James Risch

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, tonight we are going to consider S.J. Res. 35 and 36, and they are the resolutions of disapproval regarding arms sales to Egypt. Egypt has been a key partner of the United States since the 1979 Camp David Accords. It continues to play a critical role in Middle East peace. Egypt is a valuable counterterrorism partner and is essential to U.S. accession in the region and the U.S. success in the region. Look, for those who haven't had the good fortune of being there, when the peace broke out between Israel and Egypt decades ago, Egypt played a key role in making that peace. And ever since then, the border between Egypt and Israel on the Sinai has been peaceful, notwithstanding the fact that they have incidents there all the time. But the Egyptians and the Israelis, brokered by the multilateral force that is there, keeps the peace, and it has been a great success story in the Middle East, one of the few that has had duration. And so in that regard, Egypt has been very valuable in helping keep the peace in the region. The Biden administration and Democratic Senate and House leaders agreed on these sales because they are in the interest of the United States and, indeed, of the world and particularly of the Middle East. These sales of cargo aircraft and radar support the United States-Egypt relationship and are in keeping with Egypt's legitimate defense requirements. Human rights are a critical element of our foreign relations. They always have been, and they always will be. And Egypt has problems it needs to fix. The United States has withheld aid and taken other measures to highlight our concerns to the Egyptian Government. Indeed, Egypt is not a perfect partner, and we have almost no perfect partners when we are dealing with foreign countries on national security. Nonetheless, each of these is transactional, and they have to be weighed and viewed individually. These sales that we are talking about here to Egypt present no direct human rights concerns and should be separated from that conversation. So, on substance, I oppose the resolution. In addition to that, there is a bigger issue here. The statutory 30- day congressional notification period for these sales expired last Wednesday, March 2. The Parliamentarian has now ruled that the statutory 30-day period is effectively irrelevant and that any Senator can offer for privileged consideration a resolution of disapproval for any arms sales notified over the course of an entire Congress. If this stands and continues, it would have a chilling effect on U.S. alliances and partnerships worldwide, and it could set a new procedure as far as dilatory tactics are concerned on the Senate floor. The 1987 precedent that the Parliamentarian cites as justification is from a time when there was a bipartisan agreement to extend the timeline for simple procedural reasons. This is not the case now. And I disagree with the Parliamentarian's interpretation thereof. It always amazes me around here that we can get a Parliamentarian ruling that is in direct--I mean direct contradiction of a statute, which is what we have here. I ask--and I would urge--Senate leadership to work to ensure the intent of the statutory 30-day notification period is restored. Perhaps we should repass the statute and say we really, really mean it. Nonetheless, that is where we are, and this really needs to be corrected. Vote on Motion to Discharge

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, along with my colleague Senator Mike Crapo, I rise today to recognize Arthur Brown, a long-time resident of Idaho, a wonderful citizen, and a tremendous contributor to Idaho. Art died on February 9, 2022, having lived a full, rich and meaningful life. Art was born October 27, 1940, in Germiston, South Africa, the eldest of three children. Art attended school in Germiston and went on to study at Witwatersrand Technical Institute, earning a mining engineering degree. Soon after graduating, he left his homeland to work for the Cementation Company in Nelson, British Columbia, Canada in 1962. It was in Nelson where he met Tiia, an immigrant from Estonia, and the woman who would become his wife. Together, Art and Tiia had three daughters, Lisa, Hayley, and Laura. Art arrived in Wallace, ID, in June of 1967, where he became an industrial engineer for Hecla Mining Company. He worked hard and was eventually promoted to mine superintendent at the Lucky Friday Mine. While living in the beautiful Silver Valley, Art thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors, often taking his family skiing and camping. Art, Tiia, and their two daughters who were born in Canada celebrated becoming U.S. citizens in 1972. Art ascended the ranks at Hecla, becoming president in 1986, the same year the company moved its headquarters to Coeur d'Alene, ID. Art reached the pinnacle of his career when he was made Hecla's CEO and chairman of the board. In 2003, Art retired from Hecla, marking the end of a remarkable career that spanned four decades. An accomplished businessman and corporate leader, Art was also a dedicated family man, making time to travel and support his daughters at ski races, basketball games, tennis matches, and horse shows. And ever the proud grandfather, he supported his four grandchildren at football, basketball and baseball games, cross-country meets, golf tournaments, and soccer matches. Art shared his enthusiasm for life with everyone he knew and was always willing to listen and help solve problems. He was genuinely interested in the people he met and was loved by many. Art will be missed, but not forgotten. We are proud to have known Art Brown, for the example he set for business, for the contributions he made in his community, and for the way he loved and supported his family. On behalf of so many in our great State, we honor Art Brown today and express our heartfelt thanks to him for a lifetime of service to others.