Chuck Schumer

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, in a moment, I will file cloture on both the substitute amendment of the competition bill and on the motion to proceed to the House-passed legislation to create an independent commission to investigate and report on the attack of January 6, setting up a potential vote this week. On the competition bill, this legislation is the product of at least half a dozen Senate committees, working for months--months--in a bipartisan way. That means that every single Member of the Senate has had their fingerprints on it in one manner or another. The Senate has been making great progress so far this week. To borrow an expression that might appeal to my colleague and partner from Indiana, Senator Young, we are approaching the final straightaway of the race. We have completed a very efficient series of votes on six amendments this afternoon, five of which were sponsored by Republicans. That is in addition to four amendment votes we have already held and literally dozens--dozens--of bipartisan amendments that were added to the bill before it even reached the floor. This is regular order in action. Members on both sides have clamored that we bring bills to the floor, debate them, and ask for amendments. That is what is happening here. This is a bipartisan bill that came out of committees with overwhelming votes--21 to 1 in Foreign Relations and 22 to 4 in Commerce, with a lot of bipartisan input in both committees and throughout--and now we are debating it on the floor. I believe the depth of bipartisanship on this bill reveals two things: one, just how much of a hunger there is on both sides of the aisle to tackle the issue of American leadership in the 21st century. It also shows a hunger to work in a bipartisan way, and we hope that our colleagues will understand that as we seek now to invoke cloture on the bill after we do several more amendments. With the finish line in sight, we need to continue working together to see this bill through. As I said, we will consider a few more amendments tomorrow and Thursday, including a managers' amendment, before final passage. If both sides continue to work in good faith to schedule amendment votes, which has been the hallmark so far, there is no reason we can't finish the competition bill by the end of the week. And we will look for a signal from our Republican friends that, when we cooperate, we will move forward and not move to block or delay unnecessarily. Now, of this bill, again, I cannot say how important it is to the future of America. Investing in science and innovation has been a hallmark of why this country has led the world in economic growth, in good-paying jobs, in creating a brighter, sunnier, happier America. Our failure to invest could lead to a real decline--a cloudiness over America and its future. We have to move forward, and that is why this bill has gotten such great support. This is not a minor bill. Just because there is not partisan fighting doesn't mean it is not one of the most important bills we have passed in a very long time, and we will look back in history and say that this was a moment when America got a grip back on itself and moved forward after several years of languishing, at best. January 6 Commission I am also going to move to file cloture on the motion to proceed to the House-passed legislation to create an independent commission to investigate and report on the attack of January 6, setting up a potential vote this week. We all know the commission is an urgent, necessary idea to safeguard our democracy. What happened on January 6 was a travesty--a travesty. It risked America in ways we haven't seen in decades, maybe even in our history altogether. In the wake of January 6, unfortunately, too many Republicans in both Chambers have been trying to rewrite history and sweep the despicable attack on our democracy under the rug. If people believe the Big Lie-- if they believe that this election was not on the level, spread by the Big Lie of Donald Trump and his legions in the press--our democracy erodes. At the core of this democracy is the belief that we vote; the process is fair; and then whoever is fairly elected we respect as our leader. That has not happened for the first time in a long time. I so respect our two Republican colleagues on the other side of the aisle who say they will vote for this proposal. I hope many more will. We have to get it passed. Each Member of the Senate is going to have to stand up and decide: Are you on the side of truth and accountability or are you on the side of Donald Trump and the Big Lie? We cannot let this lie fester. We must get at the truth. We must restore faith in this grand, wonderful, beautiful, evolving experiment--the greatest democracy that has ever been seen on Earth. We can't let that go away. By sweeping all of this under the rug and by having so many people believe the lies, we could see the Sun begin to set on America. I hope that doesn't happen. I pray that doesn't happen. I don't believe it will happen because I believe we will rise to the occasion and get at the truth. Order of Business Madam President, now I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate resumes consideration of S. 1260 on Wednesday, May 26, the following amendments be called up and reported by number: Durbin, 2014; Kennedy, 1710; Sullivan, 1911; further, that at 12 noon tomorrow, Wednesday, May 26, the Senate vote in relation to the Sullivan amendment and at 2:30 in relation to the Durbin and Kennedy amendments, with no amendments in order to these amendments prior to a vote in relation to the amendment, with 60 affirmative votes required for the adoption, with the exception of the Sullivan amendment, and 2 minutes of debate equally divided prior to each vote.

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Let's hear it for Rand Paul for passing an amendment unanimously. Amendment No. 1507 to Amendment No. 1502

Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that all votes after the first be 10 minutes in length, and we are going to try to stick to it as best we can. So please, Members, we are trying to finish. We have six votes. We are trying to get them done.

