Harry Reid

Mr. REID

Mr. REID. Mr. President, last Wednesday, the Senate lost one of its Members, our friend and colleague Bob Bennett. He passed away at his home in Arlington, VA. There is a whole lot I can say about Bob Bennett. He was my friend. Landra and I were close to him and his lovely wife Joyce. As Senator McConnell said, he was a three-term Senator. He was a scholar, author, and celebrated businessman. He took over this company, Franklin Quest-- those little books that were so popular a number of years ago. It had four employees. Within 7 years, that company had 1,000 employees, and its income was $100 million a year. Some of you will remember the little Franklin day planner we all had because of Senator Bennett. When I think of Senator Bennett, courage comes to mind. He was one of the most courageous Senators with whom I served. He was a conservative Republican from a conservative State, Utah. A majority of the time he voted that way. But Bob also firmly believed neither political party nor their differing ideologies had a monopoly on good governance, and he spoke about this openly. This is what he said during his farewell speech on the Senate floor: The Democrats are the party of government. Going back to their roots with Franklin Roosevelt, they come to the conclusion that if there is a problem, government should solve that problem. The Republicans are the party of free markets, and they come to the conclusion that if there is a problem, it should be left to the markets to solve it. And they are both right. That is the thing I have come to understand here. There are some problems where government is the solution--but not always. There are some problems where free markets do provide the solution--but not always. Bob Bennett practiced what he preached. In the fall of 2008, the global markets were in a free fall. The American economy was reeling. Something needed to be done. President George W. Bush turned to Congress for help. Where else could he turn? We, the Congress, passed the Troubled Asset Relief Program, or TARP, which prevented the collapse of our Nation's largest financial institutions. Despite the pressure from his own party, Senator Bennett voted for TARP. He voted to save our country and our economy. It was perhaps the most courageous vote ever cast in the Senate. It didn't sit well with the tea party, which was very strong in Utah. They used the State's Republican primary to remove Senator Bennett from office. It is a very unusual procedure there. If it had been any other State in the Union, Bob Bennett would still be in the Senate. But in spite of all of that, Bob was blessed with an unshakeable moral compass. He knew what he did was right, and he had no regrets. Time and a resurgent American economy had vindicated Senator Bennett's vote on TARP and other things. I count myself very fortunate to have served with this good man. I will forever be grateful for him--this honorable, decent person who was my friend. Today my thoughts are with his family, his wife Joyce, who is an accomplished flutist. She is a professional flute player. On codels I took with Senator Bennett--I remember one where we left here and went to Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador--over the great lands that we passed and over the waters that we passed, often she would come and entertain us with her flute. She is a marvelous woman. I want her to know that Senator Bennett will be missed by the Senate, the people of Utah, our country, and me.

Mr. REID

Mr. REID. Mr. President, a notable thing happened this weekend across the Atlantic. The people of London, England, elected Sadiq Khan as the first Muslim mayor of their city. The mayor of the city of London is a Muslim, a proud Muslim. That election speaks to the openness and tolerance exhibited by England. Let us not forget that England is a Protestant nation. According to the Nation's most recent census, the people of London are predominantly Christian. When London voters went to the polls, they refused to allow Mr. Khan's religion to be the deciding factor. They refused to give in to the bigotry and Islamic rhetoric that is plaguing American politics. Instead, Londoners voted for the candidate whom they thought would best represent their interests and who happened to be a Muslim. The election of Sadiq Khan is an example of how a democracy should operate--independent of fear and prejudice. This is what he said yesterday: I have spent my entire life encouraging minority communities to get involved in civil society, in mainstream politics. I've been fighting extremism and radicalization all my life. You should conduct politics in a positive way to enthuse people to get involved. Many of us in the United States would do well to learn from Mayor Khan's example.