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, I rise today on behalf of myself and Senator Crapo to express grave concern with the vulnerability of supply chains and the long-term implications if we do not act now to develop a secure supply chain of critical minerals. In light of the aggression shown by our adversaries, supply chain security is more important than ever. Our Nation is at a crossroads; Russia has invaded Ukraine. At the same time, China continues to use economic coercion to control global markets and shape countries' political decisions. With Congress' support, this administration must take drastic and targeted measures to ensure our Nation takes the right path to advance U.S. competitiveness and maintain a strong position in domestic and foreign markets, including critical minerals production. Critical minerals are vital to the emerging technologies that will underpin the future economic well-being and prosperity of this Nation. In recognition of these important minerals, under President Trump, the Department of the Interior developed a list of 35 critical minerals, a process that Congress later codified. That list, just last week, expanded to 50. Our home State of Idaho is rich in many of these minerals--some of which are fundamental to energy and national security applications--such as antimony and cobalt. Antimony and cobalt serve as critical components in grid storage batteries and other electrification implements essential to providing reliable energy sources to American homes and businesses. In addition to its energy contribution, antimony serves as a critical component of ammunition, armaments, and other national security platforms. Although these minerals serve as essential components in highly utilized U.S. products, 53 percent of antimony comes from China, and another 23 percent comes from Russia. Most cobalt is sourced from the Democratic Republic of the Congo--DRC--where the Chinese Government has subsidized companies that engage in nontransparent practices, dominate the industry, and undermine the prosperity and rights of the Congolese. Aside from mineral production, Idaho is responsible for cutting-edge mineral research. We are proud to be the home of the Idaho National Lab, the Nation's premier nuclear energy laboratory, whose research is paramount to any future clean energy strategy. Unfortunately, the Biden administration chose to remove uranium from the critical minerals list, which leaves the Nation's nuclear fleet even more reliant on Russian fuel. As tensions rise with Russia and the potential of additional sanctions loom, China will look to take advantage of the void left by Russia's isolation in the market. While we need to take strong actions on Russia, the reality is that we source many of our raw minerals from them. As we tighten our grip on their financial system and exports, we must prioritize domestic sourcing and reduce our reliance on countries like Russia and China. The time is now for this administration to take real action to prioritize a strong domestic supply chain for these essential minerals. We do not want to compromise any of our environmental or other standards. We are simply calling on the administration to prioritize the timely completion of the permits of currently proposed projects so we may take back control of a fundamental piece of many of our essential industries: critical minerals production.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, as a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each month I recognize and celebrate the American entrepreneurial spirit by highlighting the success of a small business in my home State of Idaho. Today, I am pleased to honor Valor K9 Academy as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for March 2022. Headquartered in Horseshoe Bend, Valor K9 Academy has established itself as one of the premier dog training companies in the Nation. Following their combined 20 years of Active-Duty service in the U.S. Air Force, veteran owners Amy and Justin Pishner realized their lifelong dream of training dogs and opened Valor K9 Academy. Thanks to Amy and Justin's passion for training dogs and dedication to providing individualized service for each client, Valor K9 Academy has gained national recognition since its founding in 2014. What started as a two-person company has grown sixfold, with locations in Idaho, Washington, and Tennessee. The success of Valor K9 Academy has also allowed Amy and Justin to open a second business, Valor Protection Dogs, which they operate out of Horseshoe Bend. In addition to developing lifelong relationships with its canine clients, Valor K9 Academy has immersed itself in the community. The business routinely donates proceeds to support local rescues and Idaho veterans in need. Thanks to its efforts, Valor K9 Academy is a beacon of entrepreneurial and philanthropic spirit for all of Idaho to behold. Congratulations to Amy, Justin, and all of the employees at Valor K9 Academy for being selected as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for March 2022. Thank you for your service to our Nation, and thank you for serving Idaho as small business owners and entrepreneurs. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Madam President, in rebuttal to my good friend's comments, first of all, let me say that a number of the things I do take exception with--for instance, his statement that if we pass this we are going to somehow shatter the unanimity with which the world has come together to impose this. Nothing could be further from the truth. Certainly, the sanctions that we have put on have been in conjunction with a lot of our allies and a lot of our partners. Simply putting on secondary sanctions--again, in conjunction with our allies and our partners--will not in any way shatter that at all. My good friend says, ``Why are we here on the floor today?'' Senator, I would say, the reason we are on the floor today is, it is not enough. Now, you said I came down here to criticize the President. I did not criticize the President in anything I said. I applaud the action he has taken. I want him to take more. We have a convoy that is 40 miles long that is headed for Kyiv. Now, that convoy started out after all of these sanctions that the President put in place had taken effect. The banks, as you know, shut down--at least temporarily--in Russia. They closed their stock market. They have done a number of things, but it is not