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, on another matter, the Senate continues to work on the U.S. Innovation and Competition legislation that will lay the foundation for the next century of American economic leadership. I have spoken a lot about the substance of this bill. So, this morning, I want to reinforce how bipartisan and inclusive this bill is. It is the product of at least a half a dozen Senate committees, meaning that nearly every single Member of the Senate has had fingerprints on this bill in one way or another. The two pieces of legislation that form the core of the bill--the Endless Frontier Act and the Strategic Competition Act--passed out of committee on overwhelmingly bipartisan votes: 24 to 4 in the Commerce Committee and 21 to 1 in the Foreign Relations Committee. That kind of bipartisanship--almost unanimous support in multiple Senate committees--is rare when it comes to major legislation. It goes to show just how bipartisan this issue is and this legislation is as, literally, dozens of bipartisan amendments were added to the bill before it ever reached the floor. Here on the floor, we are going to continue working through a series of amendments from both sides. With such a depth of cooperation and consensus between our two parties, there will be no reason we can't wrap up this bill this week and achieve a strong result for our country. Leader McConnell should be welcoming this bipartisanship as we move forward on the bill.

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, on a final matter, later today, a group of Senators will come to the floor to highlight an important issue: DC statehood. The District of Columbia has more residents than in Vermont and Wyoming and has nearly the same number as Delaware, Alaska, and several other States. They have the same obligations of citizenship. DC residents pay Federal taxes. They can be summoned for juries. They have served in every war since the Revolution, but they are all denied real representation here in Congress. DC statehood is an idea whose time has come. So I want to thank Senator Carper for organizing a group of Senators to shine a spotlight on this issue today. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, a year ago today, on another front equally important, George Floyd was murdered in broad daylight by a police officer sworn to protect and serve. Our country was forever changed by the stomach-churning video of Derek Chauvin killing Mr. Floyd. It sparked a summer of protest unlike any we have seen in American history. Around the world, the name of George Floyd was chanted in Rome, Paris, and London, Amsterdam, Berlin, and Mexico City. As recently as this weekend, professional soccer players in the British Premier League knelt before the game in support of the global movement against racism touched off by George Floyd. This was not only a fight for justice for one man and his family, whom I have had the privilege to meet with, but a fight against the discrimination that Black men and women suffer at the hands of state power not just here in America but around the globe. It is a fight that continues today. Here in the Senate, we will continue that fight when we vote to confirm the first woman--the first Black woman--to ever lead the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, which was created in 1957 as the civil rights movement began to uphold the constitutional rights of all Americans but particularly the most vulnerable. When it comes to justice in policing, the criminal justice system, and at the ballot box, the Civil Rights Division is often the tip of the spear: conducting investigations of police departments with patterns or practices of constitutional violations and defending the fundamental voting rights of every American citizen. So, in a way, as we continue to pursue strong policing reform legislation, it is appropriate that we confirm Kristen Clarke--a proven civil rights leader--to the position of Assistant Attorney General, where she can continue the fight against bigotry in many ways. It is appropriate we do it today. Though my Republican colleagues have tried to twist her words to make her sound like some radical, Ms. Clarke is, in reality, a hugely accomplished civil rights attorney who has earned the respect of all sides. Much like her future colleague at the Justice Department, Vanita Gupta, Kristen Clarke has been endorsed by a wide range of law enforcement groups. The truth is, Ms. Clarke will make an exceptional leader of the Civil Rights Division. So, again, in a very significant way, as we continue to pursue strong policing reform legislation, the fight for racial justice by confirming Kristen Clarke on the anniversary of George Floyd's murder is particularly poignant and appropriate. Of course, Congress must also pursue strong legislation to end racial bias in law enforcement. Senators Booker and Scott, as well as Representative Bass and others, have been working diligently behind the scenes to fashion such a bill on a bipartisan basis. That important work must continue as we strive to ensure George Floyd's tragic death will not be in vain.

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, before I begin on the prepared remarks I have, I note that, this morning, Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican Congresswoman from Georgia, once again, compared preparations taken against COVID to the Holocaust. These are sickening, reprehensible comments, and she should stop this vile language immediately.

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Notwithstanding rule XXII, I ask unanimous consent that the filing deadline for first degree amendments to S. 1260 be at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 26.

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. I ask unanimous consent that the mandatory quorum calls for the cloture motions filed today, Tuesday, May 25, be waived.

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent the Senate resume legislative session.

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Finally, Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 26; 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 upon the conclusion of morning business, the Senate resume consideration of Calendar No. 58, S. 1260, as provided under the previous order; finally, that the Senate recess following the vote on the Sullivan amendment until 2:15 p.m.

