Gary Peters

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m., Wednesday, November 3; that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; that upon the conclusion of morning business, the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the Santos nomination; further, that notwithstanding rule XXII, at 2:15 p.m., the cloture motion on the motion to proceed to S. 4, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021, ripen and the Senate vote on the motion to invoke cloture.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I reserve the right to object. I certainly welcome the Senator from Utah's interest in oversight of coronavirus emergency relief funds. There is no question Americans deserve to know where their hard-earned tax dollars are going and how these critical relief funds are being used to help communities all across our country in the wake of this public health crisis, especially for those who need it the most. I am also thankful that my colleague agreed with the importance of conducting thorough oversight of these programs and supported the creation of the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee when we passed the CARES Act. These oversight requirements, based on the successful oversight model of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, ensure that we have strong oversight of all coronavirus relief dollars through regular, detailed reports and recommendations from the PRAC, the GAO, and the inspector general. Following guidance from the Office of Management and Budget, all COVID-19 relief funding from the legislation that the Senator has identified is already being tracked on USASpending.gov. Anyone-- anyone--can go to the website right now and see the figures. As of August 31, Congress has provided $4.7 trillion in relief spending. The administration has committed $3.9 trillion of those funds to helping communities, and $3.4 trillion in assistance has already reached those who need help through this crisis. I would also urge the Senator to consult the more than 1,300 oversight reports that the PRAC has already completed related to the pandemic response, in addition to the more than 100 reports that the GAO has also issued on this topic, rather than creating additional and redundant work for the GAO at taxpayer expense. The Senator's proposal is duplicative and unnecessary, and for that reason I object.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Madam President, I reserve the right to object. My friend from Oklahoma serves as the ranking member of the Government Operations Subcommittee of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. I sincerely appreciate that he brings a thoughtful approach to Federal workforce issues and that we frequently have an opportunity to work together to make government work more efficiently and more effectively. Unfortunately, I strongly disagree with the legislation being put forward today. This proposal would roll back policies put in place to make sure that Federal workers and Federal contractors who are paid with taxpayer dollars are vaccinated against COVID-19. These Executive orders protect not just the Federal workforce all across our country, but they help protect their families and their communities. There are also commonsense exceptions for people with disabilities, with medical conditions, or with sincerely held religious beliefs. These policies were put in place both carefully and fairly. The American people are literally sick and tired of this pandemic--a pandemic that has already claimed over 725,000 lives, including the lives of our friends, our neighbors, and our family members. They want this pandemic to end, and vaccines is how we get there. From the beginning of this pandemic, I and many of my colleagues have been dedicated to bringing safe and effective vaccines to the people who live in our States by investing in science and research and by strengthening our domestic supply chains. COVID-19 vaccines are now widely available, but we know from trusted scientists and public health experts that we need higher rates of vaccination to get this pandemic under control. The politicization of safe, effective, public health measures is making it harder to end this horrible pandemic. The legislation before us today would without question move us in the wrong direction. I object.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, shortly, I will ask for unanimous consent on the nomination of Robert L. Santos to be the Director of the U.S. Census Bureau. The mission of the Census Bureau is to serve as the leading source of quality data about the Nation's people and our economy. The census and the Bureau's surveys are critical for communities, businesses, and people across our Nation to ensure communities have the resources and the information they need to thrive. The Census Bureau Director must meet the challenge of this mission. They must have experience in the collection, analysis, and use of statistical data and demonstrated management experience at large organizations. Robert Santos is an eminently qualified nominee for this role. He has over 40 years of experience as a manager and expert in the field of survey design and statistical research, including experience as a manager at the most renowned research centers for statistics, as principal of a market research firm, and currently at the nonprofit Urban Institute. He has interacted closely with the Census Bureau for decades as a researcher, a stakeholder, and an expert adviser, serving on the Census Advisory Committees and National Academies' panels on Federal statistics. Mr. Santos has demonstrated a deep knowledge of the Census Bureau, its data, and its stakeholders. He has demonstrated a commitment to upholding the Bureau's mission of producing essential, high-quality data that our Nation relies on. It is critical that we confirm Mr. Santos to the Census Bureau so they can continue their important work with a well-qualified leader at the helm. So, Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the following nominations: Calendar Nos. 311 and 312, Robert Luis Santos, of Texas, to be Director of the Census for the remainder of the term expiring December 31, 2021; and Robert Luis Santos, of Texas, to be Director of the Census for a term expiring December 31, 2026. (Reappointment); that the nominations be confirmed; that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate; that no further motions be in order to the nominations; that any related statements be printed in the Record; and that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.