enough. We need to toughen up. As you know, I have talked and talked and talked with the administration to try to get them to embrace secondary sanctions because it is the secondary sanctions that are truly going to shut the thing down lock, stock, and barrel; and Putin is going to have to answer to his people if we do get it shut down. Look, this is not partisan. I am not here to try to drive a wedge in the party. And as you know, your party had substantial input into the NYET Act that we have here. The chairman of the committee, I think, negotiated in good faith as we put this together. I have told him that personally. I have said that publicly. The fact is, we came very close to the bill, and the NYET bill is very close to what we agreed to, but we couldn't come together on the last few things; and that is, a permanent shutdown of Nord Stream 2-- not just the sanctions that are in place on a temporary basis, but a permanent shutdown--and on secondary sanctions, which we believe will be the final nail in the coffin for the economy in Russia. So, again, I answer the question asked: Why are we here? We are here because it is not enough. The convoys are continuing. There are tens of thousands of more Russian soldiers that are entering Ukraine. They are having a tough, tough time of it. I agree with Senator Toomey. You know, you sit here, and you see what is going on. The question you have to ask is: How long can the Ukrainians hold out? We want them to hold out. There are provisions in this act, as you know, that provide additional help for the Ukrainians themselves. But most importantly, what it will do is it will flat shut down the economy in Russia. In addition to that, you and I discussed, I think, the fact that we can never use sanctions in a manner where we or our allies get hurt worse than the enemy does or, for that matter, to any great extent. That is why there are waivers in here. And sanctions always have waiver provisions in them so that it can take the edge off on anything that causes us or our allies any difficulties. So in that regard, I think that you are wrong on that. Back to the basic bill: I said I am an all-of-the-above person. If the Democrats want to bring their bill down, it will probably look very much like this, but it won't have secondary sanctions in it, it won't have a permanent closing of Nord Stream 1 and 2. I will stand up here and say, We can do better, but I am still going to vote for your bill, and I wish you would do that on mine. But I would respectfully request that you back away from this complaint that this is a partisan exercise. It is not a partisan exercise. There isn't a person in this body that doesn't want to do all we can possibly do to preserve the lives of the Ukrainians that are perishing every day--women, children, civilians. We need to do all that we can, and Putin is not going to be deterred until we do all that we can, and that comes to permanently shutting down--excuse me, to completely shutting down the economy in Russia. This bill does that. Again, I apologize if you think there is anything political about this. It is not. It is trying to do the right thing, as you and I have talked about. We have an obligation to do this as Americans, as the strongest country in the world. We can't stand by and watch this slaughter that is happening, and when that convoy gets there, it is going to be even worse. This is something we can actually do to do more than what the President has done. And I will say it--I said it before and I will say it again. I commend the President for what he has done. But we also, as the first branch of government, have a responsibility. We believe this bill exercises that responsibility.

Mr. RISCH. Madam President, I rise today to discuss Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and in a moment, I am going to ask unanimous consent to pass some legislation which has been kicking around here for a while and is way overdue. What we have witnessed over the past 5 days is a flagrant act of unprovoked aggression perpetrated by Russia against Ukraine. The world we are living in today is different from the one we lived in last week. For months, I, along with my Senate colleagues on both sides of the aisle, have watched the conflict inch closer and closer. The intelligence community provided accurate and clear information on the situation, and for this, I commend them. I also commend them for releasing the vast majority, if not all of the information they had in an attempt to deter Putin. That didn't work. However, there is no question, we should have taken action sooner rather than later, and it is time to do so now in a much more aggressive fashion. In preparation for this invasion, many of my Senate colleagues and I drafted hard-hitting sanctions and called repeatedly for more lethal assistance for months. We used all leverage at our disposal to pressure the administration to take sufficient action, but despite our actions, our efforts, it didn't happen. Certainly, some military assistance was provided, but it is hard not to think that if we had expedited Javelin and Stinger deliveries last year and let our allies move more equipment sooner, the Ukrainians would be making the Russians pay a much higher price. Right now, Ukraine desperately needs the support of the international community. It needs us to sanction Russia, to punish its government for this unjustified attack. These Ukrainian heroes need more weapons, armor, and supplies to fight back the Russian invaders and preserve the lives of its population. The Biden administration was well-intentioned in pursuit of a diplomatic resolution for Russia's aggression, but the administration was wrong to oppose our congressional efforts to impose even tougher sanctions that were essential to make our deterrence credible. President Biden made it clear that maximum economic sanctions would only come after Putin invaded. The administration's promise that the threat of sanctions would be enough to deter Putin was a mistake. Look where we are now. Diplomacy has failed. The invasion has happened. While sanctions have now been levied on Russia, there is still room for more robust sanctions in order get Putin to pull back. I