Gary Peters

Mr. PETERS

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

Mr. PETERS

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 President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. PETERS

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

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the following Senators be permitted to speak prior to the scheduled vote: Senator Peters for up to 5 minutes, Senator Lujan for up to 5 minutes, Senator Schmitt for up to 5 minutes, and Senator Hawley for up to 15 minutes.

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise now in support of Adrienne Noti's nomination to be an associate judge on the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The DC Superior Court is the local trial court here in the Nation's Capital. It handles some of the highest caseloads in the entire country. It decides matters that impact the freedom, the livelihood, and the safety of families all across the District of Columbia. Unfortunately, the superior court has struggled with high judicial vacancy rates in recent years. Mr. President, 12 of the 62 seats on the court are now vacant, and two more will open up in the coming months. This places serious burdens on current judges and delays resolutions for the parties before the court. The District of Columbia deserves to have these seats filled by dedicated, qualified judges. Adrienne Noti is more than up for the job. She has spent the last 10 years as a magistrate judge on the DC Superior Court, and in that role she has worked across every division, from domestic violence to family law to landlord-tenant issues to criminal cases. She has proven herself to be fair and effective and has shown a deep commitment to the local community here in the District of Columbia. Before she joined the DC Superior Court, Judge Noti spent a decade in family law, representing underserved clients and teaching as a clinical law professor. She has spent her career fighting for equal justice and teaching others in the legal community how to do the same. Judge Noti is highly qualified to serve as an associate judge on the DC Superior Court, and it is past time that we confirm her nomination. While I am glad we will soon fill one vacancy on the superior court, we must take additional action to confirm the six other nominees that my committee has advanced this Congress, many with strong, strong bipartisan support. These are not controversial nominations. And I hope that my colleagues will join me in working together to quickly confirm the other nominees and ease the vacancy crisis facing the superior court. Today's vote is a critical step in that work. And I urge my colleagues to join me in confirming Judge Adrienne Noti to be an associate judge on the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. I yield the floor.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Madam President, when my three children were born, it was unlike anything else I have ever, ever experienced before. Those 3 days were the best in my life, and it is hard to put into words how beautiful and how daunting it is to have a child. Every American who wants to be a parent should have that opportunity, and when they are faced with medical challenges while starting a family, they should have the right to pursue every resource to help them navigate that process. IVF is one of those tools, and it has helped countless Americans. For those who have experienced frequent miscarriages, suffered from genetic disorders, or are otherwise affected by infertility, IVF is an essential procedure. It is safe. It is necessary. And it has given millions of people the chance to have a family. Last week, a ruling from the Alabama Supreme Court put the future of IVF in jeopardy. So my Democratic colleagues and I went to work. We proposed a bill that would protect the right to seek IVF treatment for all Americans. I am grateful to Senators Duckworth and Murray for leading the charge on this legislation, and I was proud to be one of the cosponsors. But, yesterday, Republicans blocked the Senate from passing it. They decided to put politics before protecting a critical medical procedure. They have put this resource at risk, one that has allowed millions of women and LGBTQ Americans to have children. They think that they know better than doctors. They think they know better than parents. They think they know more than four decades of proven science. The bill they opposed is literally pro-life and pro-family. Yet Republicans refused to put it on the floor. Let's not forget how this all started. Senate Republicans stood with former President Trump when he stacked the Supreme Court with extreme judges. And when the Court overturned Roe v. Wade, it ripped the right to make choices about reproductive healthcare away from millions of women. And now conservatives across the country feel empowered to take it even further. The ruling in Alabama is just the latest instance in the war against reproductive freedom. It could keep millions of Americans from starting families, and Senate Republicans are just fine with that. We don't know how far this will go. We don't know what other proven procedures Republicans will try to take away from families in the future. We don't know what effect these rulings will have on new innovations in fertility science. We don't know if they are going to come after birth control next. But one thing is very, very clear: This is just the beginning of their efforts to deny reproductive freedom. IVF should be available to every American citizen who needs it. And when someone is choosing to have children, politicians should never get in the way. I call on my Republican colleagues to support the Access to Family Building Act, to stop playing politics and instead stand behind the millions of Americans who simply want--who simply want--the chance to start a family. I yield the floor.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise in support of Hampton Dellinger's nomination to lead the Office of Special Counsel. Federal employees must be able to report waste, fraud, and abuse across government without fear of retaliation. Whistleblowers have exposed serious safety shortfalls, wasteful spending, and corruption. They help keep government accountable, and they are indispensable in the oversight work of Congress and the inspectors general. The Office of Special Counsel protects whistleblowers' rights. The Agency investigates their disclosures and prosecutes instances of retaliation against vulnerable employees. In addition to those responsibilities, OSC helps ensure that the Federal Government is free from improper partisan activity and protects our servicemembers and veterans from employment discrimination. Mr. Dellinger is well qualified to lead the Office of Special Counsel. He has nearly three decades of legal experience, including as a senior official in the North Carolina Attorney General's Office and the U.S. Department of Justice. He has worked with whistleblowers in both the public and private sector and has advanced policies that protect whistleblower rights. Most importantly, Mr. Dellinger has demonstrated the utmost integrity throughout his career. He is willing to take on powerful interests for the public good and will lead OSC in an independent, nonpartisan way. I urge my colleagues to join me in confirming Mr. Dellinger to this important role today.