Jack Reed

Mr. REED

Mr. REED. Madam President, I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. REED. Mr. President, is there any time remaining on our side?

Mr. REED. I will be very brief. My understanding of the War Powers Act--the President of the United States may initiate hostilities for a limited period of time until Congress can act. This proposal, a sense of Congress, would call into question what the War Powers Act authorizes, and that is a constitutional provision. It has been held constitutional. Vote on Amendment No. 222

Mr. REED. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the 3 o'clock vote commence.

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 Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

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 Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. REED. I rise to discuss the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. The Armed Services Committee approved this bill by a broad bipartisan vote of 24 to 1 last month--the largest margin in years. I appreciated the opportunity to work with Senator Wicker and our colleagues to produce this bill. Senator Wicker has been supportive, cooperative, creative, and has done so with great credit to the committee's traditions, and I thank him for that. I am also obviously tremendously appreciative of the work of the staff, Liz King on the majority and John Keast on the minority. This is a strong defense bill. It is laser-focused on the threats we face. It addresses a broad range of pressing issues, from strategic competition with China and Russia to countering threats from Iran, North Korea, violent extremists, and even climate change. The bill authorizes a record level of investment in key technologies like hypersonics and artificial intelligence and makes real progress toward modernizing our ships, our aircraft, and our combat vehicles. Most importantly, this NDAA provides a historic level of support for our troops and their families, including the largest pay raise in decades. The bill makes meaningful steps forward at a critical time for our national security. In addition to authorizing $845 billion for the Department of Defense and $32 billion for the Department of Energy's national security programs, there are a number of important policy provisions that I would like to briefly highlight. To begin, we have to ensure the United States can outcompete, deter, and prevail against our near-peer rivals. China has emerged as our primary competitor, as the only nation with the intent and the capability to mount a sustained challenge to the United States' security and economic interests. This NDAA confronts China by fully investing in the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, or PDI, to improve our force posture and build the capabilities of our partners and allies in the Indo-Pacific. The bill also establishes the Indo-Pacific Campaigning Initiative to facilitate increased U.S. military exercises, freedom of navigation operations, and partner engagements in the region. And, to help Taiwan improve its overall readiness and defense capabilities, the bill establishes a comprehensive training, advising, and capacity-building program for Taiwan's military forces. I want to emphasize, however, that our Nation's ability to deter China cannot be based on military might alone. We must strengthen our network of allies and partners, which will be central to any strategy for the Indo-Pacific region. To that end, the bill makes progress toward advancing the security partnership among Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, known as AUKUS. This partnership provides a valuable blueprint that can help pave the way for other regional networks. Now, even as we shift increased attention to the Indo-Pacific, we cannot lose sight of our priorities in other theaters, like Europe. This year's NDAA fully funds the European Deterrence Initiative and the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative to support our European allies and partners. Ukraine has fought with incredible skill and bravery to defend its sovereign territory from Russia, but there is much more to be done. The United States must continue to provide training, humanitarian and economic assistance, weapons, and military equipment to Ukraine to help the nation protect itself and rebuild itself. As part of this effort, the NDAA includes significant support for America's industrial base to backfill our own munitions. This bill facilitates the acquisition of defense stocks related to Ukraine and authorizes the use of multiyear contracting authorities to help improve industrial base stability. Specifically, the bill helps improve defense acquisition processes by enabling the Department to invest in and rapidly field cutting-edge commercial technologies. By improving defense small business programs and partnerships with high-tech companies, this legislation will help meet the defense, industrial, and civilian needs of the United States. Indeed, America's capacity for technological innovation has long given us the strongest economy and military in the world. This advantage is not a given, however; it must be nurtured and maintained. To that end, the Defense bill authorizes significant funding for game- changing technologies like microelectronics, hypersonic weapons, and unmanned aircraft systems. It also provides resources to accelerate the development of the Joint All-Domain Command and Control, or the JADC2, program. This suite of technologies will help the Joint Force detect, analyze, and act on information across the battlespace, quickly using automation, artificial intelligence, and predictive analytics. When fully developed, this concept will help our forces acquire targets as early as possible and rapidly deliver information to the best operator on air, land, or sea. To accomplish the objectives of national security and the national defense strategy, our military services and combatant commanders must have the resources they need. In recognizing this, the NDAA broadly supports the procurement of naval vessels, combat aircraft, armored vehicles, weapons systems, and munitions requested in the President's defense budget for fiscal year 2024. The bill provides additional funding for the Navy and the Marine Corps to accelerate the procurement of surface vessels and submarines, which are critical to power projection and deterrence around the world. The bill also provides greater predictability and stability in our naval acquisition programs and improves the United States' shipbuilding infrastructure modernization efforts. The bill authorizes the Air Force to divest of certain aircraft and to restructure parts of its fleet as it evolves to a rapidly changing global security environment, and it invests in the Army's priority modernization efforts, to include long-range fires, future vertical lift, next-generation combat vehicles, and air and missile defense. Developing these air, land, and sea warfare capabilities will be vital to our success in long-term strategic competition with China. Simultaneously, we must enable the Department to operate successfully in evolving domains like space and cyber space. With this in mind, this bill helps strengthen the cyber security posture of the Department and the defense industrial base by providing increased funding to adopt innovative and modern cyber security strategies, tools, and technologies. Ultimately, the key factor that makes the U.S. military the greatest in the world is our people. We need to ensure that our uniformed personnel know every day how much we appreciate what they do and that we have their backs. Importantly, this NDAA provides a 5.2-percent pay raise to both military servicemembers and the Defense civilian workforce. As I indicated, this is one of the largest increases in pay in many, many years. Finally, as we navigate the threats of nuclear escalation from Russia and increasing capabilities from China, the Defense bill strengthens our deterrence strategy by helping to modernize the U.S. nuclear triad. And there are many, many other provisions in this bill that will help equip the Department and our warfighters with the tools they need to succeed. This morning, Leader Schumer introduced a substitute amendment to S. 2226, the committee-passed NDAA. This substitute includes 51 amendments that have been cleared on both sides, including 21 Democratic amendments, 21 Republicans amendments, and 9 bipartisan amendments. Again, I am pleased that we have brought this bill to the floor so the entire Senate has an opportunity to participate in the process. We have worked tirelessly, and we will continue to do so. I know that Chair Murray is here because she has the first amendment and would like to speak to that. I yield the floor.