Mr. PETERS. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Madam President, I request that I am able to make my remarks prior to the vote.

Mr. PETERS. Madam President, I rise in support of Jonathan Meyer's nomination to be general counsel at the Department of Homeland Security, or DHS. Mr. Meyer understands the unique challenges facing DHS, and he has the legal and management experience and vision needed to succeed in this important role. Throughout the confirmation process, Mr. Meyer has demonstrated that he understands the complex legal issues facing DHS and the importance of ensuring the Department cooperates with congressional oversight. DHS has not had a Senate-confirmed general counsel for over 2 years. DHS needs qualified, Senate-confirmed leaders in place to effectively carry out its critical mission of safeguarding our Nation. Mr. Meyer is an accomplished lawyer and dedicated public servant who is well qualified to serve as the Department's chief legal officer. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the confirmation of Jonathan Meyer to be general counsel for DHS.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Madam President, I rise in support of Jonathan Meyer's nomination to be general counsel of the Department of Homeland Security, or DHS. Mr. Meyer is an accomplished lawyer and dedicated public servant who is well qualified to serve as the Department's chief legal officer. His nomination maintains bipartisan support, including from former DHS general counsels who served under both Democratic and Republican administrations. Mr. Meyer's previous government service spans 17 years and includes senior roles in the Department of Justice, the U.S. Senate, and as the deputy general counsel for DHS during the Obama administration. Since returning to private practice in 2016, Mr. Meyer's legal work has continued to focus on cyber security, technology, and homeland security. Throughout the confirmation process, Mr. Meyer has demonstrated that he understands the complex legal issues facing DHS and the importance of ensuring that the Department cooperates with Congressional oversight. DHS has not had a Senate-confirmed general counsel for over 2 years. DHS needs qualified, Senate-confirmed leaders in place to effectively carry out its critical mission of safeguarding our Nation. I urge my colleagues to confirm Mr. Meyer today. I yield the floor.