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, yesterday the Senate considered legislation that would have provided critical aid to our allies and provide resources and authorities to secure our northern and southern borders. The legislation was forged by good-faith, bipartisan negotiations. But instead of coming together to advance a vital border security bill, my Republican colleagues blocked it--blocked it--from receiving any further debate and potential modification. My Republican colleagues voted against advancing legislation that would make meaningful changes at our border for the first time in decades. It would have provided the personnel, the resources, and the authorities needed to secure our borders, address regional migration trends, and support lawful trade and travel that drives our economy. I serve as chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and I have worked to advance several bipartisan bills to secure our borders. But the legislation we had yesterday was rejected by my Republican colleagues, which would have addressed some of the most pressing challenges at the southern border and actually take them on immediately. The bill would have allowed us to hire more CBP officers and agents, the men and women who are on the ground protecting our national security and managing our border crossings. It would have provided resources to install more advanced screening technology, tools that help identify illegal cargo and stop dangerous drugs like fentanyl from reaching our communities. It would have helped the Federal Government go after criminal organizations that traffic harmful drugs across the border. The bill also aimed to streamline the process for asylum seekers arriving at our southern border, while ensuring individuals who do not qualify are quickly removed. It would have helped to ensure that unaccompanied children who arrive at the border--some of the most vulnerable people in our immigration system--have access to counsel, and it would have established a pathway to permanent residence for Afghan allies who risked their lives in the defense of our national security. Now, the bill wasn't perfect. It was not meant to be a comprehensive immigration reform, but it was a bipartisan effort to address the challenges that we are now seeing at the southern border. And that is why the National Border Patrol Council, which represents frontline border security professionals, fully supported it, and they urged us to take action. They needed these tools. They were crying out: Please, give us these tools at border. The conservative editorial board of the Wall Street Journal put it simply in their headline, and it was: ``A Border Security Bill Worth Passing.'' Republicans in Congress initially demanded border security measures to be part of this bill. But in the minute that we actually had a strong, bipartisan security bill on the floor, they decided to walk away. Maybe it is because they have been listening to former President Trump, who publicly fought to sink this bipartisan effort. He doesn't care about making our border more secure or supporting our CBP agents on the frontline or keeping fentanyl out of our communities. He only cares about his chances in November, and he thinks that, if we solve this problem, it is going to hurt his election. Clearly, Republicans in Congress agreed, and they have made it abundantly clear that they would rather campaign on this issue than actually pass legislation to fix it. They would rather play politics and see themselves on TV and on their favorite network talking about it rather than rolling up their sleeves and actually solving the problem. My colleagues who worked on this comprehensive bill set a much needed example of bipartisanship. I am proud to work alongside Senator Murphy in our caucus, and I am grateful to serve as chairman of the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee and work closely with both Senators Sinema and Lankford. These are three committed lawmakers, people who did actually roll up their sleeves and actually worked to get things done in a meaningful way. And I certainly appreciate their hard work in negotiating this comprehensive bill. We are all aware of the challenges we face at the southern border, and it is a shame that a vast majority of my Republican colleagues have decided not to act. We could still take a critical step to help our allies, however, who are now facing existential challenges. Our international partners are fighting for democracy. Ukraine is standing up to a reckless dictator and protecting its people from his violent campaign. In October, Israel weathered the deadliest terrorist attacks in its history. Taiwan continues to face aggression from the Chinese government. In order to help preserve democracy and stability on the global stage, the United States must stand at their side. We can send help to our international partners when they need it the most. It has been almost 2 years since Putin initiated his unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine. In response, the Ukrainian people have shown incredible bravery and resolve. They have stood up in the face of this dictator to defend their sovereignty and their democracy. They are fighting a courageous battle, not only to protect their own country but to show the world the importance of protecting liberty against an authoritarian regime. For months, Ukraine has needed the United States to help in this fight and provide more military assistance as they push back on Russian forces. And now we have an opportunity to move a bill forward that would send this critical aid to our ally. It will help the Ukrainian Army get the weapons, the intelligence, and the training resources that they need to win this war. It will also include significant humanitarian aid, money that will go directly to those most immediately affected by this conflict. My home State of Michigan is home to a vibrant Ukrainian-American community. Every day I hear from constituents who are urging the United States to act and act soon, not just to help Ukraine but to defend democratic values all across the globe. If we fail to pass this legislation, it