have always said I am all in on all of the above when it comes to Ukraine and Russia. I am happy to support legislation proposed by my Democrat colleagues, but the Senate must take the lead and mandate the massive economic sanctions that President Biden and his officials committed to. The NYET Act, which I introduced 2 weeks ago with numerous cosponsors, contains the tough sanctions that will bring the hammer down on Putin and his regime and provide the assistance that Ukrainians need now. It is based on the bipartisan negotiations that took place over the last 2 months and includes many measures that have been endorsed by Members on both sides of the aisle. To be clear, I understand that my friends on the other side are going to object to this; nonetheless, a good number of the things they suggested are in this bill. The NYET Act places sanctions on Russia's lucrative mining, mineral, and oil and gas sectors--actions that the administration thus far has refused to take. This needs to be done, and we haven't received an explanation as to why they haven't done it. It punishes Russian and Belarusian Government and military officials for their horrific actions and will expose the full extent of Putin and his cronies on the left. The bill sanctions 12 of the largest Russian banks and critically also imposes secondary sanctions on them--something the administration has yet to do. Secondary sanctions are critical to hurting the Russian economy. They force the world's financial institutions to make a choice between Russia and Western markets. They will choose the West. Indeed, for their own good, they must choose the West. Russia will be isolated. When it comes to sanctions, I want to thank Senator Toomey for helping on that part of this bill, and he is going to talk about them in just a minute for just a period of time. NYET also increases the funding for military assistance to Ukraine, as well as other Eastern European nations, to Radio Free Europe, to Radio Liberty, the Global Engagement Center, and refills the President's drawdown account. It also establishes a new Ukrainian resistance fund to help Ukraine continue to resist attempts to occupy or subjugate any new territory Russia seizes, while sending a clear message to Putin that his military will pay a price for advances into sovereign Ukrainian territory. Their resistance has been nothing short of awe-inspiring; that is, the Ukrainian people themselves. We need to help them, and this bill, the NYET Act, will do exactly that. I hope my colleagues across the aisle will put aside partisanship and join us today by passing this bill, which will impose crippling sanctions on Russia's most powerful people and which will support the people of Ukraine. All of us are moved by the Ukrainian people and their fight for freedom. I know my Democrat colleagues can and have supported nearly all of these concepts at one time or another. I ask them to join me today. This is the most deliberative body in the world, we always say. Well, we have overdeliberated, and it is time to act. I yield the floor to Senator Toomey.

Mr. RISCH. Madam President, in closing, let me say, Ukrainians are dying. They are dying in a heroic fight; in a classic David versus Goliath fight. We can do something. We should do something. We have talked and talked; we have debated; and it is time to act. I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Foreign Relations be discharged from further consideration of S. 3652 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration. I further ask that the bill be considered read a third time and passed and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, along with my colleagues Senator Mike Crapo and Representative Mike Simpson, I rise to congratulate the Paulos Family on their 100th anniversary of having a Chevrolet Franchise continuously in operation. On February 22, 1922, Con Paulos' grandfather, Gus A. Paulos, opened a Chevrolet franchise in Magna, UT. After Gus was killed in an automobile accident, his sons carried on the family business for 42 years in Utah.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Madam President, as a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each month I recognize and celebrate the American entrepreneurial spirit by highlighting the success of a small business in my home State of Idaho. Today, I am pleased to honor Redox Bio-Nutrients as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for February 2022. Redox Bio-Nutrients is a world-renowned fertilizer producer based in the heart of Burley, ID. CEO Darin Moon spent his childhood on a family farm in Heyburn, ID, before starting a career in soil science. After several years managing a farm in California, Darin returned to Idaho in 1993 and founded Redox Bio-Nutrients, and in doing so, he achieved his lifelong goal of using science to produce more nutritious food. Darin's business acumen and innovative approach have been the cornerstones of the business' growth. Over the years, Darin's focus on innovation has earned him seven patents and provided Redox's customers with high-quality fertilizer that improves their crop yields. Today, the company supplies agricultural products in over 40 States and 32 countries, serving as a global testament to Idaho's industrious entrepreneurial spirit. In addition to employing 19 Idahoans and 14 employees across multiple States, Darin's commitment to the Burley community is evident in his service on the Cassia County School District's school board. In 2018, he helped launch Connect, a district-wide program dedicated to connecting students in need with mental health resources and free therapy. Congratulations to Darin, his family, and all the employees of Redox Bio-Nutrients, LLC on being selected as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for February 2022. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that I be allowed to speak for up to 5 minutes, followed by Senator Menendez to speak for up to 10 minutes, before the scheduled rollcall vote.

Mr. RISCH. I think it was just a minute or 2 for you and the rest for me, Senator.

Mr. RISCH. I would ask for 5 minutes for myself and 10 minutes for yourself. Is that sufficient?