Mr. REID

Mr. REID. Mr. President, Donald Trump is the Republican Presidential nominee. Let's think about that--the party of Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, and many other Republicans, such as Ronald Reagan and Dwight Eisenhower. The party of these great people nominated a misogynistic, anti-Latino, anti-Muslim, and anti-immigrant xenophobe. The party of Teddy Roosevelt nominated a billionaire con man who scams working people. Donald Trump represents everything that Americans detest about a system that is rigged for the super-rich. Here is a person who was born into immense wealth, but he uses his father's fortune to rip people off and intimidate those who speak out against his shady business practices. Here is a person who was gifted with the resources to make a difference in the world. He could be doing many things to improve the lives of working Americans. Instead, he has only worked to build his own celebrity, his own brand. He uses that fame as a bully pulpit to sow hatred and intolerance. Yet, in spite of all of this, Donald Trump is now the Republican Party's Presidential nominee. He is no accident. His nomination is not some mistake. Donald Trump is the natural evolution of a party that spent 8 years honing a platform that is anti-immigrant, anti-woman, anti-Obama, and anti-working people. It wasn't all that long ago that Republicans used to engage Democrats on policy. There was a time when we could work together on substantive legislation. I saw it. I felt it. It was wonderful. But all that ended when President Obama was elected. Senator McConnell ordered a total blockade of any policy proposed by President Obama and any Democrats. Led by Senator McConnell, Republicans have abandoned the marketplace of ideas. They abandoned thoughtful policy for fear and resentment politics. It didn't matter where these ideas came from. It didn't matter if they came from Republicans. Republican leaders repeated their one big line over and over: ``Whatever President Obama proposes, even if it's a Republican idea, it cannot help you and will hurt you.'' These are not my ideas. They have been written about and confirmed for years. For Republicans, it wasn't about helping the American people anymore. It was all about embarrassing and humiliating President Obama and frustrating his agenda no matter the cost. All the while, Donald Trump was watching as the Republican Party lost its identity and its moral compass. Trump watched as Republican leaders embraced the darkest elements of their party. Now Trump is doing what he learned from Senator McConnell and every other Republican leader for the past 8 years. Trump watched how Republicans in Congress treat American women. He saw Republicans block equal pay for women and undermine women's health care. ``Planned Parenthood'' became a swear word. Donald Trump has treated women with disdain. He has called women dogs, pigs, and he defends rape. Trump watched as congressional Republicans walked away from comprehensive immigration reform. He listened as House Republicans likened DREAMers to drug mules. Is it any surprise that Donald Trump-- now the Republican nominee--uses Latinos and immigrants to generate fear, to be a fearmonger? He has called undocumented immigrants criminals and rapists. Donald Trump has watched Republicans deny the existence of climate change, and he is following in their footsteps. He would rather believe in crackpot conspiracy theories than accept climate change. It is real, but this is what he said about climate change: ``The concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make United States manufacturing noncompetitive.'' Try that one on. That is a direct quote. That kind of harebrained thinking has no place in the White House, but sadly it is not far from the anti-science climate change denial that is now Republican Party doctrine. On nearly every issue, Donald Trump has simply adopted the positions of the modern Republican Party. Through their obstruction and anti- Obama politics, Senator McConnell and Republican leaders constructed Donald Trump's Presidential campaign and his platform piece by piece. He is the nominee of the Republican Party, and he is the nominee the Republican leaders deserve. Now the Republican Party is his. Republicans want Trump to be their standard bearer. They are scrambling to get behind this hate-spewing nominee. There is no better example of Republicans marching lockstep with Trump than the Supreme Court vacancy. The Republican National Committee is trying to bring their party together by promising this dangerous man will appoint Justices to the Supreme Court. Republicans say they want their misogynistic, anti-women, anti-Latino, anti-middle class billionaire to determine the balance of the Supreme Court for the next generation. Republican Senators say they trust the judgment of a man who mocks our veterans, belittles John McCain as not being a war hero, and mocks Americans with disabilities. They want him to fill the Supreme Court. It is a sad day for this country when the Republican Party trusts the judgment of a vile, swindling billionaire. But anyone who has been paying attention to what Republicans have been doing the past 8 years should not be shocked. Hillary Clinton is going to be the Democratic nominee. I support Hillary Clinton. I am not hiding from that. Republican Senators need to stop waffling about Donald Trump. Not going to the convention doesn't take away the fact that he is the Republican nominee. I have heard a number of Republican Senators say: I am not going to the convention. Well, that solves the problem, doesn't it? Republican Senators need to say whether they are going to vote for this guy. The Republican Party's chickens have come home to roost in the form of Donald J. Trump. Mr. President, I ask the Presiding Officer to announce--I see Senator Alexander, the senior Senator from Tennessee, on the floor--the business of the day.