will play right into Putin's hands. The Ukrainian victories will be nullified, their resolve will have been wasted, and their independent democracy will be in grave danger. We cannot and must not let that happen. I commend President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people for their response to Putin's invasion, and I implore my colleagues to pass the bill before us and send them the aid that they so desperately need. We also now have the ability to send urgently needed resources to Israel in their fight against Hamas and provide humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza who have been caught in the crossfire of this conflict. Israelis are reeling from horrific attacks on October 7, 4 months ago. Many families are still praying for the safe return of family members being held hostage by Hamas. Others are mourning their loved ones who were killed in the initial attack, and there is no question that the country will never, ever be the same. I stand with Israel and all those in the region seeking peace and security by passing this legislation. We can support both our key ally in the region and provide relief for innocent civilians in Gaza who have shouldered the burdens of this war. As we send this urgently needed support, I want to reiterate my calls for both parties to minimize civilian casualties and work toward a lasting peace. We had a chance to address all of these challenges at once yesterday; but, unfortunately, a significant bipartisan agreement failed, congressional Republicans decided they do not want to secure our border. But today, we can send help to our allies and we can still help protect democracy across the world. The stakes are too high not to act. I urge my colleagues to vote for the bill before us now and join me in supporting this vital assistance.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, as a result of travel with President Biden to Michigan, I was unable to attend vote No. 31 on February 1 on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar No. 477, Lisa W. Wang, of the District of Columbia, to be a Judge of the United States Court of International Trade. During the President's visit, I was able to discuss with him the unique capabilities of Selfridge Air Force Base, to recognize the hard work of Michigan autoworkers, and to emphasize Michigan's national leadership in manufacturing. I would have voted yea on the Motion had I been able to attend. As a result of travel with President Biden to Michigan, I was unable to attend vote No. 32 on February 1 on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar No. 476, Joseph Albert Laroski, Jr., of Maryland, to be a Judge of the United States Court of International Trade. During the President's visit, I was able to discuss with him the unique capabilities of Selfridge Air Force Base, to recognize the hard work of Michigan autoworkers, and to emphasize Michigan's national leadership in manufacturing. I would have voted yea on the motion had I been able to attend the vote. As a result of travel with President Biden to Michigan, I was unable to attend vote No. 33 on February 1 on the Confirmation of Executive Calendar No. 477, Lisa W. Wang, of the District of Columbia, to be a Judge of the United States Court of International Trade. During the President's visit, I was able to discuss with him the unique capabilities of Selfridge Air Force Base, to recognize the hard work of Michigan autoworkers, and to emphasize Michigan's national leadership in manufacturing. I would have voted yea on the motion had I been able to attend.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Warren Symphony Orchestra located in Macomb County, MI. Founded in 1972, the Warren Symphony Orchestra and its musicians have worked to provide cultural enrichment, entertainment, and youth education to the Macomb community by supporting and advancing a local orchestra of professional quality. What began as a small project aimed at replacing the Warren Consolidates Schools string program has grown over the past 50 years into thriving arts and culture destination for residents of Warren and Macomb County. The Warren Symphony Orchestra--WSO--opened its first season in 1973- 1974, playing their first concert on May 5, 1974. Over the next decade, the WSO benefited from growing community support, hosting concerts such as ``Music of the 20s'' and ``A Salute to Poland in April,'' the latter of which celebrated the history of the Polish community in the city of Warren. In this period, the WSO also began to form traditions, including a series of concerts performed by the WSO at the St. Dorothy Church in Warren, the beginning of yearly youth concerts, and General Motors sponsoring the WSO's opening night. By 1979, subscriptions to the Warren Symphony Orchestra had increased by over 143 percent and the WSO began to gain acclaim. The spring performance was chosen by the Detroit Free Press as one of the 10 best performances of the 1979-1980 season in metro Detroit. The WSO has been chosen seven times--2000, 2001, 2003, 2007, 2014, 2015, and 2017--as Outstanding Community Orchestra at the Detroit Music Awards. Over the years, the WSO has engaged and inspired the Warren community through the delivery of unique concert experiences and themes. Memorable among them was the All-American concert in the spring season of 1982, which features 2 choruses and 2 orchestras: 198 singers, 116 orchestra players, and 1 conducting, accounting for a total of 315 musicians, and a fully staged opera performed in accompaniment with Oakland University in the 2000- 2001 season, to name a few. In line with their mission of youth education, the Warren Symphony Orchestra has a long history of performing with local youth choirs, bands, and artists. This is in addition to the free music education materials that the WSO provides to the youth in the Macomb community, as well the reoccurring youth concert series that reaches as many as 2,000 elementary students annually. The Warren Symphony Orchestra has been enriching the lives of Warren and Macomb residents since 1972. As they celebrate their 50th anniversary, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the cultural and educational contributions that the Warren Symphony Orchestra has made over the past five decades. I wish the Warren Symphony Orchestra continued growth and prosperity in the years ahead.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I was unable to attend yesterday's vote on rollcall vote No. 347 Confirmation of Executive Calendar No. 415, Martin O'Malley, of Maryland, to be Commissioner of Social Security. I would have voted yea on the confirmation had I been able to attend the vote.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to speak for up to 4 minutes prior to the vote.