Mr. REED. Madam President, I yield back all time.

Mr. REED. Mr. President, is there time remaining?

Mr. REED

Mr. REED. Madam President, today I am introducing the Crypto Asset National Security Enhancement and Enforcement, CANSEE, Act along with Senators Rounds, Warner, and Romney. This bipartisan bill will close concerning gaps in the anti-money laundering, AML, and sanctions frameworks for cryptocurrency, most importantly decentralized finance, DeFi, and virtual currency kiosks. Decentralized finance or ``DeFi'' refers to cryptocurrency protocols and applications that purport to allow automated peer-to-peer transactions using blockchain technology. DeFi enables users to transact and trade cryptocurrency without requiring a traditional financial institution to broker trades, clear and settle transactions, or custody assets. Criminal syndicates, fraudsters, ransomware hackers, and rogue states have been quick to recognize how DeFi can be exploited to advance their nefarious activities. By design, DeFi provides anonymity allowing malicious and criminal actors to evade traditional tools that the government uses to enforce the AML and sanctions laws. According to the U.S. National Money Laundering Risk Assessment published in February 2022, ``DeFi services often involve no AML/CFT or other processes to identify customers, allowing layering of proceeds to take place instantaneously and pseudonymously.'' A risk assessment published by the Treasury Department in April 2023 specifically found that ``ransomware cybercriminals, thieves, scammers, and Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) cyber actors are using DeFi services [and] exploiting vulnerabilities in the U.S. and foreign AML/CFT regulatory, supervisory, and enforcement regimes.'' In addition, DeFi is used in cross-border drug trafficking. Blockchain analytics firm Elliptic has estimated that China-based chemical manufacturers have received enough payments in cryptocurrency to sell $54 billion worth of fentanyl--enough to manufacture 8.6 billion deadly doses. A series of Federal indictments unsealed in April 2023 revealed how these Chinese companies sell precursor chemicals to the Sinaloa drug cartel to manufacture fentanyl in Mexico, which is then smuggled for distribution in the United States. The manufacturers and cartels transact in cryptocurrency and no longer need to rely exclusively on bulk cash shipments. According to the indictments, once ``fentanyl proceeds are deposited into cryptocurrency wallets, that cryptocurrency can also be used directly to purchase additional fentanyl, without the need to convert the cryptocurrency back into cash.'' Wallets associated with a large sanctioned Chinese chemicals manufacturer have used DeFi to launder funds. DeFi is so attractive to criminals and other bad actors because the industry takes the position that it does not need to comply with the AML requirements in the Bank Secrecy Act nor the economic sanctions programs administered by the Treasury Department. That places DeFi on a different footing than traditional financial intermediaries like banks and securities brokers, which must monitor all transactions and report suspected money laundering and financial crimes to the government. Other participants in the cryptocurrency markets, such as U.S.- headquartered centralized trading venues, are also expected to maintain AML programs and ensure that sanctioned persons do not use their services. Even casinos have these obligations. It is past time to end special treatment for DeFi and prevent this dark corner of our financial system from being used to fund crime and launder criminal proceeds. The bipartisan bill we are introducing closes these alarming gaps facilitating narco-trafficking, WMD proliferation, ransomware attacks, and other threats to national and economic security. Our bill simply requires anyone who controls a DeFi service to meet critical--yet basic--regulatory obligations to maintain AML policies and procedures, conduct due diligence on customers, and report suspicious transactions to the government. These requirements will curtail a tool that is used to disguise ownership and movement of criminal funds. Our legislation also makes clear that if a sanctioned person, such as a Russian oligarch, uses a DeFi service to evade U.S. sanctions, then anyone who controls that platform will be liable for facilitating that violation. If nobody controls a DeFi service, then--as a backstop--the largest investors in that project will be responsible for meeting these obligations. Our bipartisan legislation also dramatically enhances the customer due diligence requirements for operators of virtual currency kiosks or ``bitcoin ATMs.'' Bitcoin ATMs are typically found in convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores, and are used to buy, sell, and exchange cryptocurrency. According to a report by the Government Accountability Office published in December 2021, ``FBI officials said they expect to see an increase in the use of virtual currency kiosks for illicit purposes, including for human and drug trafficking.'' To crack down on this abuse of our financial system, our legislation requires kiosk operators to verify the identities of both counterparties to every transaction. That will help prevent criminals from using cryptocurrency to profit from illegal activity and avoid detection by law enforcement. Finally, this legislation makes important updates to the Treasury Department's authority to require participants in the U.S. financial system to take special precautions against money laundering threats. Currently, these authorities are limited to transactions conducted in the traditional banking system. But as new technologies like cryptocurrency increasingly enable new ways to conduct financial transactions, it is critical to extend Treasury's authority to crack down on illicit financial activity that may occur without customary intermediaries. All of our constituents deserve a financial system that is protected from geopolitical adversaries and criminals. The CANSEE Act will deliver those protections by preventing DeFi services from using purported decentralization as a shield to avoid meeting obligations to prevent money laundering and sanctions evasion. That will protect the integrity of the U.S. financial system and help curtail the activities of the worst criminal organizations and malicious state actors. I urge my colleagues to support this important bipartisan legislation.