Mr. REID

Mr. REID. I announce that the Senator from Illinois (Mr. Durbin), the Senator from Missouri (Mrs. McCaskill), and the Senator from Vermont (Mr. Sanders) are necessarily absent.

Mr. REID

Mr. REID. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the career of Dr. James ``Jim'' Richardson, who is retiring from the University of Nevada, Reno, UNR, this year. Dr. Richardson is stepping down from his positions as director of judicial studies and foundation professor of sociology and judicial studies after 48 years of service to UNR. His commitment and dedication to the judicial studies and justice management programs have been invaluable in preparing students for careers in the justice system. Dr. Richardson has enriched the lives of hundreds of students, including the many undergraduate students he introduced to the field of sociology and the doctoral candidates he mentored as they completed their dissertations. In addition to his teaching activities, Dr. Richardson has been a prolific researcher and writer. He was among the first researchers to focus on new religious movements. He has been praised for his interdisciplinary approach to sociology, particularly for his incorporation of subjects such as law, psychology, and economics into the study of religion. Dr. Richardson has authored or coauthored 9 books, more than 150 articles, and 85 book chapters. In addition, he has held nearly 350 presentations in almost 30 countries. Through his work, Dr. Richardson has made important contributions to the scholarship of sociology and has enriched academia as a whole. Dr. Richardson has had an impact on the practice of law and the justice system in more direct settings as well. For instance, he has served as an expert witness on a variety of legal cases. He has also been a consultant for the Federal Bureau of Investigation and has worked to help law enforcement officials better understand the interaction between the justice system and religious groups. In addition, Dr. Richardson has researched several issues for the Nevada Supreme Court. I congratulate Dr. Richardson on his many successes and decades of dedicated service to UNR and to the Silver State. Both the justice system and academia have benefitted from his work, and I wish him the best in his retirement and future endeavors.

Mr. REID

Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. REID

Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. REID

Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. REID

Mr. REID. Mr. President, when I first came to the Senate, I was so fortunate I was put on the Appropriations Committee that very first day I was here. I loved my assignment. For many years, I had the good fortune of either chairing or being the ranking member of that Energy and Water Subcommittee. So I know a lot about that subcommittee--many successful bills, never an unsuccessful bill did we bring to the floor. We did them quickly. I worked mostly with the Senator from New Mexico by the name of Domenici. We worked together and got a lot done for the country. So I know this Water and Energy bill. The Republican leader complains about what happened yesterday on the Energy and Water appropriations bill. On the Democratic side, there is no one who is more liked, appreciated, and who is more imbued as a historic figure than Dianne Feinstein of California. She became involved in politics at an early age and was thrown into a maelstrom of violence when the mayor was murdered. She had to step in and take over that very difficult job. As a Senator, she has been valiant, and she wants to get things done. No one can call her rank partisan, because she isn't. But like all of us over here, she was terribly disappointed yesterday and the day before when all of a sudden, the bill is finished--the bill is finished; the Energy and Water bill is finished--and out of nowhere at 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday we get an amendment that really is something that is a poison pill if there ever were one. The only thing holding up the bill is this poison pill amendment. We agreed to pass it yesterday. Dianne Feinstein agrees; pass it. She likes it the way it is. We like it the way it is. So if they are as serious about doing their job as the Republican leader said, we are happy to vote on this bill now. But if Republicans continue to insist on these poison pill amendments--and there is no question that is what this is--we are going to have to continue as we have. It takes a lot of gall for my friend the Republican leader to talk about filibusters. I repeat what I have said here before, but it is worth repeating. As soon as Obama was elected, the Republicans met in Washington, and they reported in a 2-day-long meeting--which had been reported on numerous times--that they came to two conclusions. No. 1, Obama will not be re-elected. They failed at that miserably. He got more than 5 million votes than his opponent. But on the other thing they have succeeded in most instances, and that is to oppose everything President Obama wants. That continues to today. As far as poison pill amendments, we are on record numerous times talking about why it is wrong to have these poison pill riders. For example, I said on the floor: True bipartisanship also requires both parties to resist the temptation to pursue poison pill riders that appeal to their own supporters, but that are so strongly opposed by the other party that their inclusion in appropriations bills would grind the process to a halt. No doubt there will be many opportunities next year for both sides to score political points. But the appropriations process is not the place for that. And I hope members in both parties will agree that it's more important to fund the government than to play politics. That is what I said when we started this Congress, and that is what the Senators who wrote this letter, which my friend the Republican leader talked about, want to do. We want to do appropriations bills, and we were on a rush to get the first one done. We were headed to victory, and then out of nowhere comes a poison pill rider. Everyone acknowledges that is what it is. There are many definitions of a poison pill rider but, of course, as the President has said, one is when you can't sign the bill. So it would be to everyone's interest if we would simply step back, pass the bill that exists, and figure out some other way to try to embarrass the President. This is not the way to do it. Finally, my friend the Republican leader comes to the floor and talks about what a great amount of work we have done in the Senate. We have done as much as we can. We have tried to support everything. We are a responsible minority. We have not done to them what they have done to us. They opposed everything we tried to do--everything. We had to move to hundreds of motions to proceed. We are pleased we got the energy legislation done. We tried for 5 years to get it done. We were filibustered every step of the way. We couldn't get it done. So it was brought up again. We cooperated, and we got it done. So virtually everything the Republican leader talked about were things that we tried to do before and they wouldn't let us. Let's talk about what we haven't done. They talked about having passed opioid legislation. Oops, there is one problem. They didn't fund it. Flint, MI--oops, they did nothing. They ignored it for months and months and months. There was a mistake. No one disagrees there was a mistake made--not by us but by the Republicans--in drafting a deal with renewable energy credits--not done. There is the Zika virus. My friend says: Well, we are trying to get information. That is ridiculous. We will hear more about that in a few minutes. There are no district court nominations, no hearings on the Supreme Court. There is no need to go over what hasn't been done.