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, fellow citizens, I rise today to speak on behalf of the Cruz-Risch Nord Stream 2 bill, which is designated as S. 3436. To start with, it is important to note that this bill has language which is almost identical to the bipartisan language that was contained in the House-passed National Defense Authorization Act. Both bodies passed this language. It was, unfortunately, taken out in the conference of that bill before it went to the White House. But now, this language is back before us in this bill. And what it would do is it would immediately sanction Nord Stream 2--Putin's premier energy weapon against Europe and Ukraine, particularly. The timing could not be more important. Ukraine stands on the brink of invasion, and Europe is in the throes of an energy crisis created by Russia. There is a reason Ukraine's President Zelensky tweeted an urgent request in December for all friends of Ukraine and Europe in the U.S. Senate to back these sanctions. That request is before us at this moment. We are now seeing the consequences of the administration's decision to waive P.E.E.S.A. sanctions and the refusal to impose CAATSA sanctions. Months ago, the administration set the stage for this mess on Ukraine's border and emboldened Putin. Russia has deliberately cut gas transmission to Europe through Ukraine and is using high energy prices to pressure the European Union into approving Nord Stream 2 as quickly as possible. Putin has publicly stated that fact. Meanwhile, Russian forces continue their buildup along the border with Ukraine in preparation for what could be a full-scale invasion. Clearly, the administration's efforts have failed to signal credibility and resolve and have not deterred Putin from continuing along the path to war. U.S. diplomacy needs additional action, not just rhetoric, to stop a Russian invasion. And these sanctions would provide that by putting Congress in charge of waiver authority. A vote for these sanctions will provide credibility to our threat, sending a strong message to Putin. Remember, Nord Stream 2 is designed to replace Ukraine's gas transit system, meaning Russia no longer has to worry about destroying its own infrastructure in the event of a full-scale war. We must not allow Putin's blackmail to succeed. Nord Stream 2 has always been a bipartisan issue here in the Senate, and it should continue to be. Not a single Member of Congress supports the completion of this pipeline. I would like to think a similar number of us feel we should not ignore our friends in Europe, particularly Central and Eastern Europe, who stand to lose the most from Nord Stream 2. Our bill would impose mandatory sanctions against Nord Stream 2 AG, the company responsible for the project, as well as the companies involved in testing and certifying the pipeline before it becomes operational. We do provide the administration with a pathway to lifting these targeted sanctions, pending congressional review. This pathway is the exact same process for congressional input that 98 Senators voted for in CAATSA, just a few years ago. The time to act is now. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill. I yield the floor. Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I rise today to condemn the enormous Russian military buildup on the Ukrainian border, and the Kremlin's reckless policies of coercion as it seeks to reimpose a new iron curtain on the European continent. Moscow wants to secure an unwarranted sphere of influence that would enable Russia to determine by fiat the fate and the policies of other sovereign state--most immediately in Ukraine, whose people and government desire further integration into Europe and trans-Atlantic institutions Make no mistake about it--the Putin regime's actions threaten not only our friends in Ukraine. They are also an assault on the principles of the Helsinki Final Act, the foundation of European security, which today is enshrined in the Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe, the OSCE. I want to commend President Biden and his very capable diplomatic team for the sustained effort they have embarked upon to rally our friends and allies--in NATO and the European Union and across the OSCE--to present a united front against Vladimir Putin's mounting aggression. Russia has in recent months amassed over 100,000 troops and heavy weaponry on Ukraine's borders, with many more poised to join them, and have openly threatened war if its demands are not met. The Kremlin is also waging a propaganda war preparation strategy for the Russian people by broadcasting false claims that Ukraine poses a threat to Russian interests and sovereignty. At the barrel of a gun, the Kremlin has demanded not only that the United States and NATO close its open doors to partners like Ukraine and Georgia--a strategic nonstarter on its own--but also that the Alliance security umbrella and even material security assistance be retracted to pre-l997 borders, essentially reducing NATO to its frontiers as of 1991. In other words, Mr. Putin insists that the United States and its Euro-Atlantic allies remove any means of securing or guaranteeing the defense of sovereign states that happen to lie near Russia. Such demands are outrageous, dangerous, and impossible to accept. In this troubling time, acquiescence to Russian aggression is not an option. I support this administration's approach to unite with our European allies and categorically refuse to give into the Kremlin's ruthless militarism. I also support negotiating in good faith to see if we can find a realistic solution with respect to arms control, confidence-building measures, and the like--while making it clear to Mr. Putin that the freedom and sovereignty of Europe are not on the table. The diplomatic engagements that have taken place in Europe in recent days, in several concentric circles, have demonstrated remarkable unity among our allies, and have clarified for Russia the costs they would incur in the event of any further aggression against Ukraine. This is thanks to the Biden administration's sophisticated campaign to reclaim American leadership in world affairs. One hopes the Kremlin has heard the messages that we and our allies have sent to Moscow. Under the looming shadow of Russian mass mobilization and martial rhetoric, however, we should suffer no illusions. Mr. Putin's goal is domination, and there is no room to give on that score. Unfortunately, we find ourselves here