Mr. REED

Mr. REED. Madam President, today I am introducing the Crypto Asset National Security Enhancement and Enforcement, CANSEE, Act along with Senators Rounds, Warner, and Romney. This bipartisan bill will close concerning gaps in the anti-money laundering, AML, and sanctions frameworks for cryptocurrency, most importantly decentralized finance, DeFi, and virtual currency kiosks. Decentralized finance or ``DeFi'' refers to cryptocurrency protocols and applications that purport to allow automated peer-to-peer transactions using blockchain technology. DeFi enables users to transact and trade cryptocurrency without requiring a traditional financial institution to broker trades, clear and settle transactions, or custody assets. Criminal syndicates, fraudsters, ransomware hackers, and rogue states have been quick to recognize how DeFi can be exploited to advance their nefarious activities. By design, DeFi provides anonymity allowing malicious and criminal actors to evade traditional tools that the government uses to enforce the AML and sanctions laws. According to the U.S. National Money Laundering Risk Assessment published in February 2022, ``DeFi services often involve no AML/CFT or other processes to identify customers, allowing layering of proceeds to take place instantaneously and pseudonymously.'' A risk assessment published by the Treasury Department in April 2023 specifically found that ``ransomware cybercriminals, thieves, scammers, and Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) cyber actors are using DeFi services [and] exploiting vulnerabilities in the U.S. and foreign AML/CFT regulatory, supervisory, and enforcement regimes.'' In addition, DeFi is used in cross-border drug trafficking. Blockchain analytics firm Elliptic has estimated that China-based chemical manufacturers have received enough payments in cryptocurrency to sell $54 billion worth of fentanyl--enough to manufacture 8.6 billion deadly doses. A series of Federal indictments unsealed in April 2023 revealed how these Chinese companies sell precursor chemicals to the Sinaloa drug cartel to manufacture fentanyl in Mexico, which is then smuggled for distribution in the United States. The manufacturers and cartels transact in cryptocurrency and no longer need to rely exclusively on bulk cash shipments. According to the indictments, once ``fentanyl proceeds are deposited into cryptocurrency wallets, that cryptocurrency can also be used directly to purchase additional fentanyl, without the need to convert the cryptocurrency back into cash.'' Wallets associated with a large sanctioned Chinese chemicals manufacturer have used DeFi to launder funds. DeFi is so attractive to criminals and other bad actors because the industry takes the position that it does not need to comply with the AML requirements in the Bank Secrecy Act nor the economic sanctions programs administered by the Treasury Department. That places DeFi on a different footing than traditional financial intermediaries like banks and securities brokers, which must monitor all transactions and report suspected money laundering and financial crimes to the government. Other participants in the cryptocurrency markets, such as U.S.- headquartered centralized trading venues, are also expected to maintain AML programs and ensure that sanctioned persons do not use their services. Even casinos have these obligations. It is past time to end special treatment for DeFi and prevent this dark corner of our financial system from being used to fund crime and launder criminal proceeds. The bipartisan bill we are introducing closes these alarming gaps facilitating narco-trafficking, WMD proliferation, ransomware attacks, and other threats to national and economic security. Our bill simply requires anyone who controls a DeFi service to meet critical--yet basic--regulatory obligations to maintain AML policies and procedures, conduct due diligence on customers, and report suspicious transactions to the government. These requirements will curtail a tool that is used to disguise ownership and movement of criminal funds. Our legislation also makes clear that if a sanctioned person, such as a Russian oligarch, uses a DeFi service to evade U.S. sanctions, then anyone who controls that platform will be liable for facilitating that violation. If nobody controls a DeFi service, then--as a backstop--the largest investors in that project will be responsible for meeting these obligations. Our bipartisan legislation also dramatically enhances the customer due diligence requirements for operators of virtual currency kiosks or ``bitcoin ATMs.'' Bitcoin ATMs are typically found in convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores, and are used to buy, sell, and exchange cryptocurrency. According to a report by the Government Accountability Office published in December 2021, ``FBI officials said they expect to see an increase in the use of virtual currency kiosks for illicit purposes, including for human and drug trafficking.'' To crack down on this abuse of our financial system, our legislation requires kiosk operators to verify the identities of both counterparties to every transaction. That will help prevent criminals from using cryptocurrency to profit from illegal activity and avoid detection by law enforcement. Finally, this legislation makes important updates to the Treasury Department's authority to require participants in the U.S. financial system to take special precautions against money laundering threats. Currently, these authorities are limited to transactions conducted in the traditional banking system. But as new technologies like cryptocurrency increasingly enable new ways to conduct financial transactions, it is critical to extend Treasury's authority to crack down on illicit financial activity that may occur without customary intermediaries. All of our constituents deserve a financial system that is protected from geopolitical adversaries and criminals. The CANSEE Act will deliver those protections by preventing DeFi services from using purported decentralization as a shield to avoid meeting obligations to prevent money laundering and sanctions evasion. That will protect the integrity of the U.S. financial system and help curtail the activities of the worst criminal organizations and malicious state actors. I urge my colleagues to support this important bipartisan legislation.

