Mike Rounds

Mr. ROUNDS

Mr. ROUNDS. Mr. President, I have 4 requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders. Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: Committee on Foreign Relations The Committee on Foreign Relations is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Monday, May 20, 2019, at 5 p.m., to conduct a hearing Subcommittee on Airland The Subcommittee on Airland of the Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Monday, May 20, 2019, at 5 p.m., to conduct a hearing. Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support The Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support of the Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Monday, May 20, 2019, at 4 p.m., to conduct a hearing. Subcommittee on Strategic Forces The Subcommittee on Strategic Forces of the Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Monday, May 20, 2019, at 5:30 p.m., to conduct a hearing.

Mr. ROUNDS

Mr. ROUNDS. Mr. President, today I recognize Peter Petrasko, an intern in my Washington, DC, office, for all the hard work he has done on behalf of myself, my staff, and the State of South Dakota. Peter is a graduate of O'Gorman High School in Sioux Falls, SD, and Brown University in Providence, RI. He is currently pursuing his master of data science degree through Harvard Extension School. Peter is a dedicated and diligent worker who has been devoted to getting the most out of his internship experience and has been a true asset to the office. I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Peter for all of the fine work he has done, and I wish for his continued success in the years to come.

Mr. ROUNDS

Mr. ROUNDS. Mr. President, I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. ROUNDS

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

Mr. ROUNDS

Mr. ROUNDS. Mr. President, today I recognize Jessica Heinz, an intern in my Washington, DC, office, for all the hard work she has done on behalf of myself, my staff, and the State of South Dakota. Jessica is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign. She is currently pursuing her master of science degree in terrorism and security policy at American University. Jessica is a dedicated and diligent worker who has been devoted to getting the most out of her internship experience and has been a true asset to the office. I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Jessica for all of the fine work she has done and wish her continued success in the years to come.

Mr. ROUNDS

Mr. ROUNDS. Mr. President, I first thank my colleague from Montana for his powerful message. I can assure him that I believe strongly in the same approach as he does with regard to life. I rise to discuss an issue of vital importance to our society, and that is the intrinsic value of human life. Very shortly, every Senator will have an opportunity to stand up for human dignity and condemn infanticide when we vote on the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. This should not be a difficult vote for any of us. I believe in the value of every innocent human life, beginning at the moment of conception to natural death. Life is a gift from God that should be respected and treated with dignity from the very beginning to the very end. I have worked to enact pro-life policies throughout my time in public service based upon this principle. While working as Governor, I signed legislation to ban abortions in South Dakota, except when necessary to save a mother's life. ``Humanae Vitae,'' written by Pope Paul IV and later expanded upon in ``Evangelium Vitae,'' written by Saint Pope John Paul II the Great, teaches that there can be no true democracy without a recognition of the dignity of every person. It goes on to teach that respect and dignity must be given to each human life for true peace and freedom to exist. We must demand respect for the rights of all. This includes those in the womb, as well as mothers carrying a child who are facing difficult challenges. Both deserve our utmost compassion and care. While this should be common sense to everyone, we recognize that in this country there are individuals who are pro-life and individuals who are pro- choice. While I and millions of other pro-life Americans continue to work to end all abortions and support measures that strengthen the dignity of life, recent actions at the State level have been deeply troubling. Pro-choice individuals are actually now supporting measures that will allow doctors to commit infanticide even after a baby has been born alive. For example, last month, the State of New York repealed section 4164 of the State's public health law which provided protections for an infant born alive after a failed abortion. Subsequently, in Virginia, legislation has been introduced that would legalize abortion up to term and even after the birth has begun. In Rhode Island, the Governor has vowed to sign legislation legalizing abortion even after the child is viable. These examples of abortion extremism at its worst--radical, abhorrent acts of infanticide--should horrify all of us. While I am troubled by the thought of any baby being killed at any stage, at a bare minimum every one of us should be able to agree that infanticide--or the killing of a baby after it has been born alive--is unacceptable. This is a separate issue from abortion, which is abhorrent in itself. In the history of the world, the true test of a society is how well we treat the most vulnerable among us. That is why we must pass this legislation, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, of which I am an original cosponsor, and I would like to thank Senator Sasse for bringing this legislation forward. The Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act simply protects newborns who survive abortions by requiring appropriate care and admission to a hospital. When a failed abortion results in the live birth of an infant, our legislation makes clear that healthcare providers must exercise the same degree of professional skill to protect the newborn child as would be offered to any other child born alive at the same gestational age. A baby who survives an abortion deserves the same rights under the law as any other newborn baby and should receive proper medical care, not to be left to die or be killed. It is also worth mentioning that President Trump stood up for life during the State of the Union Address earlier this month, calling on Congress to pass legislation to prohibit late-term abortions of children who feel pain in the mother's womb. President Trump urged: Let us work together to build a culture that cherishes innocent life. And let us reaffirm a fundamental truth: All children--born and unborn--are made in the holy image of God. I couldn't agree more. All life is sacred. We must seek to protect and save lives whenever possible, however possible. I urge my colleagues to support the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. I yield the floor.