today on the floor of the United States to consider a measure, which the Senator from Texas has introduced, that threatens to undermine the American effort to mobilize the Western world's coalition to stand up to Russia at this critical moment. We are here to debate, yet again, how to deal with Nord Stream 2, the ill-conceived natural gas pipeline between Russia and Germany that promises to weaken Ukraine's economic and security situation while it strengthens Russia's leverage over Western Europe. In the ll6th Congress, we voted to condemn and to sanction those involved in this misbegotten enterprise--most importantly in the Protecting Europe's Energy Security Act, ``PEESA'', enacted in January 2021. This law imposes strong sanctions on all those involved in the construction and operation of the Nord Stream 2 Pipeline. As is customary and appropriate, the Congress also gave the Executive the authority to waive sanctions against individuals and entities when it determined to do so would be in the national security interest of the United States. Last spring, the administration chose to exercise that walver. I disagreed with that decision. I have said so many times and in many contexts. I retain the hope that the pipeline will never begin operations, as I believe it would do enormous damage--not just to Ukraine--but also to Europe at large. The administration is focused on working with Germany to implement the July 21 Joint Statement of the United States and Germany on Support for Ukraine, Energy Security, and Our Climate Goals, which includes clear commitments to act if Russia attempts to use energy as a weapon or commit further aggressive acts against Ukraine. Let us be clear that the bill before us would not actually accomplish what the Senator from Texas claims. It would not stop Nord Stream 2 any more than existing law does. It would not protect Ukraine any more than existing law and policy does. All this bill would do, essentially, is create a 90-day recurring cycle of revisiting the administration's exercise of the waiver authority we wrote into the law last year. And then it would create the option for a vote on a resolution of disapproval of that waiver. At a time when we should be using our time and energy to address the mounting threat to Ukraine posed by Russia's massive buildup along their shared border, today's vote is an unnecessary distraction. Therefore, I oppose S. 3436. The Senate should be considering serious proposals to counter Russian aggression. The chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has introduced a bill that is worthy of our time, attention, and support. The Defending Ukraine Sovereignty Act is a serious effort to address Russia's aggression toward Ukraine, which is why I am an original cosponsor of this measure. If the President affirmatively determines that Russia has engaged in a renewed invasion or escalation of hostilities, the Defending Ukraine Sovereignty Act triggers a cascade of mandatory sanctions on Russia's political and military leadership, financial institutions, extractive industries--and Nord Stream 2. As chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission and a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I am especially mindful and concerned about what Russia's actions and demands mean for European and international security, as well as democracy and human rights. It is no mistake that Mr. Putin's war drums have been accompanied by a concerted regime effort to erase and rewrite the Soviet Union's cruel history; including smothering the domestic human rights network Memorial, which has so carefully and painstakingly chronicled the Soviet Union's brutal human and social toll on the people of Russia and the former Soviet Union. Russia's intervention to suppress popular dissent and prop up the authoritarian regime in Belarus tells a similar story. Its deployment of troops just last week under the umbrella of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, the CSTO, to quell public unrest in Kazakhstan-- the first time the Russian-controlled CSTO has intervened militarily in a crisis in a member state--also serves to expand Russian influence in the region. The CSTO deployment has raised concerns among some of the Kazakhstani public, which may help to explain why the troops have started withdrawing today. The rapid deployment, however, certainly makes the government of Kazakhstan more beholden to Russia. It weakens Kazakhstan's often-touted ``multi-vector'' policy under which it aims to balance its relations with Russia, China, and the West. The Putin regime has erected a corrupt police state at home, which it aggressively exports for greater dominion. A broader Russian invasion of Ukraine could easily lead to tens of thousands of deaths and threaten tens of millions more. Preventing such an outcome should be our paramount concern. Peace on Russia's stated terms would consign millions of free peoples to the Kremlin's authoritarian whims, and would shatter the fragile miracle of European peace and prosperity. I believe we must present a strong, determined, and unified response that makes clear that Russian aggression will only further unify the continent, and complicate the Kremlin's security anxieties. At the same time, the United States is willing, with its partners and allies, to work toward listening to the Kremlin's legitimate security concerns. Here, too, is an opportunity to make use of the OSCE's institutional powers to build consensus and lay the foundations for a durable peace. I ask my colleagues to join me in condemning Russia's military buildup and aggressive posture in the region, and calling for Moscow to de-escalate immediately and negotiate in good faith.