Mr. REED

Mr. REED. Madam President, today I rise to speak on general and flag officer confirmations, specifically, the urgent need to confirm the next Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps. The Senator from Alabama strongly objects to an entirely legal and appropriate travel regulation implemented under a long-established Department of Defense authority which ensures all servicemembers and their families have equal access to medical care. To show his disagreement with the legal civilian-crafted regulation, the Senator from Alabama has held up the apolitical nominations of 251 senior military officers for over 4 months. My colleague from Alabama has made it clear that he will continue his hold on these military officers unless and until he gets his way. He does so despite precedent and, again, with a less than meritorious legal case--in fact, no legal case at all, I would argue--and the fact that Members of his own party have objected to this blockade, including the Republican leader. This blockade weakens our national security. Every day it goes on, it has a more significant impact on operations within our military, all branches of the military. While our military will always do whatever is necessary to get the job done, they will always be ready--as they will tell you--and they will give their all. This hold is unnecessary, unprecedented, and, at a critical time in national security, it is driving the U.S. military to a potential breaking point. It is also an affront to the military and their families, who so many of us just lauded for their sacrifices during the Fourth of July festivities. My colleagues thanked them profusely, but do not recognize that they are professional officers who deserve consideration, not as political chips but as men and women of our services. Those of my colleagues who support this unprecedented delay are themselves politicizing the military by the very nature of their actions. These promotions have always been confirmed by unanimous consent very soon after being reported to the floor or, on the rare occasion, a single overwhelming vote without cloture. But now, in refusing to confirm these promotions, the uniformed military, previously and appropriately shielded from partisan politics, is being thrust into the midst of politics. This behavior was once reserved only for individual political appointees, civilian political appointees on specific matters of dispute, usually with some reasonable or negotiable outcome. No more. It seems it is ``my way'' or no way at all. And that is a sad demonstration of individual hubris. The Senator from Alabama often says if we really wanted these generals and admirals, we would just vote, but I would like to explain that. The Senator is not allowing a simple vote; he is demanding cloture first on every nomination. So we asked the Congressional Research Service what it would take to process 251 nominations with cloture. They estimate to file cloture on all the nominations being held, it would take approximately 5 hours. Then 2 days later, the Senate could start voting. It will take approximately 668 hours to confirm all these military nominations. That is 27 days if the Senate works around the clock, 24 hours a day. If the Senate just did military nominations for 8 hours a day, it would take 84 days. So ``just vote'' is not an answer. This is not a feasible solution to this issue. Now, let me be clear. We have offered the Senator from Alabama opportunities to voice his opinion on the policy matter which he opposes. For example, before recess, we marked up the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act. During that markup, we had a separate debate and vote on Senator Ernst's bill, S. 822, entitled Modification to Department of Defense Travel Authorities for Abortion- Related Expenses Act. We then had the debate and vote a second time when the Ernst bill was offered to the chairman's markup of the NDAA. And I expect we will likely be debating this issue on the NDAA when it comes to the floor. This is yet another opportunity to vote on the policy my colleagues find objectionable. And as long as I have been here, the essence of this body is, when you have a difficult issue, you debate it, you discuss it, and then you take a vote. We have already taken several votes, and still this unprecedented hold goes on. I don't think we can continue to allow 251 men and women who have served and sacrificed--and their families, which makes this impact thousands, not just 251--I don't think we can let them fester any longer, wondering if they are going to get their promotion or not. But, today, let me speak about one specific person whom, I do not think, we can ignore, and that is the position of the Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps. By law, the present Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. David Berger, must end his service tomorrow, the 11th of July. His replacement, Gen. Eric Smith, who had a hearing before the Armed Services Committee on June 13 and then was voted out unanimously on June 21, awaits our action. General Berger does not require further congressional action to retire, but General Smith needs the Senate to act to become the next Commandant. I can guarantee you that General Berger takes no comfort in