Mr. SCHUMER

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

Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, yesterday was the last day that members of the National Guard were stationed at the Capitol. In the wake of January 6, they have all done us an extraordinary service providing an additional layer of security here. I want to thank everyone on behalf of the Senate and the entire Capitol Complex. It was never our intention to have an element of the U.S. military on guard at the Capitol for an indefinite period. It was always a temporary solution to a temporary security threat caused by the former President--a reality acknowledged by the House and Senate minority leaders in the immediate aftermath of January 6 but not much since. Going forward, we must establish and maintain a critical balance between security and access. The Capitol is a place that belongs to the people. We want visitors and tourists to be able to come and go. We want constituents to be able to meet their representatives and make their voices heard. We also have an obligation to make everyone-- Members, staff, media, employees of the Capitol--feel safe when they come to work. Our Senate committees and the new team at the Sergeant at Arms are working very hard to strike that perfect balance. We thank once again the National Guard for helping us protect this place during a very difficult period for our democracy. Business Before the Senate Madam President, now on Senate business, this week, the Senate will consider at least two nominations for important positions in the executive branch: Chiquita Brooks-LaSure to be the next Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid and Kristen Clarke to be the next Assistant Attorney General. Ms. Clarke would become the first woman and the first woman of color to formally lead the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division since it was established in 1957. I look forward to confirming both nominees this week. The Senate will also continue its work on the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act--the largest stand-alone investment in American science and technology in decades. With a once-in-a-generation investment in the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, the Department of Commerce, and other vital entities, this legislation will set our country on a path to outinnovate, outproduce, and outcompete the world in the industries of the future. As the week goes on, we will consider a number of amendments from both sides of the aisle, as well as a managers' amendment, to bring together a package of bipartisan changes to the bill. This is regular order in action. The bill itself is the product of at least six Senate committees and includes input from nearly every Member of the Senate. As promised, we are working in a bipartisan way and a much more open way than the Senate used to act to allow amendments and debate. When a bill passes 22 to 4 out of one of its major committees and 21 to 1 out of another, it is truly bipartisan, and we should be able to move this bill forward without any dilatory obstruction. With so much cooperation happening, I see no reason why we can't finish the legislation by the end of the week. So far, this bill has flown a bit under the radar, but it is an incredibly important piece of legislation. At its core, the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act is about maintaining America's role as the global economic leader. Few issues could be more important. Just because it may have its effect 2, 3, 4, 5 years from now and not the day after it passes doesn't mean that it isn't one of the most important pieces of legislation we could pass. The next century will be won or lost on the battleground of technological innovation. The country that leads the world in science and tech will create a generation of millions of good-paying jobs, economic growth, and prosperity for its citizens, with profound implications for national security as well. We want American workers, American businesses, and American values to lead the way in the 21st century, just as they did in the 20th century. That is what the Innovation and Competition Act is all about. I look forward to working with Members from both parties to complete this legislation by the end of the week. January 6 Commission Madam President, now on a final matter, the Senate will soon consider bipartisan legislation passed by the House to create an independent Commission to investigate and report on the January 6 attack on the Capitol. I have already taken procedural steps to make the legislation available for consideration on the Senate floor. I will bring the bill forward for a vote very soon. I will have more to say on that in the coming days. The formation of the Commission is more important now than it has ever been in the months since January 6. Washington Republicans have tried to rewrite history and recast the attack on January 6 as little more than peaceful protests that got out of hand. One Republican Member said the rioters were more like a group of ``normal tourists.'' Did you see the tapes? Did you see the films, America? Those were normal tourists? Another went so far as to say the mob--not the staff who were terrorized or the police who were brutalized--were the real victims of January 6. Give me a break. For the sake of our democracy, it is crucial to establish an independent and trusted record of what truly transpired. According to an Ipsos poll today, 56 percent of Republicans believe that the election was rigged, and 53 percent of Republicans believe that Donald Trump is the true President, not Joe Biden. That is what the Big Lie has caused. The majority of one of America's two major political parties doesn't believe our President is the actual President. Now more than ever, both parties must stand up to the Big Lie and shine a light on the truth of the 2020 elections and what happened on January 6. Yet it seems our Republican colleagues would rather avoid the subject entirely. The Republican leader, after moving the goalposts week after week, announced his opposition to the Commission, despite the fact that Democrats agreed to every single request made by the House Republican leader. One Republican Senator said this weekend that it was ``too early'' to establish a Commission. Another admitted that many Republicans opposed the Commission because they feared it would hurt the Republican message in the midterm elections. Talk about saying the quiet part out loud. The prevailing view among Republicans seems to be that we should sweep the Big Lie and all of January 6 under the rug like it never happened. Look, I am sorry that some Republicans believe that a bipartisan investigation of the attack on our democracy is inconvenient for their midterm campaigns, but the Democratic-led Congress of the United States is not going to sweep January 6 under the rug. We are going to vote on the January 6 Commission in the Senate, and the American people will see where every Member stands: on the side of truth or on the side of Donald Trump's Big Lie. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. If there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that it stand adjourned under the previous order.

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Madam 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. 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 when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m., Tuesday, May 25; 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, upon the conclusion of morning business, the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of Executive Calendar No. 117, Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, to be Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, postcloture; further, that all time on the Brooks-LaSure nomination be considered expired at 11:45 a.m.; that the Senate recess following the cloture vote on the Clarke nomination until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly caucus meetings; that if cloture is invoked on the Clarke nomination, all postcloture debate time be considered expired at 2:30 p.m.; and finally, that if any of the nominations are confirmed, 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. Madam President, I understand there are two bills at the desk due for a second reading en bloc.

Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, in order to place the bills on the calendar under the provisions of rule XIV, I would object to further proceeding en bloc.

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 231, submitted earlier today.

Mr. SCHUMER. 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. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 230, submitted earlier today.

Mr. SCHUMER. I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and 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 the Senate resume legislative session.

Mr. SCHUMER

Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.