President--has the sole power to declare war. And that check is in place for a very important reason: Our Founders did not want to place the immense power over whether or not to go to war in the hands of just one individual. They argued, if the President alone could make such a decision unilaterally, it would be the equivalent of granting the President the power granted to a King. We all know our history. The United States had just defeated a King in the Revolutionary War, and our Founders were in the process of creating a constitutional Republic, not a monarchy. Talking to my constituents in Michigan, and certainly as evidenced by numerous polls that have come out recently, President Trump has decided to start a war that Americans clearly do not want. The American people instead want us focused on issues that will improve their lives here at home. When I hear from Michiganders, they tell me they want lower prices; they want safer streets; they want more attention to their challenges here at home. But if Americans are going to send their sons and daughters into harm's way across the world, they certainly deserve to know what the President's end goal is and what is the exit strategy. Now, make no mistake, Iran is a brutal authoritarian regime, and I have long said that we must ensure that Iran never ever produces a nuclear weapon, but unless we face an imminent threat, the President cannot--he cannot--unilaterally drag us into war. Our country knows too well that war in the Middle East comes at a very high cost to our servicemembers and to their families, and it is also an incredibly expensive endeavor for our taxpayers. In September 2021--20 years after the United States invaded Afghanistan--Brown University released a comprehensive report that outlined the staggering cost of the War on Terror. It found that those military engagements added approximately $8 trillion to our national debt. We are still grappling with the cost of all of those wars, and now the President is starting a new one, all without properly consulting the American people. But let me be clear: This is not about partisan politics. This is not about that at all. It is about fundamental constitutional obligations. In fact, in 2013, Democrats made the Obama administration come to Congress with a plan for its involvement in Syria. It was Senate Democrats who forced a vote to authorize the use of military force by a Democratic President. They did it because it was required by the Constitution. It was not a party issue. But, unfortunately, my Republican colleagues seem to be content to simply act as a rubberstamp for President Trump and not require a vote as required in the U.S. Constitution. During my time as a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, I served in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, places where, right now, our servicemembers are at a heightened risk because of this operation--and my thoughts and prayers are with these brave servicemembers and the nearly 40,000 U.S. troops serving within range of Iranian missiles--and a situation on the ground that is changing rapidly. What comes next is critical for U.S. servicemembers, the American people, and the entire world. That is why, today, the Senate will vote on a resolution that would assert Congress' power over the President to declare a war, as outlined in the Constitution, and put forward by our Founders. It would not prevent us in any way from defending ourselves against an attack, but it would ensure that President Trump cannot escalate this war with Iran without congressional approval--and, more importantly, the approval of the American people. The American people deserve answers and our servicemembers deserve real leadership and that is why I will be voting yes on the resolution before us here today. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting it because it is past time for this administration to show the American people a real plan. It is past time for Congress to start acting like a coequal branch of government. We need to exercise the checks and balances that our Constitution expects from us. And that means every Member of this Chamber right here, right now, needs to go on the record to say whether they want to be passive, ignore their obligation to the Constitution, and allow the President to continue this war without a clean, clear plan for the American people or--or--do they want to require the President to be fully transparent and accountable to the American people and, importantly, preserve the integrity of our beloved constitutional Republic? I yield the floor.