ending his career with his successor unsettled. I went this morning to a ``relinquishment of office'' ceremony for General Berger. Now, anyone with any experience with the military knows that the typical ceremony is a change of command, but that could not be accomplished today because the next commander has not been confirmed, the new Commandant. To the military in particular, ceremony matters. The visual of the outgoing leader passing the guidon, or battle colors, to the incoming leader shows the continuous, unbroken leadership of an organization--in this case, the whole of the Marine Corps. In 2019, General Berger received the battle colors from Gen. Robert Neller. This morning, the colors were not passed from one Commandant to another. They were relinquished--relinquished--a word that is seldom associated with the military. They were relinquished from a retiring Commandant to an Acting Commandant, and that is embarrassing--not for the U.S. Marine Corps, but for the U.S. Senate. To hear a retiring Commandant publicly ask the Senate to do its job is an indication of how misguided this approach has been. We need to act, but because of the Senator from Alabama and those who support him, we are unable to do so. General Berger has faithfully served our Nation--voluntarily--for 42 years. He has fought our Nation's wars. He has selflessly served, and he has done so exactly how we expect our military leaders to serve. For the past 4 years, he has led the Marine Corps through a difficult transition on the way marines fight so that they are ready for the challenge of the Indo-Pacific. But, tomorrow, he leaves the Marines without a confirmed leader because of the inability of this body to do its job. General Berger's successor, Gen. Eric Smith, is cut from the same cloth. General Smith was born in Kansas City, MO, and raised in Plano, TX. He earned his commission in 1987 through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps at Texas A&M University. Like every other servicemember, he has served our Nation wherever it has sent him. He has served in peace, and he has served in multiple wars. So for those who say this current hold only impacts the generals and the admirals, tell that to the marines General Smith commanded included in Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment during Operation Assured Response in Monrovia, Liberia. Tell that to the marines of the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment who General Smith led during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Tell that to the marines of Regimental Combat Team 8 he led during Operation Enduring Freedom. In General Smith we have a Purple Heart recipient. This man has literally shed his blood for his country. And with 36 years of service, he has achieved the rank of four stars. He stands ready to continue his service to our Nation and the marines he will lead for 4 more years. He simply awaits our action. Our action and inaction matter. More than just our generals and admirals are watching. Some argue that this delay impacts only the nominees. They are wrong. These holds ripple through the ranks, and-- trust me--young officers and noncommissioned officers are watching. How we treat their leaders will influence the decisions of future generations about whether the military is worth the sacrifice asked of them and their families. Right now, a number of military officers who were planning to retire are on an indefinite hold because they have no one confirmed to take their jobs. Others want to go to new commands but cannot for the same reason. Their families cannot move to their new homes. Their children cannot get ready for a new school. Their spouses cannot take new jobs. This is not a game. These are real lives that have been upended. Due to the pure obstinacy of the Senator from Alabama, the Senate is, in effect, holding thousands of loyal members of the U.S. military and their families in limbo. I believe we owe them more than that. We are 1 day away from an Acting Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps. According to the Marine Corps History Division, there have been four Acting Commandants in the history of the Marine Corps, which was established in 1775, for those who are counting. The last Acting Commandant served over a century ago, in 1910, and three of the four Acting Commandants are the result of the previous Commandant dying in the position of Commandant. Could General Smith, the current Assistant Commandant, serve as the Acting Commandant? Yes, of course, he can. But we must ask ourselves why we would allow it. Why would the Senate allow that to happen with not only our near-peer competitors watching but the eyes of all who serve watching? We have the ability and the responsibility to act. We should do so. ``Semper Fidelis''--always faithful--is the Marine Corps motto. Let this Congress show a modicum of that faith today and confirm Gen. Eric Smith as the next Commandant. With that, Madam President, I would ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of the following nomination: Executive Calendar No. 249, Gen. Eric M. Smith to be Commandant of the Marine Corps; that the Senate vote on the nomination without intervening action or debate; that, if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.