Mr. REID

Mr. REID. Mr. President, imagine though, if you will, that this great country is facing a potential outbreak of a dangerous virus. It is nothing that was made up in the movies, nothing that is on a special TV show. It is actually a potential outbreak of a dangerous virus. Imagine, mosquitoes are carrying a virus that affects pregnant women, a virus that causes birth defects in babies, not allowing their brains and skulls to develop. The skulls collapse on a number of them. Brains don't develop. It is a virus that can cause men and women to develop nervous system disorders that can result in paralysis. We don't know the full extent of this. We had a briefing here a week ago today with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health. We had the Secretary of Health and Human Services here. They are in a state of emergency. They need to do something. They need to develop a vaccine. This is on its way. It is here. It is here in Puerto Rico. We have cases reported in the State of my friend, Florida. He is someone with whom I have served in the House and in the Senate. Senator Nelson of Florida is one of our very outstanding Members. We already know there are cases in Florida. Thirty States are going to be affected with these mosquitoes as the weather warms. I have been told in the past that mosquitoes have never caused birth defects. They have caused all kinds of problems with malaria and other things, but not birth defects. Now they are here. Imagine, after what I have just laid out to you, that those in control of Congress do nothing to address the imminent danger posed by this virus. It sounds like some science fiction novel; doesn't it? But it is not. This is real life in America. This is the reality--the Republicans' refusal to respond to the threat of Zika. My friend mentioned that the senior Senator from Washington is involved in trying to come up with something for Zika. She said yesterday she hasn't heard a word from the Republicans in more than a week on this important issue. This is real life. Zika is a scourge that is already affecting our country, as I have outlined. It is time we pass an emergency appropriations bill to take care of it, to fight it. Out of tradition, common sense, and precedent, a public health threat is an emergency, and it demands a response. As I indicated, hundreds of people in Puerto Rico--quickly approaching a thousand--are infected. As the weather warms, as I have indicated, it is going to multiply throughout the continental United States. Thirty States will likely be affected with this mosquito--this killer mosquito. More than 2 months ago my friend said: We need more from the administration. More than 2 months ago the administration--desperate as they were--sent a letter to Congress saying we need an emergency request of $1.9 billion--out of desperation. What did the White House do? Two years ago we were fighting Ebola. It is still a serious worldwide problem and a problem for our country. They had to take money from vaccines they were working on for Ebola and other things and start doing Zika. Now we have a situation where both the mosquito-caused Zika and the Ebola scourge are underfunded now. Republicans have done a double whammy here. We need to give the money back to the agencies that are doing something to help Ebola and fund Zika. They haven't lifted a finger that we are aware of. As I said yesterday, the senior Senator from Washington hasn't heard from the so- called negotiators in more than a week. They refuse to do anything, even as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health are pleading for us to act. They have been very clear about the funding they need to fight Zika. They are not making up things. They have told us in line and verse. My friend, the Republican leader said: We need more from the administration. It wasn't all that long ago that my friend the Republican leader was singing a much different song. This is what he said about funding the outbreak of Ebola 2 years ago, and it is a direct quote: I think they should have anything they want. . . . Whatever the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] thinks they need, we'll give it to them. He said the same thing 7 years ago when we were faced with another real problem, swine flu. This is what he said then: ``So if [the Administration] needs anything additionally from Congress, I know we'll be happy to provide it on a totally bipartisan basis.'' Fast forward 7 years, and the Republicans now in the majority won't provide the requested funding for Zika. Why? We know why. They can't get it through over here. They can't get it done. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health know what they need. They have told us. They told anyone who will listen. So why can't the Republicans give it to them. If they won't give the experts the resources they need to combat Zika, what do they propose? We could ask the Zika-carrying mosquitoes: Don't breed this year. Remember, anyway, that it is in the last term of a two-term President. Maybe we shouldn't do it this year. The Senate should not leave today without addressing this serious issue. We shouldn't be taking 10 days off as a dangerous virus threatens this Nation--and it is threatening us. The Republicans should do their job and pass a $1.9 billion emergency spending bill to help protect Americans from the Zika virus.