Mr. PETERS

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

Mr. PETERS

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

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise today to honor an accomplished and highly regarded leader of Michigan's philanthropic community, Mariam C. Noland, president of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan. Ms. Noland, a resident of Grosse Pointe Farms, MI, has made an immeasurable impact on southeast Michigan, our State, and the entire country during the past 36 years. It is my privilege to recognize her here today and celebrate her upcoming retirement. Mariam Noland earned her bachelor of science from Case Western Reserve University in 1969, followed by her master of education from Harvard University. During her time at Harvard, Ms. Noland worked on a research project through the Pittsburgh Foundation, another community foundation. This was her first experience in the foundation field, a field in which she would spend almost her entire distinguished career. In 1975, Ms. Noland began working as an education policy fellow, secretary, and treasurer at the Cleveland Foundation. It was there, she states, that she truly learned the power of community foundations and the power of change. Six years later, she became vice president of the Saint Paul Foundation of Saint Paul, Minnesota. In 1984, Joseph L. Hudson, Jr., and other civic leaders started the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan with a mission to enhance the quality of life for residents of Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe, Washtenaw, St. Clair, and Livingston Counties. This group of visionaries hired Mariam Noland in 1985 as the foundation's first president, a role in which she has remained to this day. As a result of Ms. Noland's steadfast leadership and tireless devotion, the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan has grown over the last four decades into one of the 30 largest community foundations in the country. The organization has awarded more than $1.2 billion in grants, benefiting countless nonprofits and the individuals and families they serve. This past year alone, during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic, the Community Foundation provided over $101 million in grants, its largest annual grant total to date. Ms. Noland has personally raised hundreds of millions of dollars and has initiated many new and innovative programs. Some of the highlights from her career include the GreenWays Initiative that has built interconnected trails throughout southeast Michigan, as well the New Economy Initiative, the Nation's largest multi-foundation funded collaborative addressing economic development and opportunity. Additionally, Ms. Noland was also essential to the creation and development of the HOPE Fund, which is one of the largest and most effective funds in the Nation at a community foundation addressing needs of the LGBTQ+ community. Ms. Noland, a creative and effective problem-solver, is also known for the historic role she played during Detroit's bankruptcy. She influenced 14 foundations to collectively donate more than $366 million, which, when combined with $350 million in State funds and $100 million raised by the Detroit Institute of Arts, provided $816 million to help protect pensions for city workers while at the same time safeguarding the cultural pieces of the art museum. Ms. Noland's contributions go well beyond her impressive work at the Community Foundation. She generously gives her time and expertise as a member of the boards of trustees for the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, the Downtown Detroit Partnership, and the Bipartisan Policy Center in Washington, DC. She also previously served as vice chair of the Henry Ford Health System Board of Directors, as well as chair of the Council of Michigan Foundations Board of Trustees. Ms. Noland's incredible work has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards and honors. In 2009, she received the Eleanor Josaitis Unsung Hero Award. That same year, the Community Foundation established its own Mariam C. Noland Award in her honor to recognize a local nonprofit leader who exemplifies leadership in his or her organization and the broader nonprofit community. I cannot understate the impact Mariam C. Noland has had on the people of Michigan. She has created influential philanthropic initiatives, promoted positive changes in our communities, and enhanced the lives of countless Michiganders. She leaves a community foundation that now holds more than $1.1 billion in ``community capital'' that will benefit future southeast Michigan residents for decades to come. Moreover, she has created a model for charitable giving and foundation management that is unmatched. Though her leadership at the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan will be sorely missed upon her retirement, her legacy will most certainly endure. For these reasons, I am grateful for this opportunity to recognize her accomplishments and to extend our collective gratitude on behalf of all who have--and who will--benefit from her efforts.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, the Biden administration inherited both the COVID-19 public health crisis and the dismantling of the immigration system from the previous administration. This amendment would tie the Biden administration's hands in addressing arrivals at our southern border. It would prevent adapting to changes in public health needs and making security-based decisions related to protecting our homeland. Forcing the indefinite preservation of title 42 authorities raises both security and humanitarian concerns. This would prevent the imposition of the consequence-delivery system that cracks down on individuals who attempt to cross the border repeatedly. We should not have to expel the same person for illegally crossing the border six or seven times. We need to expel them once and use tools like removal and prosecution to limit their ability to keep crossing the border illegally. This amendment also reduces the administration's ability to appropriately care for unaccompanied minors. We need to ensure that the administration has every tool at their disposal as they work to tackle the pandemic and keep our Nation secure. I urge my colleagues to reject this amendment. Vote on Amendment No. 3781