Mr. REED. Madam President, reclaiming my time, first of all, the Senator from Alabama made a compelling case about the demands upon this Senate. They range from cyber security issues to a host of other important issues that we have to deal with. Yet he insists we have a vote. Now, he has very subtly made a distinction between four or five senior officers, and forgotten the 245 other officers who play very critical roles in the military. And if one respects the Marine Corps and one respects the proposed Commandant, the first thing I believe you should do is allow a vote very quickly so that there is no period of time that he is an Acting Commandant. And an Acting Commandant is different than a Commandant. Their policies cannot be firmly established because they are just ``acting.'' He is capable, but he is just ``acting.'' If we want leadership that is confirmed, that has not only the trappings of authority but every bit of influence generated by such authority, then we have to vote. That is why the Congress is required to confirm military officers. We are in a situation where just pure obstinacy is inhibiting our servicemembers. And I am amazed that someone would stand up and say: The quality I look for is a military officer who is not political, but what I do is make these officers political pawns in a game I am playing with national leadership. It is civilian leadership who proclaim these policies, which are legal and consistent with the history of the Armed Forces. This is a very unsatisfactory answer. We will continue to come back and urge that our colleagues. I particularly hope my colleagues on the other side, many of whom do appreciate the fact that these officers must be confirmed for the good of our Nation and the safety of the world, come around. I have just one example that comes to mind. The President of the Naval War College, Admiral Chatfield--a remarkable woman--changed command a few weeks ago. She is nominated to be a three-star admiral and be our representative in Brussels at NATO. This, at a time when NATO and the United States are engaged in supporting the Ukrainian people in trying to survive, save their people, and, indeed, probably save their country. But Admiral Chatfield cannot go to Brussels. She remains in Newport waiting--helping out a bit, I am sure, with her replacement, but just waiting. And meanwhile, the general officer in Brussels has other plans, obviously, because he knew, or hoped, that Admiral Chatfield would be arriving soon. That is the kind of disorder, disorganization, and, I would say, disrespect that is being generated by these holds. I yield the floor.

Mr. REED

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

Mr. REED

Mr. REED. Madam President, I believe that Americans are ready and willing to answer the call to serve, to come together and meet the challenges that we face at the local, national, and international level. We just need to create the conditions to mobilize them. That is why I am proud to join Senator Young in introducing the Unity through Service Act. Our legislation is based on the recommendations of the National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service. The Commission was established in the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act. At that time, the Armed Services Committee faced a critical question: Should women be required to register for the draft? Chairman John McCain and I quickly understood that the question was also about something bigger. What does it mean for the Nation when so many people do not have the common experience of service, whether in the military or in their communities? And what happens when those who want to serve do not have the opportunity to do so? With those thoughts in mind, we established the Commission to look at the issue of service comprehensively. The Commission published its final report and recommendations just as the COVID-19 pandemic began to grip the Nation. It set a 10-year goal for 5 million Americans to begin participating in military, national, or public service each year. Additionally, the Commission set targets for ensuring there are more than enough qualified individuals seeking to serve in the Armed Forces, and it called for modernizing government personnel systems to attract and enable Americans with critical skills to enter public service. The Unity through Service Act would help to implement those recommendations, providing the architecture and focus to mobilize a whole of government approach. Specifically, the Unity through Service Act would establish an Interagency Council on Service to coordinate and lead initiatives that extend across military, national, and public service. The council would be tasked with preparing and submitting to the President a national strategy on service, including a review of current programs, initiatives, and online content. The legislation would promote cross- service marketing, recruitment, and retention through joint advertising campaigns and shared market research. It would also ensure that transitioning military members and AmeriCorps members are informed about other service opportunities open to them. The Unity through Service Act would elevate all forms of service, leveraging the strengths of existing programs. In addition, it would complement the ACTION for National Service Act, which I introduced earlier this year to put us on a path to one million national service members annually within 10 years. The Unity Through Service Act would provide a roadmap for bringing a new generation of Americans together in service to our Nation. Americans want to serve. We just need to provide the opportunities and the connection for them to do so. I urge my colleagues to join us in reaffirming our national culture of service by working with Senator Young and me to take up and pass the Unity through Service Act.

Mr. REED

Mr. REED. Madam President, I believe that Americans are ready and willing to answer the call to serve, to come together and meet the challenges that we face at the local, national, and international level. We just need to create the conditions to mobilize them. That is why I am proud to join Senator Young in introducing the Unity through Service Act. Our legislation is based on the recommendations of the National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service. The Commission was established in the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act. At that time, the Armed Services Committee faced a critical question: Should women be required to register for the draft? Chairman John McCain and I quickly understood that the question was also about something bigger. What does it mean for the Nation when so many people do not have the common experience of service, whether in the military or in their communities? And what happens when those who want to serve do not have the opportunity to do so? With those thoughts in mind, we established the Commission to look at the issue of service comprehensively. The Commission published its final report and recommendations just as the COVID-19 pandemic began to grip the Nation. It set a 10-year goal for 5 million Americans to begin participating in military, national, or public service each year. Additionally, the Commission set targets for ensuring there are more than enough qualified individuals seeking to serve in the Armed Forces, and it called for modernizing government personnel systems to attract and enable Americans with critical skills to enter public service. The Unity through Service Act would help to implement those recommendations, providing the architecture and focus to mobilize a whole of government approach. Specifically, the Unity through Service Act would establish an Interagency Council on Service to coordinate and lead initiatives that extend across military, national, and public service. The council would be tasked with preparing and submitting to the President a national strategy on service, including a review of current programs, initiatives, and online content. The legislation would promote cross- service marketing, recruitment, and retention through joint advertising campaigns and shared market research. It would also ensure that transitioning military members and AmeriCorps members are informed about other service opportunities open to them. The Unity through Service Act would elevate all forms of service, leveraging the strengths of existing programs. In addition, it would complement the ACTION for National Service Act, which I introduced earlier this year to put us on a path to one million national service members annually within 10 years. The Unity Through Service Act would provide a roadmap for bringing a new generation of Americans together in service to our Nation. Americans want to serve. We just need to provide the opportunities and the connection for them to do so. I urge my colleagues to join us in reaffirming our national culture of service by working with Senator Young and me to take up and pass the Unity through Service Act.

