Chuck Schumer

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 226, S. 1259.

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. I further ask unanimous consent that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

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

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

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 225, S. 516.

Mr. SCHUMER

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

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I have one request for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. It has the approval of the Majority and Minority Leaders. Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committee is authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate:

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session and vote for the confirmation of Executive Calendar No. 679, the nomination of John Chun, under the previous order.

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Now, Madam President, as President Biden begins the most important foreign trip of his Presidency, the best thing the Senate can do this week is pass permanent normal trade relation legislation so we can land another devastating blow on Putin's economy. In a few moments, I will ask the Senate for consent to do just that. Last week, the House passed legislation revoking Russia's normal trade relations with the United States by 424 to 8--424 to 8. The vast majority of House Republicans backed it, including Leader McCarthy and the Republican leadership. Here in the Senate, my friend, the senior Senator from Idaho, sincerely believes that we should amend the bill by including an oil ban. I don't believe we should do that. As I said earlier today, there are four reasons why we should move forward quickly on PNTR and then have a separate discussion on the oil ban. First, President Biden has already implemented a ban on Russian oil and gas, so passing something the President has already done is not even remotely as urgent as passing the PNTR first, especially because the President is leaving today and meeting with our European allies. What could be better than a united Senate putting further sanctions on Russia as the President meets with our European allies, where he has done a very good job of bringing them together? Second, there is still some disagreement, including with the administration, about how to best draft an oil ban proposal. There are some who worry that the proposal that my friend from Idaho is pushing would actually delay the ban on Russian oil compared to the President's proposal. This is a consequence no one wants. Third, it is so important we show unity right now as President Biden meets with our European allies. Swift Senate action, combining Democrats and Republicans with one voice supporting PNTR, would do just that. Finally, the House is not in session. Any changes we would make to the PNTR legislation by amendment delays enactment by at least a week. There is no reason--absolutely no reason--to change the PNTR legislation the House has already approved and delay action. Now, again I repeat: I am, Senator Wyden is, and all we Senate Democrats are willing to work with Senator Crapo on this issue, if he can agree to let the process move forward. So let me say again, PNTR has already been overwhelmingly passed by the House. It is a very important and logical step in the fight against Putin's barbaric war. We should move the House bill ASAP. Unanimous Consent Request--H.R. 7108 So, Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that at a time to be determined by the majority leader, following consultation with the Republican leader, the Senate proceed to the consideration of H.R. 7108, which is at the desk; that there be 4 hours of debate equally divided; and that no amendments be in order; that upon the use or yielding back of the time, the bill be considered read a third time and the Senate vote on passage of the bill; and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table without further intervening action or debate.

Mr. SCHUMER. I ask to dispense with further reading of the amendment.

Mr. SCHUMER. I have a second-degree amendment at the desk.

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

Mr. SCHUMER. I ask to dispense with further reading of the amendment.

Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, I have an amendment to the instructions at the desk.

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

Mr. SCHUMER. I ask to dispense with further reading.

Mr. SCHUMER. The clerk will report.

Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, I move to commit H.R. 4521 to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation with instructions to report back forthwith with an amendment.

Mr. SCHUMER. I ask to dispense with further reading of the amendment.

Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, I have a second-degree amendment at the desk.

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

Mr. SCHUMER. I ask to dispense with further reading of the amendment.

Mr. SCHUMER. I ask to dispense with further reading of the amendment.

Mr. SCHUMER. I have a second-degree amendment at the desk.