Mr. REID. I am pleased to do that. I want the record to be spread with the fact that this good man--more than any other Senator, because of what he is facing and will face in the very hot, humid, and sometimes tropical State of Florida--recognized this a long time ago. I admire him being ahead of this issue. He has been out there in the front and some of us have been trying to catch up with him. I yield to the Senator.

Mr. REID. The record should reflect that the people of Puerto Rico are American citizens. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of Calendar No. 157, H.R. 3038; that all after the enacting clause be stricken; that the Nelson substitute amendment to enhance the Federal response and preparedness with respect to the Zika virus, which is at the desk, be agreed to; that there be up to 2 hours of debate, equally divided between the two leaders or their designees; that upon the use or yielding back of time, the bill, as amended, be read a third time and the Senate vote on passage of the bill, as amended, with no intervening action or debate.

Mr. REID. Mr. President, my friend the assistant Republican leader has a lot of nerve. There have been a lot of States affected with emergencies in the last decade, and Texas has had its share. We have been willing to help them on floods and fires and all the other problems they have had, some of them manmade, some of them not so. Those were emergencies; this is an emergency. For the Republicans to come to this body this morning and say there is no plan--there is a plan. Of course there is a plan. There is $1.9 billion. Pay back the money for Ebola so we can continue that. That is $500 million right there. We also want to do something to help Puerto Rico, which needs to be done. That is approximately $200 million. We have some help--a minimum amount--for countries outside the United States where these mosquitoes are breeding. We want to try to do something about that. And, of course, most of the money here is for research to come up with vaccines and other programs to alleviate the disaster facing this country. The President has outlined that, and the Senator from Florida has outlined that. To have the assistant majority leader say that we need to sit down and negotiate--we are not in the majority. They have an obligation to bring something to the floor. If there is bipartisan support to do something, why aren't the Republicans doing something? Wait and wait while we are home glad-handing people during the next week? We should be doing something here to address this emergency. It is an emergency.

Mr. REID. Yes, I will.

Mr. REID. Mr. President, to my friend from Florida, yes. And where did he get that information in preparing this legislation? He got it from the administration. Everybody knows what is in this legislation. What my friend the assistant Republican leader said is nonsense. If there is some bipartisan support--and I am confident they would come up with something--we would do our best to try to support it, but this is the legislation we need. This is a desperate situation, and it is going to become more desperate as each day goes by because the summer season is fast approaching.