Mr. REED

Mr. REED. Mr. President, for the Committee on Armed Services I report favorably the following nomination lists which were printed in the RECORDS on the dates indicated, and ask unanimous consent, to save the expense of reprinting on the Executive Calendar that these nominations lie at the Secretary's desk for the information of Senators .

Mr. REED

Mr. REED. Mr. President, for the Committee on Armed Services I report favorably the following nomination lists which were printed in the RECORDS on the dates indicated, and ask unanimous consent, to save the expense of reprinting on the Executive Calendar that these nominations lie at the Secretary's desk for the information of Senators.

Mr. REED

Mr. REED. Madam President, today I am introducing the Rhode Island Fishermen's Fairness Act along with my colleague Senator Whitehouse. I am also pleased that my colleague Representative Magaziner will be introducing a companion measure in the House of Representatives. Our legislation will give Rhode Island a voice and voting representation on the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, MAFMC, which manages some of the most important fish stocks for our State's commercial fishing industry--chief among them squid. Indeed, the National Marine Fisheries Service reported that Rhode Island led Atlantic States in the harvest of squid in 2022, bringing in 31.5 million pounds and helping make Point Judith, RI, one of the most productive and valuable commercial fishing ports in the United States. For years now, Rhode Island's landings of stocks managed by the MAFMC have outpaced the landings of those managed by the New England Fishery Management Council, where Rhode Island is represented. Moreover, Rhode Island has a larger stake in the Mid-Atlantic fishery than many of the States that currently hold seats on the MAFMC. Because so much is at stake for our State in every decision the MAFMC makes, our bill would expand the MAFMC by two seats in order to ensure that Rhode Island will have the minimum number of seats guaranteed to other States on the council. It will allow Rhode Island to continue to have representation on the New England Fishery Management Council, where it still has significant interests. This proposal is not unprecedented. In fact, it is modeled on a provision of the 1996 Sustainable Fisheries Act that added North Carolina to the MAFMC in 1996 while allowing it to retain its membership on the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council. Moreover, it will join States like Florida and Washington which all have representation on more than one fisheries management council. This is a commonsense proposal and one that my colleagues and I will be working to advance either on its own or as part of the reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

Mr. REED

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

Mr. REED

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

Mr. REED

Mr. REED. Madam President, today I am introducing the Rhode Island Fishermen's Fairness Act along with my colleague Senator Whitehouse. I am also pleased that my colleague Representative Magaziner will be introducing a companion measure in the House of Representatives. Our legislation will give Rhode Island a voice and voting representation on the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, MAFMC, which manages some of the most important fish stocks for our State's commercial fishing industry--chief among them squid. Indeed, the National Marine Fisheries Service reported that Rhode Island led Atlantic States in the harvest of squid in 2022, bringing in 31.5 million pounds and helping make Point Judith, RI, one of the most productive and valuable commercial fishing ports in the United States. For years now, Rhode Island's landings of stocks managed by the MAFMC have outpaced the landings of those managed by the New England Fishery Management Council, where Rhode Island is represented. Moreover, Rhode Island has a larger stake in the Mid-Atlantic fishery than many of the States that currently hold seats on the MAFMC. Because so much is at stake for our State in every decision the MAFMC makes, our bill would expand the MAFMC by two seats in order to ensure that Rhode Island will have the minimum number of seats guaranteed to other States on the council. It will allow Rhode Island to continue to have representation on the New England Fishery Management Council, where it still has significant interests. This proposal is not unprecedented. In fact, it is modeled on a provision of the 1996 Sustainable Fisheries Act that added North Carolina to the MAFMC in 1996 while allowing it to retain its membership on the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council. Moreover, it will join States like Florida and Washington which all have representation on more than one fisheries management council. This is a commonsense proposal and one that my colleagues and I will be working to advance either on its own or as part of the reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