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Madam President, I rise today to honor the memory and legacy of a trailblazer, the Honorable Isidore B. Torres, one of the first Hispanic judges in the State of Michigan and a prominent figure within the Michigan Latino community, who passed earlier this year. Born in 1947 in Texas to Chicano migrant workers, Judge Torres began his life traveling between Texas and Michigan, following whatever work was available, until later in his childhood when his parents settled in Bay City, MI, so their children could receive an education. Once settled, Judge Torres and his siblings were still expected to contribute to the family's well-being and would come home from school to help their mother work in sugar beet fields outside of Bay City. Upon graduation from Bay City Central High School in 1966, a guidance counselor advised Judge Torres not to pursue a legal education and instead suggested other careers, particularly those that were attached to Hispanic stereotypes and influenced by prejudice. Ignoring other's doubts and racial biases, Judge Torres graduated with his bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Michigan State University in 1973 and later earned his law degree from Wayne State University in 1976. Beginning his career with Neighborhood Legal Services in Detroit, in 1978, Judge Torres was hired by the city of Detroit as senior assistant corporation counsel and later cofounded the law firm of Torres & Horvath. In 1983, he was appointed by Governor Blanchard to the 36th District Court, where he became the first Hispanic magistrate and later judge in the Wayne County court system. Eventually, Judge Torres rose to the Wayne County Circuit Court and handled first criminal and then civil cases until he retired in 2010. He was also appointed to serve on numerous commissions including the Michigan Supreme Court Racial/Ethnic Task Force, Michigan Sentencing Guidelines Commission and State Bar of Michigan Open Justice Commission. Throughout his successful career and during his well-earned retirement, Judge Torres remained humble and spent a large amount of time within the community helping people navigate whatever legal troubles they had. He stayed strongly tied to and felt passionately about his Chicano roots and never lost sight of what was most important to him: working to ensure equal access to justice for all. I ask you and my fellow colleagues to join me in celebrating the life of the Honorable Isidore B. Torres. As we remember Judge Torres' life, I hope his family--including spouse Goharik Karian Torres, children Felipe Torres, Laura Torres, Marissa Savitskie, and five grandchildren--finds comfort in the precious moments and memories they shared with him, in the lessons he taught them, and in the love he showed them.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Madam President, I rise today to highlight the incredible opportunity before us to build on the strong foundation laid in the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act through the Build Back Better budget. The bipartisan infrastructure bill will make historic investments that will help create good-paying American jobs, upgrade our roads and our bridges, improve access to high-speed internet, and so much more. With the Build Back Better budget, we have the opportunity to go beyond these initial, long overdue investments and take strong action to help secure our future for generations to come. This budget will provide crucial tax cuts to hard-working American families and tackle some of the toughest challenges they are facing, like the cost of childcare, prescription drugs, and the lack of family leave that is paid. This budget will create good-paying American jobs by incentivizing the development of new clean power sources that simply cannot be outsourced. We will finally confront the very serious and very real threat posed to our economic and national security by climate change. As chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, I am working to ensure that the budget resolution makes critical payments to electrify the Federal Government's vehicle fleet, including the U.S. Postal Service's delivery vehicles. Not only will this set us on a path to a more sustainable future; it helps grow America's domestic manufacturing sector. Thanks to these investments, American workers and companies will have greater opportunity to build and assemble the battery cells, electric drive trains, and other auto parts right here in the United States. In addition to creating great jobs, we will strengthen our domestic supply chains, reduce our dependence on foreign producers, and lead the world in advancing clean electric vehicle technologies. This is especially an important investment at a time when we are seeing the effects of climate change ravage communities all across our country. From devastating wildfires out West to severe flooding in Michigan and across the Midwest, to destructive hurricanes along the gulf and east coast, we simply cannot wait any longer to address the impacts of climate change. Just today, the United Nations climate panel released a landmark report on climate change, calling it a ``code red'' situation for the survival of our planet. This budget will help limit further harmful pollution from greenhouse gases and fossil fuels that are contributing to this worldwide crisis by making important down payments on clean energy. While we invest in transformative technology to help secure our future, we also need to deal with the natural disasters that communities are facing right now. We must protect American families and businesses from the consequences of increasingly severe storms, floods, and fires by making important investments in disaster mitigation efforts We must help communities reduce the impact of severe disasters by addressing rising water levels, improving flood prevention and storm water management efforts, and strengthening wildfire mitigation efforts. These climate-change driven threats are destroying homes, small businesses, and communities in every corner of the United States, and this budget will ensure that we take swift action and better secure our future and limit further destruction. Finally, this budget will also make historic investments to tackle one of the fastest growing threats to our national security-- cyberattacks from foreign adversaries and criminal organizations. We must secure critical infrastructure, support State and local governments in their efforts to increase cyber security, and overhaul outdated and insecure Federal networks. Over the past year, we have seen time and time again how vulnerable information networks can be. Attacks on everything from K-12 schools and small businesses to major oil pipelines and Agencies across the Federal Government have played out on the front page of newspapers across our country. Whether we are talking about our critical infrastructure or our Federal Government, we simply cannot wait any longer to fix these serious problems. Targeted investments in new information technology will not only improve our cybersecurity defenses but will also help increase efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and save taxpayer dollars. Cybersecurity investments will help defend our information networks against further intrusions and breaches, protect our national security, prevent Americans' personal information from being stolen, and help reduce attacks that could threaten our very way of life. These are just a few of the critical down payments we will be making with the Build Back Better budget. Now is the time to take on some of the biggest challenges that are facing American families. Whether it is working to lower costs, improving access to healthcare, or ensuring our communities can weather the next major storm or major cyberattack, the Build Back Better budget will help ensure that we are securing the future that we want for future generations of Americans. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate vote on the nomination without intervening action or debate, and if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table, all without intervening action or debate; that no further motions be in order to the nomination; that any statements related to the nomination be printed in the Record; that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action and the Senate then resume legislative session.