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise in support of Harry Coker's nomination to be the National Cyber Director. The National Cyber Director is responsible for driving cyber security policy and strategy all across the Federal Government. The Office of the National Cyber Director was established by Congress in 2021 to foster a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to cyber security. Harry Coker is an accomplished leader and a dedicated public servant who is well qualified to lead this important office. Mr. Coker has over four decades of national security and cyber security experience. He served as a naval officer and in senior leadership roles at the National Security Agency and the Central Intelligence Agency, where he worked to combat cyber and national security threats. His nomination received bipartisan support from the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and he has been endorsed by a wide range of bipartisan cyber and national security experts. During the 2 years since the Office of the National Cyber Director was created, the office has done impressive work, including developing an ambitious national cyber security strategy and national cyber workforce and education strategy. The Office of the National Cyber Director has been without a confirmed leader for almost 10 months. A dedicated, Senate-confirmed leader is critical to building upon these efforts and continuing to grow and mature the Office of the National Cyber Director. I urge my colleagues to join me in confirming Mr. Coker to this very important role. I yield the floor.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, shortly, I will ask unanimous consent for passage of the Armenian Protection Act of 2023. Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act of 1992 was straightforward. It kept Azerbaijan from receiving military assistance from the United States. In the wake of 9/11, we granted the President the authority to waive the statute and in order to protect American interests, and as a result, we began sending military aid to Azerbaijan. But we attached a very important condition: The Azerbaijani Government could not engage in offensive attacks or undermine the peace process with Armenia. Their recent actions in Nagorno-Karabakh have clearly failed in meeting this very straightforward standard. Not only did they blockade the Lachin corridor for 10 months, creating significant hardships, they also violently attacked innocent Armenians and forced the dissolution of the Government of Nagorno-Karabakh on September 28. The Armenian Protection Act of 2023 is simple: It would hold Azerbaijan accountable for these actions. As a result of Azerbaijan's failure to meet the terms of our agreement with them, it would prevent the United States from sending military aid for a period of 2 years. After that time, the President could once again decide what best serves the American interests in that region. The administration already has the authority to cut off the support, but as this conflict has unfolded, they have not taken public action. We must send a strong message to show our partners around the world that America will enforce the conditions that we attach to military aid. If we do not take action when countries willfully ignore the terms of our agreements with them, our agreements will become effectively meaningless and toothless. I urge my colleagues to join me in holding Azerbaijan accountable for their actions, enforce our agreements with them, and stand with the Armenian people in the face of unprovoked aggression. I urge my colleagues to support the Armenian Protection Act of 2023. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Foreign Relations be discharged from further consideration of S. 3000 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.