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Madam President, Martin Luther King, Jr., dreamed of a world of peace and equality, and honoring his legacy is a central priority of the Idaho Falls African American Alliance, or AAA. Today, I recognize the accomplishments of the Idaho Falls AAA and highlight their 15th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Banquet. The Idaho Falls AAA was formed in 2006, when a few members of the community became aware of a local African-American high school student in need of funds to travel to a regional debate competition. One of these individuals was the current Idaho Falls AAA president, David Snell. Growing up, his mother told him, ``You should never be a part of a community that does not feel your presence. It is your personal responsibility to make sure your community is better because you were a part of it.'' The group worked together to raise $300 and sponsored the trip for the talented debater. This experience sparked a movement as the group realized they could make a difference in the community and help other kids in need. AAA members also recognized an opportunity to promote diversity in the community, expand awareness of the contributions of African Americans and other minorities, and begin to build a sense of understanding between cultures and ethnicities. Martin Luther King, Jr., influenced their mission, and they soon organized an annual MLK Banquet to provide the community an opportunity to learn from prominent African-American leaders. Over the past 15 years, guests have included Dr. Walter Massey, past president of Morehouse College; Pete Miller, former Undersecretary of Energy; Freeman Hrabowski, voted one of TIME magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2012; and Idaho State Senator Cherie Buckner-Webb. This year's AAA banquet will feature keynote speaker USAF Capt. Daniel ``Fuzz'' Walker, the first African-American pilot qualified to fly the F-22 stealth fighter plane, and grandson of one of the original Tuskegee Airmen. Ms. Michelle Amos, system engineer for NASA's Perseverance, the 2020 Mars rover, will also deliver remarks over Zoom. Ms. Amos won an All- Star Award at NASA's Women of Color Government and Defense Technology Awards Conference, is the former chairperson of NASA's Black Employee Strategy Team, and is currently a public affairs spokesperson for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The organization has faced some challenges but has also received generous support from the Idaho Falls community. Many local businesses provide donations and services making the MLK Banquet possible each year. The proceeds from the annual event are used to support their mission to ``further the educational, economic, cultural and development growth of the Idaho Falls African American Community.'' The Idaho Falls AAA serves to bring people together in times that can feel divisive. I commend the AAA and its membership for its work to help make Idaho Falls a better community.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Madam President, I rise today to congratulate and honor the retirement of one of my senior staff members and friend who has served in my home State of Idaho for the last 13 years as the regional director of my Lewiston office, Michael ``Mike'' L. Hanna. Following his retirement from the timber industry, Mike came to my staff after my first election to the U.S. Senate in May of 2009. I knew right away that he was a perfect fit for the regional director position in my Lewiston office. As a result, my chief of staff and I hired him immediately following his interview. Mike was born in Boise, ID, and was raised there and in the Emmett Valley, where his parents' families worked as farmers and sawmill workers. Growing up in a farming and timber family eventually led him to the University of Idaho, where he graduated with a bachelor of science degree in forest management in 1976. Upon graduating from U of I, Mike began his 33-year career in the timber industry as a forester with the Idaho Department of Lands. After 12 years with the State of Idaho, he transitioned to the private sector, where he worked for Empire Lumber Company, Weyerhaeuser, and Three River Timber. Given his expertise and vast knowledge of the timber industry, Mike was frequently called upon to participate in and lead collaborative groups and natural resource associations and organizations. To name but a few, he was a founding member of the Clearwater Basin Collaborative, president of the Intermountain Logging Conference board of directors, president of the Resource Organization on Timber Supply, or ROOTS, president of the Clearwater Resource Coalition, and the chairman of the Forestry Committee of the Intermountain Forestry Association. He was also recognized by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation for his U.S. Forest Service stewardship contract work. With his deep roots in Idaho and the timber industry, he was the perfect representative to the natural resource communities of the Clearwater Region, stationed out of my Lewiston office. During his 13 years of service as my regional director, he advised and guided my office through many complicated issues, like the Idaho roadless rule implementation, the salmon and steelhead management plans, Columbia River Treaty, Good Neighbor Authority, tribal relations, and too many other issues to name. Mike and his wife Nancy have been married for 45 years and have made their home in Orofino, ID for 44 years, where they are an integral part of the fabric of the community. They have two children, Lindsay and Adam, and five grandchildren. It is always difficult to lose a trusted staff member of Mike's character, experience, and knowledge, and I wish him and Nancy nothing but the best in their retirement and look forward to our continued friendship in the years ahead. Congratulations and thank you for your outstanding service to my staff and the citizens of Idaho.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Madam President, as a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each month I recognize and celebrate the American entrepreneurial spirit by highlighting the success of a small business in my home State of Idaho. Today, I am pleased to honor Jacobs Lumber Company, Inc., in Kamiah as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for January 2022. Jacobs Lumber Company is a full-service lumber and hardware store that provides housing and construction services in a one-stop shop. Founder and owner Keith Jacobs has long had a hand in Kamiah's lumber industry. At 14 years old, Keith began his career at Kamiah's Bi-Rite Lumber Company, where he worked until it was sold in 1993. After a few years working out of State, Keith returned home to Kamiah and founded Jacobs Lumber Co. in 1997. Jacobs Lumber Company is renowned for a deep commitment to its customers and community. The business sources products from local loggers and fellow small businesses throughout the region, ensuring its customers have the best quality products. Keith attributes much of his company's success to the relationships they have cultivated with their customers. This hometown-driven approach to business has helped build communities and welcome