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session to consider the following nomination, Calendar No. 158.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise today to highlight an important component of the bipartisan infrastructure legislation that we are now debating. This legislation includes new investments that will help communities in Michigan and across the country address the serious risk posed by severe flooding, shoreline erosion, and other natural disasters. As a result of climate change, we are continuing to experience an increase in the frequency and intensity of severe weather events. In June, Southeast Michigan faced yet another severe flooding event that, tragically, led to two deaths, damaged small businesses and thousands of homes, and devastated families. The Federal Government has spent many billions of dollars to help respond to and recover from disasters. However, until very recently, we chronically underinvested in mitigating the effects of disasters before they occur, despite the fact that it protects lives, safeguards property, and saves taxpayer dollars. In fact, studies show that every dollar invested in hazard mitigation or prevention saves as much as $6 for the taxpayers. This package provides critical investments to a number of mitigation programs, but I want to highlight just one in particular, the STORM Act. Last year, I authored bipartisan legislation to create a new revolving loan program to be overseen by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA. In January of this year, that bill was signed into law, establishing a new program to help our communities tackle this rising threat. As the Senate crafted this important bipartisan infrastructure package over the past few weeks, I was able to work with my colleagues to secure $500 million in initial funding for this program, the first Federal investment that will kick-start loans for communities all across our country to begin addressing this serious problem. With this downpayment, States will receive funding to create revolving loan funds to support local government investments in hazard mitigation projects that will help reduce natural disaster risk. The low-interest loans provided by this program will offer critical resources to cash-strapped local communities. Over time, repayment of those loans at an extremely low interest rate will provide States with a self-sustaining fund that they can use to continue improving resilience in other localities. Because the revolving loan funds are managed at the State level, each State will have the authority to prioritize funding for the projects with the greatest need, rather than having the Federal Government make those decisions. This flexibility will allow States to focus on protecting vulnerable communities that are particularly hard hit by extreme weather events. Additionally, unlike other mitigation programs, the STORM Act is the first program to allow States to invest in projects to mitigate shoreline erosion, rising water levels, and severe rainfall that can wreak havoc on public and private property alike. This is especially important for my home State of Michigan, where Great Lakes communities have endured flooded campgrounds, streets, and basements because of storm water drainage issues; boating problems due to submerged structures; and the destruction of beaches and homes from high water levels. Funding for the STORM Act, along with other mitigation funds provided in this legislation, will help transform our country into a more resilient nation and save us money in the long run. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this critical investment in mitigation and enacting the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise in support of two nominations to critical positions within the Department of Homeland Security: Robert Silvers to be the Under Secretary for Strategy, Policy and Plans; and Jonathan Meyer to be General Counsel. Both nominees are well qualified for these important roles, and both of them have strong bipartisan support, including from former national security officials who served both under Democratic and Republican Presidents. Mr. Silver's public service includes several senior roles in the Department of Homeland Security, including Deputy Chief of Staff and Assistant Secretary for Cyber Policy during the Obama administration. As a lawyer in the private sector since 2017, Mr. Silvers has been a leader on cybersecurity, data privacy, and artificial intelligence issues. As Under Secretary for Strategy, Policy and Plans, Mr. Silvers will help the Department to take a strategic and coordinated approach to address challenging policy areas, including domestic terrorism, border security, and cybersecurity. Jonathan Meyers' previous government service spans 17 years and includes senior roles in the Department of Justice, the U.S. Senate, and as Deputy General Counsel for DHS during the Obama administration. Since returning to private practice in 2016, Mr. Meyers' legal work has continued to focus on cybersecurity, technology, and Homeland Security. DHS needs qualified Senate-confirmed leaders in place to effectively carry out its critical mission of safeguarding our Nation, and I urge my colleagues to confirm these qualified nominees today. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session to consider the following nomination: Calendar No. 158; that the nomination be confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate, that no further motions be in order to the nominations, that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action, and the Senate then resume legislative session.

