Chuck Schumer

Mr. SCHUMER

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 Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. SCHUMER

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 President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I send a cloture motion to the desk.

Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the mandatory quorum calls for the cloture motions filed today, May 12, be waived.

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

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 President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I move to proceed to executive session to consider Calendar No. 802.

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I send a cloture motion to the desk.

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I have five 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:

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, yesterday, the American people saw for themselves the glaring contrast between Democrats, who will fight to protect women's rights to make decisions about their own bodies, and MAGA Republicans pushing to send mothers and doctors to jail and institute nationwide abortion bans. With Roe on the brink of elimination, this issue will not go away. As Americans vote later this year, they will choose between radical MAGA Republicans, who want to get rid of Roe, push national bans on abortion, and even throw doctors and women in jail, or pro-choice Democrats, who will protect a woman's right to make her own decisions when it comes to her body. Let me say that again. The contrast facing the American people is now simple: Either elect more MAGA Republicans, who want to push for sweeping national bans on abortion, or support pro-choice Democrats, who will protect a woman's rights to make her own decisions about her body. Either elect more MAGA Republicans, who want forced pregnancies and who champion bans without exceptions even for rape or incest, or support pro-choice Democrats, who will protect a woman's right to make her own decisions. Either elect more MAGA Republicans, who want to prosecute and even imprison women and doctors for carrying out abortions--and mere friends who give rides to clinics--or support pro-choice Democrats, who will protect a woman's rights. Americans are going to see that contrast again and again and again as Democrats keep highlighting this very important and vital issue. And as much as Republicans will try to deflect, distort, or distract, the unbendable truth is that their anti-women views are wildly out of step with the American people. Just look at what is happening across the country. Democrats across the country are confidently highlighting their support for a woman's right to make her own choices; and while the MAGA Republicans may want to brag about their plans for a nationwide abortion ban and sending women and doctors to jail, the clear majority of Americans disagrees with that extremist position. That is why Republican campaign committees are urging their candidates to avoid the subject of abortion--because they know their views are out of step. Again, Democrats across the country are now talking about this issue, even doing campaign ads about this issue. The Republican spinmeisters are telling their colleagues to avoid the issue. So it is obvious to everyone who is on what side. Republicans can run but can't hide from the horror they have created. Yesterday's vote was only one step, not the end, of our fight to protect women's rights. This issue will keep coming back up again and again and again between now and when voters go to the polls later this year.

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 am offering this unanimous consent on behalf of myself and Leader McConnell. Let me explain the unanimous consent. As the war in Ukraine extends into its third month, we have a moral obligation--a moral obligation--to stand with Ukraine in its fight against Putin's immoral war. Earlier this week, the House passed a Ukraine package with overwhelming bipartisan support. It should be no different here in the Senate. The package is ready to go. The vast majority of Senators on both sides of the aisle wants it. There is now only one thing holding us back. The junior Senator from Kentucky is preventing the swift passage of Ukraine aid because he wants to add, at the last minute, his own changes directly into the bill. His change is strongly opposed by many Members from both parties. He is not even asking for an amendment; he is simply saying: My way or the highway. When you have a proposal to amend a bill, you can't just come to the floor and demand it by fiat. You have to convince other Members to back it first. That is how the Senate works. If every Member held every bill in exchange for every last little demand, it would mean the total and permanent paralysis of this Chamber. The junior Senator from Kentucky knows that perfectly well. He knows that is not how this Chamber works. Again, when you have a proposal to change a bill, you have to convince Members to support it. The junior Senator from Kentucky has not done that. So right now, in conjunction with Leader McConnell, I am giving Senator Paul an opportunity to do just that. I am offering to hold a vote on his amendment, even though I disagree with it. Let the Chamber speak its will. Let both sides of the aisle have input. And, for Heaven's sake, let's get Ukraine funding done ASAP. We must keep our promise to the people of Ukraine, and I hope the junior Senator from Kentucky does not stand in the way of keeping that promise. If Senator Paul persists in his reckless demand, we will not allow him to insert his language into this bill without a vote, and all he will accomplish is to singlehandedly delay desperately needed Ukraine aid. I yield to the Republican leader.

Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, on behalf of myself and Leader McConnell, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to legislative session and proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 366, S. 4190, Senator Kennedy's bill on Ukraine oversight; that the bill be considered read a third time and the Senate vote on passage of the bill; further, that upon disposition of the Kennedy bill, the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 368, H.R. 7691, a bill to provide aid to Ukraine; that the only amendment in order be the Paul amendment, which is at the desk; that the Senate vote on the Paul amendment with 60 affirmative votes required for adoption; that the bill be read a third time and the Senate vote on passage of the bill, as amended, if amended; and that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table, all without intervening action or debate.

Mr. SCHUMER. Reserving the right to object, it is clear from the junior Senator from Kentucky's remarks, he doesn't want to aid Ukraine. That is not the case for the overwhelming majority here. Again, all he will accomplish with his actions here today is to delay that aid, not to stop it. It is aid that is desperately needed by a valiant people fighting against authoritarianism and defending democracy. So I will not modify it.

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I move to proceed to Calendar No. 368, H.R. 7691.

Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I send a cloture motion to the desk.

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I move to proceed to executive session to consider Calendar No. 798.

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I send a cloture motion to the desk.

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I move to proceed to legislative session.

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I move to proceed to legislative session.

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I move to proceed to executive session to consider Calendar No. 799.

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I move to proceed to legislative session.

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate consider the following nominations: Calendar Nos. 704, 720, 866, and 867; that the Senate vote on the nominations en bloc without intervening action or debate; that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate; that any statements related to the nominations be printed in the Record; that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action; and that the Senate resume legislative session.

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 3 p.m., Monday, May 16; 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; that upon the conclusion of morning business, the Senate resume consideration of the motion to proceed to Calendar No. 368, H.R. 7691, a bill to provide aid to Ukraine; further, that the cloture motions filed during today's session ripen at 5:30 p.m.

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. 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.