Mr. REID

Mr. REID. Mr. President, I wish to honor the 10th anniversary of Project Real. Project Real will formally celebrate over 10 years of teaching Nevada students the importance of the law and giving them the tools they need to prevent crime. Since 2005, Project Real has met the challenge of teaching Nevada students from kindergarten through high school about the principles of democracy, law, and the responsibilities of citizenship. The organization is working to bring law and civic education back into Nevada's classrooms by providing programs that give students of all ages the opportunity to learn about our judicial system. Project Real takes pride in ensuring that students are positive contributors to the communities in which they reside. Since its inception, the organization has also been a strong supporter of academic programs that allow children to gain a better understanding of our judicial system. Working closely with the State bar of Nevada, Project Real prepares Nevada's children to become involved, participating citizens who understand their responsibilities and rights. These programs not only encourage students to act with integrity, but also foster connections between students and legal professionals. I applaud executive director Tom Kovach and his team for strong leadership in an important organization for children throughout the State. I am pleased that through your and other's selfless efforts, incalculable numbers of students and communities have been positively affected by Project Real. I would like to recognize Irwin Molasky and Sam Lionel, as well. It was because of their vision for children in Nevada to become responsible citizens that they founded Project Real. This organization is an invaluable part of communities throughout the State, and I would like to extend my best wishes for continued success.

Mr. REID

Mr. REID. Mr. President, I wish to honor the 25th anniversary of Boys Town Nevada. Serving southern Nevada's most vulnerable children, Boys Town Nevada helps to support and educate children and families in need. Boys Town opened its doors in Nevada in 1991. Since then, they have promoted valuable skills for boys and girl and their families in the Las Vegas area. The organization has developed family-based services in the home by aiding in the process of reunifying families. Boys Town strives to provide the necessary skills to create and maintain a stable household for all members of the family. For more than a century, Boys Town has followed Father Edward Flanagan's mission to save children and heal families through the power of love, family, and faith. Because of their positive impact in Nevada, they have been able to improve the lives of nearly 15,000 children over the last two decades. Their dedication and their hard work resembles Nevada's values to sustain healthy relationships and minimize problems that affect the mental health of each family. As part of the 12th annual Journey of Hope gala, I would like to honor Diana Bennet and Scott Menke for being the 2016 Hope Awards recipients. These philanthropy icons exemplify the generosity and commitment to dedicate their lives to impact the lives of children, families, and all Nevada communities. I applaud executive director Denise Biden and her team for her strong leadership in one of the most important organizations for children in the State of Nevada. Her dedication though the past 15 years has positively impacted more than 3,000 children each year. This organization is an invaluable part of communities throughout the State, and I would like to extend my best wishes for continued success.

Mr. REID

Mr. REID. Mr. President, reserving the right to object. We have no problem moving the vote to noon, but I want everyone to be clear that we would be happy to have a vote to pass this bill right now. The only thing holding up the bill is, of course, the amendment of which the Presiding Officer is well aware. We would be happy to move right now with the amendments that have been agreed to--the managers' package we agreed to the night before last--and finish this bill now. I have no objection.

Mr. REID

Mr. REID. Mr. President, it is too bad my Republican friends continue to attack ObamaCare. It is working. The ranks of the uninsured are as low as they have ever been. More people are getting access to health care, and they are healthier. More people are healthier because they can go see a doctor or go to a hospital when they need to. The Republicans need to get over it and accept the fact that ObamaCare is here to stay. If they are so concerned about it--they have no plan of their own--maybe they could give us some ideas as to how it should be changed. We hear nothing other than criticism of a program that is doing so much to change America forever.