Mr. PETERS. I ask unanimous consent that the Peters substitute amendment at the desk be agreed to.

Mr. PETERS. I ask that the bill, as amended, be considered read a third time.

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

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

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Madam President, this amendment would prevent Federal Agencies from effectively serving the American people. It would weaken the government's ability to enact key health and safety standards. It would endanger a range of public protections for the environment, American workers, and people with disabilities. It would stifle innovation for emerging technologies, such as self-driving cars, artificial intelligence, and other tools that will help carry our country forward. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting no on this amendment. Vote on Amendment No. 1121

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the passing of my dear friend Florine Mark, an icon and trailblazer in Michigan and the international business community. A role model, entrepreneur, and businesswoman, Florine established the first Michigan Weight Watchers franchise in 1966, holding her first meeting in a school auditorium. Over the next 50 years, Florine grew her portfolio, acquiring franchises in 13 States, Canada, and Mexico, to become the largest franchise holder of Weight Watchers International, employing over 4,200 people. Behind Florine's drive for success was a deeply held desire to uplift and inspire others to see and act upon the best in themselves. From her early childhood, growing up in a family with very limited means, Florine's bubbie instilled in her the importance of giving back to others. She often spent Sundays with her grandmother, raising funds for Jewish charities and was an active member of her congregation at Adat Shalom Synagogue. Florine's signature saying, ``love, love, love,'' not only reflected her love of family, but also her commitment to improving the lives of others. Florine shared her time and expertise to countless community organizations throughout Michigan, including Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit Institute for Children, Business Leaders of Michigan, Detroit Regional Chamber, Henry Ford Health System, University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center, Women of Tomorrow, and several others. She was an active board member of the Michigan Fitness Foundation; the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health, and Sports; the Governor's Economic Council Advisory Board; and was on the board of trustees of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan since 1992. As a strong advocate for women's professional development and leadership roles in business, Florine sat on the Women's Leadership Board at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. She also served a 3-year term on the Detroit branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, was on the Michigan Committee supporting the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum, and on the board of directors for English Gardens. A well-known motivational speaker, she hosted ``Today's Takeaway with Florine Mark,'' during which she interviewed celebrity guests and everyday individuals about physical and mental health, relationships, and other self-care topics. Through her ``Ask Florine'' and ``Remarkable Women'' segments on local broadcasts, she sought to uplift women leaders while raising self-esteem by providing an avenue for advice, support, and dialogue. Florine's leadership earned her several awards throughout her career, including the 2003 ``Entrepreneurial Visionary Award'' from the Women's Business Center in Washington, DC. She was also recognized among the 100 Most Influential Women in Detroit by Crain's Detroit Business Magazine, was the recipient of the William Davidson Lifetime Achievement Award, and was the first woman to receive the Neal Shine Award for Exemplary Regional Leadership. She received honorary degrees from Eastern Michigan University, Central Michigan University, Oakland University, Walsh College, Wayne State University, and Lawrence Technological University. Five of these were honorary doctorates. And just earlier this month, Florine received the Women Who Make a Difference award from the International Women's Forum for her accomplishments and contributions to her community and the world. Through a lifetime of efforts big and small, Florine cemented a legacy as an icon in Michigan, across the country, and around the world. She willingly and selflessly made time for her community, her friends, and especially for her family whom she cherished more than anything. I personally know how deeply proud Florine was of her seven children and her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I am proud to honor the life and legacy of my friend, Florine Mark. I ask that we offer our sympathies to her family and thank them for sharing Florine with us all. She will be sorely missed.