Chuck Schumer

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, now on NATO, today the Senate will be voting on the resolution of ratification for the Finnish and Swedish applications to join NATO. This is a very important vote. The NATO vote is a very important vote for American security around the world. Finland's and Sweden's membership will strengthen NATO even further and is all the more urgent given Russian aggression, given Putin's immoral and unjustified war in Ukraine. Putin is strengthening the NATO alliance, and nothing shows it better than the vote we will have this afternoon. With the vote, the Senate will come together in a bipartisan manner and bolster the Western alliance in the face of growing authoritarianism. When Leader McConnell and I met with the Finnish President and the Swedish Prime Minister back in May, we made a commitment to get this done as quickly as possible before the August recess, and today we are keeping that commitment by working together. Despite the differences between both sides, I have always said that when the opportunity arises, Democrats would be willing to work with Republicans in a bipartisan way to get things done. In the past few weeks, we have seen an amazing string of bipartisan achievements--a bipartisanship that hasn't been seen--with the passage of so many important bipartisan bills in such a short time. Together, we secured a historic investment in American science and industry. We just passed the largest expansion of veterans' benefits in decades. We passed significant gun legislation. And, today, we will work together to bolster the NATO alliance. So, again, under Democratic leadership, we want to work in a bipartisan way whenever we can, but when we can't, we will move forward on issues like climate and prescription drugs that we feel are very important, which I will talk about in a minute. Finally, as I mentioned yesterday, I invited the Ambassadors and other diplomats from Finland and Sweden to join us in the Gallery during our debate and votes today. So let's get this done by this afternoon.

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, since its creation over 70 years ago, no alliance in human history has done more to advance the cause of freedom and democracy than NATO. Today, at a moment when democracy in Europe is under attack, as belligerent autocrats, like Putin, clamor for European dominance, the U.S. Senate is voting in overwhelming bipartisan fashion to approve Finland's and Sweden's accession to the NATO alliance. This is important substantively and as a signal to Russia that they cannot intimidate America or Europe. (Applause.) Thank you, Roger. Putin has tried to use his war in Ukraine to divide the West. Instead, today's vote shows our alliance is stronger than ever. I applaud the leaders of Sweden and Finland, who made a bold choice to depart from their long-held position with respect to NATO. I am confident they will be excellent partners in this alliance. I thank Leader McConnell. Back in May, we met with the Finnish President and the Swedish Prime Minister and promised to approve their accession as quickly as possible. Today, we are keeping that promise. I also want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for springing into action on this matter, especially Senator Menendez, the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, who did such a good job with his ranking member, Senator Risch, as well as Senators Shaheen and Tillis, who have been our leaders in reaching out to NATO, for their leadership roles. Senators Menendez and Risch ensured their committee acted quickly. On a broader note, in the past few months, we have seen an amazing string of bipartisan achievements in this Chamber--achievements rarely seen in such fast succession. We passed the first gun safety bill in 30 years, approved the largest investment in U.S. science and technology in generations, gave veterans the largest expansion of benefits in decades, and today, we are strengthening the NATO alliance. All of this, every bit of this, was done on a bipartisan basis. I have always said this Senate Democratic majority would be willing to work with the other side whenever possible, and these past months have been some of those moments. Finally, to the Swedish and Finnish diplomats who have worked for months to reach this moment, rest assured, you have many friends in this Chamber. We promise to get this done, and we will always, always stand by your side as allies defending each other. I thank my colleagues for their work. Madam President, I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 742, National Lobster Day, submitted earlier today.

Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate.

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that at a time to be determined by the majority leader, in consultation with the Republican leader, the Senate proceed to executive session to consider Calendar No. 1100, Roopali H. Desai, of Arizona, to be U.S. Circuit judge for the Ninth Circuit; that there be 10 minutes for debate, equally divided in the usual form, on the nomination; that upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate vote on the nomination without intervening action or debate; that if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table; that any statements related to the nomination be printed in the Record; that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action and the Senate resume legislative session.

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Finally, Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 12 noon on Thursday, August 4; 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; that upon the conclusion of morning business, the Senate proceed to the consideration of S.J. Res. 55, and that at 1:45 p.m. the Senate vote on passage of the joint resolution; further, that upon disposition of the joint resolution, the Senate execute the previous order with respect to the Desai nomination; finally, that if any nominations are confirmed during Thursday's session, the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask that it stand adjourned under the previous order, following the remarks of Senator Sanders.

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, this is a wonderful moment, especially for all the people who have made this happen who are observing it. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you.

Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, this long-awaited moment for our Nation's veterans is occurring now. The Senate is finally--finally--going to pass the most significant expansion of veteran healthcare benefits in generations. This is a very good day, a long-awaited day, a day that should have happened long ago. For decades, many of our Nation's veterans have endured a shameful reality. They went abroad to serve our country bravely, got sick from toxic exposure in the line of duty, but came home and learned they didn't qualify for the benefits they needed to treat their illnesses. It is shameful. It is infuriating. Today, we tell our veterans suffering from cancers, lung diseases, and other ailments from burn pits: The wait is over for the benefits you deserve. No more pointless delays on getting the healthcare you need. No more jumping through hoops and even hiring lawyers just to get an answer from the VA. Today, if you are a veteran--from Vietnam to Iraq, to Afghanistan, to everywhere in between--and you get sick from burn pit exposure or Agent Orange, you will finally be able to get your earned benefits guaranteed. I want to thank my colleagues from both sides of the aisle for working together to push the PACT Act over the line, especially Senators Tester and Moran, who were the original leaders of the bill, my colleague Senator Gillibrand from New York, and I thank in advance all my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who will vote for this much needed legislation. Importantly, I want to thank the many veterans, veterans service organizations, and advocates, like Jon Stewart and John Feal, who led a righteous, mighty movement to get this bill done. It wouldn't have happened without you. Especially, I want to thank the veterans who camped at the foot of Capitol Hill for the past few days, enduring scorching heat and drenching rain just to get to this point. They said they would never go home until they got this bill done. They are here. Well, I have good news. In a few minutes, after this bill passes, you can go home knowing the good and great thing you have done and accomplished for the United States of America. Because of them, veterans everywhere will finally get the dignity and care they deserve. The PACT Act is now going to the President's desk. I thank my colleagues for their work, and I ask for the yeas and nays. Vote on Motion to Concur

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, now, I am about to lock in an agreement that will allow the Senate to pass the resolution of ratification for the Finnish and Swedish applications to join NATO. Our NATO alliance is the bedrock that has guaranteed democracy in the Western World since World War II. This strengthens NATO even further and is particularly needed in the light of recent Russian aggression. When Leader McConnell and I met with the Finnish President and Swedish Prime Minister in May, we committed to do this as fast as we could and certainly before we go home for the August recess. With the help of Chair Menendez, Ranking Member Risch, Senator Shaheen, and Senator Tillis, we were able to get to this point. I appreciate their hard work and bipartisan work. I know Leader McConnell does too. For the awareness of my colleagues, I invited the Ambassadors from Finland and Sweden to join us in the Gallery during our debate and votes tomorrow.

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, I have some good news. The minority leader and I have come to an agreement to vote on the PACT Act this evening. There will be 3 amendment votes, a 60-vote margin on the Toomey amendment, on the Paul amendment, and on the Blackburn amendment, and then 60 votes for the bill. I am very optimistic that this bill will pass, so our veterans across America can breathe a sigh of relief. The treatments that they deserve and have needed but have been denied by the VA because of all kinds of legal barriers and presumptions will now be gone. Veterans who were exposed to the toxic fumes of burn pits will be treated by the VA like they should have been from the very beginning. So this is good news. It took us a while to get here, but I am grateful for the bipartisan cooperation and support that will allow us to move forward today. And a little bit more good news: The fact that we can finish PACT today gives us a real opportunity to do the treaties that will allow Finland and Sweden to join NATO. And that can happen tomorrow if we can come to a time agreement. I am very hopeful that that can happen as well. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that at 4 p.m. today the Senate proceed to legislative session and resume consideration of the House message to accompany S. 3373, with the time until 5 p.m. equally divided; further, that it be in order to consider and vote in relation to a Paul motion to concur with amendment No. 5184, a Toomey motion to concur with amendment No. 5186, and a Blackburn motion to concur with amendment No. 5185; that at 5 p.m., the Senate vote in relation to the motions in the order listed; that following disposition of the motions to concur with amendments numbered 5184, 5186, and 5185, the motion to refer and the amendments pending thereto and the motion to concur with amendment No. 5148 and the amendment pending thereto be withdrawn and the Senate vote on the motion to concur in the House amendment to S. 3373; that the Paul, Toomey, and Blackburn motions and the motion to concur be subject to a 60-vote affirmative threshold, with 2 minutes for debate, equally divided, prior to each vote; and that all votes after the first vote be 10-minute votes; all without intervening action or debate.