Mr. ROUNDS

Mr. ROUNDS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m., Wednesday, January 9; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; further, that following the leader remarks, the Senate resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S. 1; finally, that the Senate recess from 12:15 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly conference meetings.

Mr. ROUNDS

Mr. ROUNDS. Mr. President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that it stand adjourned under the previous order, following the remarks of our Democratic colleagues.

Mr. ROUNDS

Mr. ROUNDS. Mr. President, I understand there is a bill at the desk, and I ask for its first reading.

Mr. ROUNDS. I now ask for a second reading, and in order to place the bill on the calendar under the provisions of rule XIV, I object to my own request.

Mr. ROUNDS

Mr. ROUNDS. Mr. President, today I recognize Maj. Steven Fowler for all of his hard work on behalf of myself, my staff, and the State of South Dakota while working in my Washington, DC, office. Steven entered military service in 2004 and has devoted his career to the U.S. Air Force. Before his time in my office, Steven served as a full-time National Guard officer in the National Guard Bureau. He also received a master's degree in public administration from the JFK School of Government at Harvard University. Steven's experience and expertise have been a true asset to my office. I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Steven for his service to our country. I wish Steven, his wife Cara, and their daughters MaKenna, Alexandra, and Abigail all the best in the years to come. As he continues his career of service, he bears the esteem of a grateful State and my utmost gratitude for a job well done.

Mr. ROUNDS

Mr. ROUNDS. Mr. President, today I recognize Darren Hedlund, a legislative assistant in my Washington, DC, office for all of the hard work he has done for me, his colleagues, and the State of South Dakota. Darren is a native of Wall, SD. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of South Dakota before receiving his master of public and international affairs from the University of Pittsburgh. While working on his undergraduate degree, Darren also served as president of his fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha. Darren was one of the first people I hired after being sworn in as Senator in January of 2015. He began his career at the front desk in my office, answering phones. Through hard work and dedication, Darren worked his way up to legislative assistant, handling cybersecurity, Veterans Affairs, foreign affairs, telecommunication, and homeland security issues for my office. Darren has played an instrumental role in my office by providing insight and guidance into these issues. Darren has been a dedicated and faithful public servant during his time spent here in the Senate. I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Darren for the fine work he has done. I wish him and his wife Reagan well as they take on life's new challenges together. As he continues his career of public service, he bears the esteem of a grateful State and my utmost gratitude for a job well done.

Mr. ROUNDS

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

Mr. ROUNDS

Mr. ROUNDS. Mr. President, today I recognize Skyler Mansell, an intern in my Washington, DC, office, for all the hard work he has done on behalf of myself, my staff, and the State of South Dakota. Skyler is a graduate of the University of North Alabama in Florence, AL. Currently, he is pursuing his master of business administration with a concentration in finance at the University of North Alabama. Skyler is a dedicated and diligent worker who has been devoted to getting the most out of his internship and who has been a true asset to the office. I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Skyler for all of the fine work he has done and wish him continued success in the years to come.

Mr. ROUNDS

Mr. ROUNDS. Mr. President, today I recognize Matthew Reeves, an intern in my Washington, DC, office, for all the hard work he has done on behalf of myself, my staff, and the State of South Dakota. Matthew is a graduate of the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, AR. Later this year, he will complete his master of science degree in defense and strategic studies at Missouri State University. Matthew is a dedicated and diligent worker who has been devoted to getting the most out of his internship experience and who has been a true asset to the office. I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Matthew for all of the fine work he has done and wish him continued success in the years to come.