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, in the mountains of Nagorno-Karabakh, a humanitarian crisis is unfolding. Azerbaijan's blockade of the Lachin corridor has left over 100,000 ethnic Albanians cut off from the world--deprived of the food, the water, fuel, and medical care that they need to survive. Last week, one resident made a plea. She asked: How many more people will have to die before the world takes notice? Today, that question carries new meaning as the Armenian people not only confront dwindling resources but heavy bombardment. On September 19, Azerbaijan violated the fragile peace and began attacking Nagorno- Karabakh. While a cease-fire was announced this morning, we cannot ignore the violence, and we must stand with the citizens of Nagorno- Karabakh. This conflict systematically targets the Armenian people. It is cruel; it is calculated; and it is inhumane--further demonstrating that the Armenian people are facing an existential threat. Experts from the International Criminal Court say there is reason to believe it amounts to an act of genocide. That word would always sound an alarm, but it creates a particular weight with the Armenian people and evokes a devastating chapter of their history. The government of Azerbaijan has orchestrated a humanitarian disaster, only to further their political and their territorial claims. The blockade of the Lachin corridor has kept essential supplies out of the region since June. Pregnant women are being forced to walk miles to a medical clinic. Fuel shortages have shut down schools and sidelined emergency vehicles. People get sick from untreated water and then visit pharmacies with empty shelves. Food shortages run rampant. Officials in Nagorno-Karabakh estimate that 95 percent of residents are suffering from malnutrition. Starving citizens are lining up for bread in the streets and wondering how they will find their family's next meal. The use of military force by Azerbaijan will only further endanger citizens who have already endured so much. The Biden administration has provided some crucial assistance, and the Azerbaijani Government has announced a theoretical agreement to open the Lachin corridor once again. But that deal has yet to bring the Armenian people out of harm's way. The bombardment began after it was reached, and this increasing military aggression has only deepened the humanitarian crisis. The Aliyev regime has now demanded that Nagorno-Karabakh's government be dissolved and the ethnic Armenian troops be removed. The Azerbaijan Government has made it clear their goal is to erase the historic presence of Armenians in this region. Until it is proven that this cruel campaign has ended, we must be vigilant. Until the people of Nagorno-Karabakh have what they need to survive and to walk freely in their home once again, we cannot stand to the side. In the midst of these unthinkable conditions, residents have taken to the streets, calling for an end to the blockade. We must join their chorus--shedding a light on Azerbaijan's actions and addressing the immediate threat of ethnic violence. And I encourage the Biden administration to remember these crimes against humanity when considering where to send aid and to apply diplomatic pressure. If we continue to let this crisis devolve, then we are complicit in the violence. I call on my Senate colleagues and the Biden administration to stand against the cruelty of the Azerbaijan Government and stand by the side of the Armenian people. I yield the floor. 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. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Mott Community College located in Flint, MI. Over the past 100 years, MCC has become a steadfast partner for local industry, providing high- quality, accessible, and affordable education opportunities. It is a privilege and honor to recognize the centennial milestone of the college on September 23, 2023. Founded in 1923 by the Flint Board of Education, the institution was originally known as Flint Junior College. Tuition for the first year was a mere $20, and students could choose to study general literacy, pre-engineering, pre-dental, pre-medicine, pre-law, or business administration, as the college was initially designed to prepare students to transfer to the University of Michigan Ann Arbor. In 1950, Charles Stewart Mott donated $1 million to develop Flint Junior College into a 4-year institution in collaboration with the University of Michigan, a move that created the college and cultural center. C.S. Mott endowed the college with 32 acres of land and additional money for the establishment of an entirely new campus. In 1951, William Ballenger, Sr., left a trust of several million dollars, allowing the college to hire well-qualified instructors and elevate Flint Junior College into a true community college. Ballenger also gifted the college $200,000 for the construction of an athletic field house. The Ballenger Field House would become the first new building on the new campus. In 1969, the college was successful in securing a millage, transforming it into a countywide institution, becoming Genesee Community College. After the passing of C.S. Mott, the institution received its name known by the community today, the Charles Stewart Mott Community College. The college has a rich athletic history as well. Coach Steven Schmidt has led the men's basketball team to 753 victories over 30 seasons, the most by any men's coach in Michigan college basketball history. The program finished fifth in the Nation in 2021 and has won three national titles since 2007. The college is also where