newcomers to our great State. The Jacobs family is also committed to giving back to its patrons. In March 2021, the company was honored as the first recipient of the Kamiah School District's Community Business Award. Jacobs Lumber Company maintains a strong tradition of supporting Kamiah schools, athletic programs, and camps. Jacobs has passed along his commitment to service and community, hard work, and charity to his own children. Today, Keith co-owns the company with his son, Slade, promising to serve the people of Kamiah for generations to come. Congratulations to Keith, his family, and all of the employees of Jacobs Lumber Company, Inc. on being selected as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for January 2022. You make our great state proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, fellow Senators, I rise today to urge an affirmative vote on all three of the next appointments that are up. The first one is Nicholas Burns to be Ambassador to China; and next is Mr. Toloui, who is up for Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs; and also Mr. Hussain, who is up for Ambassador for International Religious Freedom. The Foreign Relations Committee has looked at all three of these very closely. Let me spend just a moment with Mr. Burns. I have known Mr. Burns since his postings in Europe many, many years ago. If you are looking for a bipartisan person to put in the position, this is your guy. When I knew him, he was working for an administration, a Republican administration. He has done an outstanding job, has an outstanding reputation amongst the cadre of Ambassadors, and I would urge that we confirm him and have him in place in China. This is a tough posting, as we all know, at the current time. We have got a lot of issues that exist between us and China, and certainly Ambassador Burns is the one to carry our water there. The other two I can tell you that, without hesitation, both have been scrubbed by the committee and been asked the questions that are appropriate for both of these positions. We feel very comfortable in recommending them to the body. With that, I yield the floor.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to speak for up to 2 minutes on the next three nominations.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. We yield back also.

Mr. RISCH

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

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that all remaining time be yielded back.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, fellow Senators, I rise to oppose the matter that is before us, and I want to rise in support of the sale of these particular weapons to the Saudis. The Saudis are an ally of ours. As with many allies, they have items that we don't agree with, and those obviously have been highlighted here on the floor today. My colleague, the chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, has laid out exactly why we need to see that the sale goes through. There have been 240-plus drone missiles to strike Saudi targets this year. The latest one was just yesterday. These are Houthi rebel drones that come out of Yemen. They are provided to them by the Iranians. This thing would be over if the Iranians would back away and get out of this. I agree that we need to press for a solution here. What is going on in Yemen is one of--not the but close to it--one of the worst humanitarian crises on the planet today. In fact, what is going on there, it is going to get worse as this year goes on. As the Senator from New Jersey indicated, the Houthis have been really unhelpful in getting humanitarian supplies to the people of Yemen, who badly need it. The Saudis, obviously, need the weaponry that is included in this sale. There are a lot of American citizens in Saudi Arabia, and we should support our allies when they are doing defensive things like this to defend themselves, to defend Americans who are present in their country. We all hope that this will reach a resolution in the near future. The Iranians are the ones who are stoking this fire. The Houthis are not helpful to us. But we need to help the Saudis defend themselves. So I would urge a ``no'' vote on this matter before us. I yield the floor.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Madam President, as a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each month I recognize and celebrate the American entrepreneurial spirit by highlighting the success of a small business in my home State of Idaho. Today, I am pleased to honor Trails West in Preston as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for December 2021. Trails West, renowned for its world-class craftsmanship and innovative designs, is the No. 1 manufacturer of horse, living quarter, and stock trailers in the United States. Founder Steve Reeder worked in RV manufacturing before returning to his hometown of Weston to raise his family. After several years of working on his family's farm, Steve saw an opportunity to revitalize a struggling local manufacturer. Armed with expertise in RV manufacturing and business acumen, Steve hired the former business' laid-off employees and established Trails West in 1987. Trails West manufactures with customer experience in mind. The company was one of the first to recognize women as the largest demographic of horse trailer owners, prompting them to incorporate consumer-friendly innovations into their designs. In addition, Trails West stands out in the industry by utilizing steel frames to deliver a long-lasting and reliable product to their customers. Thanks to their success and devotion to crafting the best trailers possible, Trails West has grown to employ more than 160 Idahoans and is recognized as the premier manufacturer of horse trailers in the country. While the company has gained national fame and recognition, Trails West has stayed true to its Idaho roots. Both the Reeder family and Trails West have donated generously to local schools, supported the construction of athletic facilities, and sponsored the purchase of books and playground equipment. Through their entrepreneurship and philanthropy, Trails West has become a testament to Idaho's thriving small business culture and shines as one of the State's many local gems. Congratulations to the entire Trails West team on being selected as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for December 2021. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. I object.

Mr. RISCH. Madam President.