Mr. SCHUMER. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, over the last 5 days, we have seen what President Biden and a Democratic-led Congress are focused on getting done: bringing terrorists to justice, lowering costs, reducing inflation and the deficit, helping out our veterans, and better competing with countries like China. I want to begin with a word on last night's strike. Last night, President Biden reported that the United States conducted a strike that targeted and killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, the notorious mass murderer, the leader of al-Qaida, and one of the sick planners of the September 11 attacks, which in New York and around the country and the world we are still mourning. The strike against al-Zawahiri is a major victory for the United States. It will make our country and the entire world a safer place. It will also help bring an element of justice for the 9/11 families, as well as the many Americans who still carry the scars deep within. I applaud President Biden for bringing final justice to this loathsome murderer who orchestrated the killing of thousands of my fellow New Yorkers, including some people I knew quite well. I also want to thank the President's national security team for keeping Congress fully and currently informed throughout the process. Finally, I want to applaud the skill and bravery of our dedicated intelligence community, servicemembers, and diplomats who work day and night--day and night--to keep America safe. This successful mission will send a chill down the spines of terrorists all over the world and likewise will send a clear message to those who wish to cross our Nation and harm our citizens: You will find no comfort. You will find no quarter. You can run, but you can't hide. We will hunt you down to the ends of the Earth until justice is carried out.

Mr. SCHUMER

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

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. And so now, I ask unanimous consent that on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, at 1:30 p.m., the Senate proceed to executive session to consider Calendar No. 5, treaty document 117-3; that the treaties be considered as having advanced through the various parliamentary stages up to and including the presentation of the resolution of advice and consent to ratification; that there be 3 hours for debate, equally divided between the two leaders or their designees, on the treaties and resolution of advice and consent to ratification; that the only amendments in order to the resolution of advice and consent to ratification be the following: Sullivan 5191, Paul 5192; that following the debate, the Senate vote in relation to the amendments in the order listed; and that upon disposition of the amendments, any committee conditions, declarations, or reservations be agreed to as applicable, and the Senate vote on the resolution of advice and consent to ratification as amended, if amended, with no intervening action or debate; that if the resolution of advice and consent to ratification is agreed to, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table; that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action, and the Senate then resume legislative session.

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, now I ask unanimous consent that the Senate be in a period of morning business for debate only and with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. I ask that the committee-reported substitute amendments be agreed to; that the bills, as amended, be considered read a third time and passed; that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate, all en bloc.

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 2992 and H.R. 6943 en bloc and the Senate proceed to their immediate consideration en bloc.

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 421, S. 3860.

Mr. SCHUMER. I further ask the committee-reported substitute amendment be withdrawn, the Cortez Masto substitute amendment at the desk be agreed to, the bill, as amended, be considered read a third time and passed and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate.

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 422, S. 4003.

Mr. SCHUMER. I further ask that the committee-reported substitute amendment be withdrawn; the Cornyn substitute amendment at the desk be agreed to; the bill, as amended, be considered read a third time and passed; and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table, with no intervening action or debate.

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, the Senate gavels in for what will be a very consequential week for this Chamber and for our country. Later today, we will vote on the nomination of Elizabeth Hanes to serve as district judge for the Eastern District of Virginia. If confirmed, she will be the 75th judge this Senate majority has confirmed since the start of President Biden's term. In the coming days, the Senate will also finish its work passing the PACT Act, the largest expansion of veteran healthcare benefits in decades and a piece of legislation that should sail through this Chamber with overwhelming bipartisan support. Over the past few days, the Capitol steps have been the site of something we should never see in this country: dozens of veterans braving heat and heavy rain, protesting through the night, demanding that the Senate take action on their healthcare benefits. They are there right now as we speak. No veteran who has sacrificed for our country should ever have to resort to spending the night on the Capitol steps to secure their benefits, but sadly, in this case, they have. It is unfortunate that our Republican colleagues chose to block quick passage of this bill last week even though this is the exact same piece of legislation many of them supported in June, with one small technical fix. In the coming days, we are going to give Senate Republicans another chance to do the right thing, to work with us so we can send this bill to the President's desk ASAP. Since 9/11, nearly 3\1/2\ million veterans have been exposed to toxic burn pits in the line of duty, leading to complications like cancer, lung disease, and other illnesses, but instead of getting the care they need without delay, many veterans have had to hire lawyers and jump through hoops. They have to sue the Veterans' Administration to get the help they deserve and need, incurred as they served our country in dangerous places like Iraq and Vietnam. Is that incredible? They have wasted years fighting the VA just to get the care they need when they should have spent that time treating their illnesses. It is equally parts tragic and infuriating. Our veterans have already given their all to defend our Nation from threats abroad. They shouldn't have to fight a second war here at home just to get the healthcare benefits they rightfully deserve. These brave Americans sacrificed everything. They risked life and limb. The very least we can do as a country is ensure they receive top care. I urge both sides to work together to quickly pass the PACT act so we can send it to the President's desk ASAP.

Mr. SCHUMER

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

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate consider the follow nominations: Calendar Nos. 1078 through 1093 and all nominations on the Secretary's Desk in the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force; that the nominations be confirmed en bloc; that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate; that no further motions be in order to any of the nominations; and that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.