Mr. REID

Mr. REID. Mr. President, I want to take just a minute to talk about the tragedy that struck the Capitol Police yesterday. At 5 a.m., United States Capitol Police Officer Pat Millham was working out in the gym. He suffered a massive heart attack. Those who were present in the gym at the time rushed to his aid. They used a defibrillator three times before his heart started beating again. He was then flown to a nearby hospital and had surgery late last night. He was revived. That is very good. He is a 28-year veteran of the Capitol Police. He has served in a variety of very important positions: a member of the criminal investigations unit, academy instructor, and he even worked on the hostage negotiation team. He is an outstanding police officer by all accounts. The Department has recognized his performance and honored Officer Millham with the Service Medal and Commendation Award. He is well-liked by all of his colleagues and has a great sense of humor. He is currently a member of the Department's mountain bike patrol that we see around here. There are not a lot of mountains, but there are a lot of hills around this Capitol complex. He is in very good shape. That is what you have to be to be a patrol officer on a bicycle. That is what makes what happened yesterday so shocking. I cannot imagine what a difficult time it has been for Pat and his wife Heidi and their two children at college, Skylar and Savannah. Heidi recently retired from the United States Capitol Police. I hope they know the entire Senate and House family wishes Officer Millham a speedy recovery, and I express my personal appreciation and admiration to all of the Capitol Police for all they do and all the personnel who make the Capitol Police jobs functional. We look forward to having Officer Millham back at full health very quickly. Mr. President, where are we on what is happening on the floor.

Mr. REID

Mr. REID. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. REID. Mr. President, I have the deepest respect, without any question, for the Senator from Tennessee, who is my friend, and, of course, Senator Feinstein is already legendary as a figure in Democratic politics and politics of this country. But I have some reservation, for lack of a better description, about my friend, the senior Senator from Tennessee talking about the appropriations process. I was on the Appropriations Committee from the first day I came to the Senate, and I loved my service on the Appropriations Committee. For the last 8 years under President Obama, the Republicans have done everything they could--I am trying to find a pleasant word--to mess up the appropriations process--everything. For those who understand the Senate, everyone should know we didn't ask that there be cloture on a motion to proceed. We are as cooperative as we can be on everything we have done during the time we have been in the minority, which is more than a year now. I would suggest to my friend that cloture will not be invoked on this bill in 2 or 3 minutes. If there is some proposal that the Republicans want to come back with that is reasonable and doesn't have a poison pill in it, fine; we are willing to move forward on this. For someone to give me the statement ``Well, you know, it is germane''--the world is germane on this bill. I did this bill for 15 years. I did it. I know what is in this bill. Just about everything is germane. They have all kinds of defense stuff, energy and water--it is a big, big important bill, and this amendment by the Senator from Arkansas is nothing more than an effort to sidetrack the work we are doing here. The Republicans are in the majority. I hope that it doesn't last that long, but that is where we are. It is up to them to move this process forward. We have tried our best to cooperate. I suggest to my friend from Tennessee to see what happens and come back with something this afternoon. We have said on many occasions over the last 24 hours, we will vote right now on final passage of the bill--as it stood before this amendment was offered.

Mr. REID

Mr. REID. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the 50th anniversary of the St. Jude's Ranch for Children, Nevada Campus. St. Jude's Ranch for Children was founded by Father Jack Adam to support abused and neglected children and give them an opportunity to learn and grow. Father Adam initially faced challenges in acquiring funding for the project. However, with the help of Nevadan community leaders, including Claudine and Shelby Williams, Forrest Duke, and the Sisters of Charity, the project raised $30,000, and the facility was built. Eddie, a resident of Elko, NV, became the first child to attend St. Jude's Ranch for Children. Since then, the organization has been a sanctuary for numerous abused and neglected children and is a recognized landmark in southern Nevada. St. Jude's Ranch for children offers supportive housing and nutritional services for children and families. The Therapeutic Residential Foster Care program provides children an opportunity to live together, receive the nutritious foods they need to be successful, attend school, and participate in extracurricular activities. Children are nurtured in the program until they are ready to transition out of therapeutic are. Later, children are placed with loving foster families, and siblings are kept together. April is National Child Abuse Prevention month. It is important that every April we work together to raise awareness for programs that support the physical and emotional well-being of children and recognize organizations, such as St. Jude's Ranch for Children, that transform the lives of children and families in our community. Our youth are an important part of our history and future. We must ensure that children are protected and have a nurturing home that allows them to succeed. When a child suffers from abuse or neglect, the whole community and country suffers with them. The services provided by St. Jude's Ranch for Children ensure safety, health, and opportunity for many of our Nation's children. Their work is appreciated and admired, and I wish them continued success for years to come.

Mr. REID

Mr. REID. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.