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President.

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session to consider the following nomination: Calendar No. 159; that the nomination be confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate, that no further motions be in order to the nomination, that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action, and the Senate then resume legislative session.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I have 7 requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders. Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry The Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Friday, August 6, 2021, at 10 a.m., to conduct a hearing on nominations. Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs The Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Friday, August 6, 2021, at 10 a.m., to conduct a hearing on nominations. Committee on Energy and Natural Resources The Committee on Energy and Natural Resources is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Friday, August 6, 2021, at 10 a.m., to conduct a hearing. Committee on Foreign Relations The Committee on Foreign Relations is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Friday, August 6, 2021, at 10 a.m., to conduct a hearing on nominations. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs The Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Friday, August 6, 2021, at 10:15 a.m., to conduct a hearing. Committee on the Judiciary The Committee on the Judiciary is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Friday, August 6, 2021, at 9 a.m., to conduct a hearing on nominations. Select Committee on Intelligence The Select Committee on Intelligence is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Friday, August 6, 2021, at l p.m., to conduct a hearing.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise to oppose the Johnson amendment. This measure would force continued payment of government contractors to build an ill-conceived border wall. Most of these funds were never intended for this purpose. More than $10 billion was redirected from the Department of Defense, and these funds were intended for military installations and functions such as schools for military children and National Guard equipment. The Biden administration is conducting a comprehensive review of these contracts, led by the Department of Defense and Homeland Security. DHS has recently announced that they will continue work on certain commonsense projects on the southern border to address life, safety, environmental, and operational considerations. These decisions will be guided by what is best for our national security, not well- connected government contractors profiting off of hard-earned taxpayer dollars. We need to move forward with smart, bipartisan investments that secure both our southern and our northern borders, and we must not look backward at the former administration's boondoggle. I urge my colleagues to vote no on the Johnson amendment.

Mr. PETERS. Madam President, we all agree that responding to natural disasters is a core Federal responsibility. But, unfortunately, this unprecedented amendment would take funds from the Federal Communications Commission's spectrum auction revenues to pay for disaster relief. The spectrum auction revenues my colleagues seeks to reallocate are intended to help expand high-speed internet in the United States. All Americans, no matter where they live, should have access to the 21st century economy. We can't pick winners and losers when it comes to natural disasters. The process should be set in law, which is something my colleague from Hawaii, Senator Schatz, has been working on for years. I support disaster relief, but this is not the way to do it. My heart goes out to all Americans impacted by natural disasters, not just those affected by hurricanes but also devastating wildfires and flooding caused by climate change. I am committed to ensuring they receive the assistance they need, but we need a comprehensive solution. I would like to yield time to my colleague from Maine.

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise to urge adoption of the Peters- Rounds amendment, No. 2464. I first want to thank Chairman Manchin and Ranking Member Barrasso of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee for working with me on this amendment. I would also like to thank Senators Rounds, Portman, and Warner for joining me in offering this amendment. It is very straightforward. It simply would align several cyber security provisions for the Department of Energy in this infrastructure legislation with existing law. It would require the Department of Energy, the sector risk management Agency for the energy sector, to coordinate with the Department of Homeland Security on cyber security efforts. DHS is the lead Federal Agency for cyber security, and they have a central role to play in working across the government to strengthen our cyber defenses. As we have seen from the damaging SolarWinds and Microsoft Exchange attacks, a whole-of-government approach is necessary to protect critical infrastructure. This amendment will ensure that there is a comprehensive approach that effectively coordinates our cyber security protections for critical infrastructure across all sectors. It reduces duplication of efforts and helps protect our Nation from the persistent threat posed by cyber attacks. Mr. President, I urge my colleagues to support this straightforward, bipartisan amendment.

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I yield back all remaining time.