Mr. ROUNDS

Mr. ROUNDS. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Red Arndt of Luverne, MN, for his many years of leadership to the Lewis & Clark Regional Water System and his commitment to providing safe water to rural America. He became the public utilities director of Luverne, MN, in 1989 and soon heard about a proposal to bring water from the Missouri River in South Dakota to the surrounding States. At that time, many people believed it would be too expensive and could not be done. However, Red believed it was possible and needed more research and more support. He recommended that Luverne become one of the first members of the organization that would become the Lewis and Clark Regional Water system. The city council and mayor approved, and the dream of delivering safe and reliable water to rural towns and farms took its first step forward. It became Red's mission to make that dream come true. He became one of the only two original directors from 1990 who are still on the project's board and proudly shoveled the first dirt when construction began in 2003. Over the years, he made hundreds of trips to county, city, and community meetings and to legislatures in several States. He also took over 60 trips to Washington, DC. He would not let the dream die. He has worked vigorously for the project. He was vice-chairman of the board beginning in 1994 until becoming the board chairman in 2006. He is still the chairman. Because Red refused to let the Lewis & Clark project die, 14 member communities and rural water projects are receiving water through over 200 miles of pipeline for over 300,000 people across South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa. He has helped secure over $470 million in funding for Lewis & Clark. Red's incredible dedication was seen when he participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the water treatment plant in August, 2012. It was only 2 weeks after Red had open-heart surgery. At the ceremony, he was honored with the Lewis & Clark Trailblazer Award, which is the organization's highest honor. In May 2016, Luverne was connected to Lewis & Clark, and Red was given the honor of taking the first drink of water from the new system that he had worked so hard to create. The meter building in Luverne was also named in his honor. When Red is thanked for all of his hard work, he always says it was not him, but a true team effort, but everyone involved will tell you that Red's determination and leadership was the bedrock that led to success. I am one of those 300,000 people who are grateful for his dedication, and I am proud to call him my friend. I commend Red Arndt for his many great contributions and wish him the best as he continues to make the most out of the life God has given.

Mr. ROUNDS

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

Mr. ROUNDS

Mr. ROUNDS. Mr. President, I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. ROUNDS

Mr. ROUNDS. Mr. President, I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. ROUNDS

Mr. ROUNDS. Mr. President, I have 8 requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders. Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: Committee on Armed Services The Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, October 11, 2018, at 9:30 a.m., to conduct a hearing on China and Russia. Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs The Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, October 11, 2018, at 10 a.m., to conduct a hearing entitled ``Exploring the cryptocurrency and blockchain ecosystem.'' Committee on Environment and Public Works The Committee on Environment and Public Works is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, October 11, 2018, at 10 a.m., to conduct a hearing. Committee on Foreign Relations The Committee on Foreign Relations is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, October 11, 2018, at 10:30 a.m., to conduct a hearing on the following nominations: John Mark Pommersheim, of Florida, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Tajikistan, William H. Moser, of North Carolina, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Donald Armin Blome, of Illinois, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Tunisia, all of the Department of State. Committee on the Judiciary The Committee on the Judiciary is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, October 11, 2018, at 10 a.m., to conduct a business meeting and hearing on the following nominations: Jonathan A. Kobes, of South Dakota, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eighth Circuit, Kenneth D. Bell, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of North Carolina, Stephanie A. Gallagher, to be United States District Judge for the District of Maryland, Mary S. McElroy, to be United States District Judge for the District of Rhode Island, Carl J. Nichols, to be United States District Judge for the District of Columbia, John M. O'Connor, to be United States District Judge for the Northern, Eastern and Western Districts of Oklahoma, and Martha Maria Pacold, Mary M. Rowland, and Steven C. Seeger, each to be a United States District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois. Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship The Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, October 11, 2018, during the first vote, to conduct a hearing. Select Committee on Intelligence The Select Committee on Intelligence is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, October 11, 2018, at 2 p.m., to conduct a closed hearing. Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard The Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, October 11, 2018, at 9:30 a.m., to conduct a hearing.

Mr. ROUNDS

Mr. ROUNDS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that all postcloture time on Executive Calendar No. 938 be considered expired at 2:15 p.m., Tuesday, September 25; 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. ROUNDS

Mr. ROUNDS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to legislative session for a period of morning business, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Mr. ROUNDS

Mr. ROUNDS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 508, H.R. 2259.

Mr. ROUNDS. I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read a third time.

Mr. ROUNDS. I know of no further debate on the bill.