Mr. REED

Mr. REED. Madam President, it is time for a national investment in building a strong and resilient educator pipeline to ensure that all schools have the diverse, profession-ready teachers, principals, librarians, counselors, and other specialized instructional support personnel they need to support student development and academic achievement. Today, along with Senators Casey, Lujan, Van Hollen, Wyden, Stabenow, Merkley, and Heinrich, I am reintroducing the EDUCATORS for America Act to provide the blueprint for building this pipeline. I am pleased that Representative Alma Adams is introducing a companion bill in the other body. For years, we have seen declines in enrollment in educator preparation programs. Now in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, schools are facing pervasive staffing shortages. An Education Week survey found that 40 percent of school district leaders and principals describe the shortages as ``severe'' or ``very severe.'' The National Association of Secondary School Principals reported that nearly 4 out of 10 principals expect to leave the profession in the next 3 years. We cannot afford to neglect the educator pipeline any longer. As we work to replenish the ranks of our educators, we also have the opportunity to advance diversity in the profession. Multiple studies have shown that racial diversity can provide significant benefits to students. However, the gap between the demographic makeup of the student body and the education profession has been widening. Even though over 50 percent of students are people of color, a 2022 Department of Education report showed that 80 percent of public-school teachers identified as White, a figure that has barely changed since 2000. The EDUCATORS for America Act calls for a $1 billion annual investment in the educator pipeline, divided evenly between State capacity building and direct support for educator preparation programs and partnerships with high-need school districts. It addresses the full scope of educator workforce development, including early outreach and career exploration, financial assistance, and wraparound supports for those pursuing education careers. It supports clinical preparation for teachers, principals, and other educators, as well as fostering faculty development, all with a focus on ensuring equity and diversity. The EDUCATORS for America Act will also reduce financiq] barriers to pursuing careers in education. The legislation will double the value of the TEACH-- Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education-- grant to $8,000 per year and provide greater flexibility for meeting service requirements. It forgives loans for teachers, principals, and early childhood educators in high need schools after 5 years of service, and it establishes a new monthly credit for all other educators that will allow them to earn loan forgiveness as they serve instead of being forced to wait a decade before receiving any benefit. The EDUCATORS for America Act reflects input from stakeholders across the field about what is needed to recruit, prepare, and support educators. To date, more than 50 organizations have endorsed it. The Nation's outlook for the future is tied to the strength of the education profession. Our economic prosperity, the health of our democracy and civic society, and our ability to meet the challenges of climate change and the information age depend on our students having access to well-prepared and supported educators who reflect the diversity of the students they serve. Today, the profession is in crisis. It is time to act. I urge my colleagues to cosponsor the EDUCATORS for America Act and work with me to see that it is enacted into law.

Mr. REED

Mr. REED. Madam President, it is time for a national investment in building a strong and resilient educator pipeline to ensure that all schools have the diverse, profession-ready teachers, principals, librarians, counselors, and other specialized instructional support personnel they need to support student development and academic achievement. Today, along with Senators Casey, Lujan, Van Hollen, Wyden, Stabenow, Merkley, and Heinrich, I am reintroducing the EDUCATORS for America Act to provide the blueprint for building this pipeline. I am pleased that Representative Alma Adams is introducing a companion bill in the other body. For years, we have seen declines in enrollment in educator preparation programs. Now in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, schools are facing pervasive staffing shortages. An Education Week survey found that 40 percent of school district leaders and principals describe the shortages as ``severe'' or ``very severe.'' The National Association of Secondary School Principals reported that nearly 4 out of 10 principals expect to leave the profession in the next 3 years. We cannot afford to neglect the educator pipeline any longer. As we work to replenish the ranks of our educators, we also have the opportunity to advance diversity in the profession. Multiple studies have shown that racial diversity can provide significant benefits to students. However, the gap between the demographic makeup of the student body and the education profession has been widening. Even though over 50 percent of students are people of color, a 2022 Department of Education report showed that 80 percent of public-school teachers identified as White, a figure that has barely changed since 2000. The EDUCATORS for America Act calls for a $1 billion annual investment in the educator pipeline, divided evenly between State capacity building and direct support for educator preparation programs and partnerships with high-need school districts. It addresses the full scope of educator workforce development, including early outreach and career exploration, financial assistance, and wraparound supports for those pursuing education careers. It supports clinical preparation for teachers, principals, and other educators, as well as fostering faculty development, all with a focus on ensuring equity and diversity. The EDUCATORS for America Act will also reduce financiq] barriers to pursuing careers in education. The legislation will double the value of the TEACH-- Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education-- grant to $8,000 per year and provide greater flexibility for meeting service requirements. It forgives loans for teachers, principals, and early childhood educators in high need schools after 5 years of service, and it establishes a new monthly credit for all other educators that will allow them to earn loan forgiveness as they serve instead of being forced to wait a decade before receiving any benefit. The EDUCATORS for America Act reflects input from stakeholders across the field about what is needed to recruit, prepare, and support educators. To date, more than 50 organizations have endorsed it. The Nation's outlook for the future is tied to the strength of the education profession. Our economic prosperity, the health of our democracy and civic society, and our ability to meet the challenges of climate change and the information age depend on our students having access to well-prepared and supported educators who reflect the diversity of the students they serve. Today, the profession is in crisis. It is time to act. I urge my colleagues to cosponsor the EDUCATORS for America Act and work with me to see that it is enacted into law.

Mr. REED

Mr. REED. Madam President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.