Justus Thigpen, Sr., the first athlete from Flint to play in the NBA, got his start as the basketball team's starting guard in 1965. Mott currently hosts five varsity men's sports teams, four varsity women's teams, and a co-ed e- sports team. Today, MCC serves over 8,000 students seeking to gain knowledge and skills in a wide variety of occupational programs. Mott Community College continues to be a key partner that delivers on the workforce development needs of the region through continual innovation and investment in their students' success. By creating programs such as the Mobile Learning Lab, Workforce Promise, and the operation of Applewood Cafe, the college has seized every opportunity to support the economic development in Flint by providing workforce training and experience to students and workers. The college is also a leader in expanding diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. From the hiring of Dr. Beverly Walker- Griffea in 2014, its first African-American female president, to the building of the Lenore Croudy Family Life Center, which is focused on providing support to students and families experiencing housing and food insecurity, the college continually works to reduce barriers and challenges by investing in their students. MCC has also been chosen for the Aspen Institute Award six times as one of the top 150 community colleges in the Nation dedicated to excellence and equitable student success. Mott Community College has greatly impacted the lives of generations of students and has positively shaped the city of Flint as we know it today. I ask you to join me in recognizing the college as they commemorate their centennial celebration.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I will shortly ask for unanimous consent to pass bipartisan legislation to extend the Chemical Facility Anti- Terrorism Standards Program, also known as CFATS. This critical counterterrorism program was created in the wake of September 11 and the Oklahoma City bombing to ensure that common chemicals could not be stolen or weaponized by terrorists and used in an attack. Now the program is set to expire on July 27, tomorrow, and we simply cannot let that happen. There are approximately 3,300 facilities across the United States that participate in this program. These facilities support a range of industries, from chemical manufacturing and distribution to agriculture and food production, paint and coatings operations, and healthcare and pharmaceuticals. In their everyday work, these facilities use materials that, in the wrong hands, can be turned into dangerous weapons. Because these types of industrial or commercially available materials are common and offer a simple pathway to weaponization, terrorists are more likely to try to use them. By participating in the CFATS Program, facilities work with the Department of Homeland Security to develop a plan to ensure potentially hazardous material is secure. I introduced bipartisan legislation, along with Senators Capito, Carper, and Lankford, to extend this important counterterrorism program for 5 years. The 5-year extension provides regulatory certainty and the stability for the companies and groups that participate in the program, ensuring that they can keep these important safeguards in place for longer. Companies including Dow, BASF, Lubrizol, and Brenntag North America, along with organizations like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the American Chemistry Council, the National Association of Chemical Distributors, the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, the Agricultural Retailers Association, and the Fertilizer Institute--all of them support extending this vital national security program for another 5 years. However, last night, the House passed a 2-year extension with overwhelming bipartisan support. More than 400 Members of the U.S. House voted to extend the program. And while I believe passing a longer extension to provide more certainty for companies and for the DHS would be better, the program will expire tomorrow, and if we do not pass legislation to extend it, our national security could be at risk. If this body allows this program to expire, the 3,300 facilities will no longer be required to maintain security measures and any new high- risk facilities will not be required to invest in additional security. The Department of Homeland Security will no longer be able to assess whether facilities are high risk or share information about specific terrorist threats connected to chemical facilities. The high- risk chemical facilities would no longer be able to screen individuals who have access to sensitive areas against the Terrorist Screening Database, which is a critical way to ensure that we are keeping these substances from getting into the wrong hands. Since it was created, CFATS has been extended with bipartisan support four times. We cannot let this vital program expire. We must take urgent action to pass this 2-year extension that just passed overwhelmingly through the U.S. House and keep the American people safe from harm. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of H.R. 4470, which was received from the House, that the bill be considered read a third time and passed, and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, reserving the right to object.