Tim Scott

Mr. SCOTT

Mr. SCOTT. Mr. President, I would like to say welcome home and thank you to our Vietnam veterans, our true American heroes, as our community honors their courage and allegiance today in Moncks Corner, SC. Their celebration, which took place on May 6, 2016, is one small way we can take the time to show gratitude and appreciation for the men and women who fought for our Nation. With one brother in the military and one recently retired after 30 years, I know firsthand the sacrifices our veterans and their families have made in order to protect and serve our amazing country. We should celebrate these heroes every day. It is our responsibility to say thank you in tangible ways, such as this party. The Vietnam war era was one of the most challenging in our Nation's history, and it is truly my honor to recognize the service of our brave veterans who sacrificed for our freedom. Their dedication will never be forgotten. You all put your lives on the line for our country, and because of people like you, I am proud to be an American. Thank you for your service. You deserve praise, recognition, and respect. God Bless America.

Mr. SCOTT

Mr. SCOTT. Mr. President, today I wish to honor one of South Carolina's most impactful ministries, the Fountain Inn Wesleyan Methodist Church. Celebrating 100 years of faith and teachings on April 24, 2016, the church has remained dedicated to its vision, ``To exalt Jesus Christ by Evangelizing the Lost, Disciplining Believers, Equipping the Church, and Ministering to the Community,'' and intends to continue on this path for years to come. Evangelist Rev. J.M. Hames first organized the church in 1916, and its official name, the Wesleyan Church, was obtained in 1968 following mergers with several other denominations. Following a tent revival meeting at the start of its history, the church began as a place of worship for workers and residents of the Woodside Mill Village community. It was later provided its permanent place of worship when the Woodside Mill company deeded the building and property to the Wesleyan Methodist Church. Despite many changes incurred over time, including the leadership of 21 pastors, the church has continued to serve the community without straying from its initial mission. The Fountain Inn Wesleyan Methodist Church has remained a consistent source of guidance for its community and has brought many individuals to know the Lord throughout its history. It is with honor and admiration that we recognize the Fountain Inn Wesleyan Methodist Church and its great impact, adding its legacy to our April 19, 2016, Congressional Record.

Mr. SCOTT

Mr. SCOTT. Mr. President, I congratulate Simmons-Pinckney Middle School in Charleston on a successful first year and thank everyone who has helped make the school a part of our community. Simmons-Pinckney's significance lies in its name. It was designed to honor State senator and civil rights leader, Reverend Clementa Pinckney, and a legendary blacksmith from Daniel Island, Mr. Philip Simmons. Reverend Pinckney was a servant of the people in the truest sense of the word and pastor at Mother Emanuel AME Church--where he lost his life while serving his ministry last June. Mr. Philip Simmons's beautiful ironwork is not only displayed throughout Charleston, but in the South Carolina State Museum, Smithsonian Museum, and all around the world. These two men symbolize what I believe schools should promote, dedication and a commitment to leading our State and country to a brighter future. Last year, Simmons-Pinckney Middle School opened to serve two purposes, and that is to remember the lives and legacies of these two amazing men and to ensure that each student receives the education they deserve. I am proud to welcome Simmons-Pinckney to the community as the newest middle school of the Charleston County School District. Congratulations again to Simmons-Pinckney Middle School on a successful first year, and I wish the students and teachers more productive years to come.

Mr. SCOTT

Mr. SCOTT. Mr. President, today I wish to honor one of South Carolina's veterans, Barry Lynn Coates. Mr. Coates recently passed away at the age of 46 on January 23, 2016, after a long battle with cancer. He became the voice for veterans across the nation as he fought hard to improve the Veterans Affairs medical system. He fought not for himself, but to improve the lives of all veterans suffering from delays in their medical care. About a year after first complaining to his doctors of pain, he was finally able to get a colonoscopy. Doctors discovered a cancerous tumor the size of a baseball. At that point he had stage 4 cancer, and it was only a matter of time before he was overtaken by the illness. He suffered for months. A simple medical procedure might have saved his life, but he found himself on a growing list of veterans waiting for appointments and procedures. Barry Lynn Coates was courageous in his fight against cancer and in his fight for other veterans to receive the care they deserve. Lynn is survived by his wife, their five children, five grandchildren, and a community that loved his bubbly personality and passion for pawn shops and for fixing things. He loved the beach, nature, his family above everything, and he lived for the service of his country. It is with pride and honor we recognize Barry Lynn Coates and his family today and add their legacy to our March 17, 2016, Congressional Record. We will never forget his sacrifice.

Mr. SCOTT

Mr. SCOTT. Mr. President, today I wish to honor one of South Carolina's great college presidents, Ms. Betsy Fleming. Ms. Fleming is the sitting president for Converse College. Converse College is a private master's university in Spartanburg, SC, providing a distinctive undergraduate liberal arts education for women and innovative programs for co-ed graduate study. President Fleming has decided to step down at the end of the semester after 11 years of leadership at the College. Through her leadership, Converse College has seen unprecedented growth and extraordinary success. Ms. Fleming has used her passion for the arts to make great strides at Converse, in Spartanburg and statewide. She is leaving quite a legacy in the endowment growth of the school, her decision to cut tuition by 43 percent, and the restructuring of the college to make it more financially sound. President Fleming's love and understanding of the arts community has also brought value to the students and faculty at Converse College, and she has personified what it means to lead. Her vigorous involvement in the college as well as at the local and State level are second to none, and she truly represents what it means to be an outstanding leader, president, and trailblazer. It is with pride and honor we recognize Ms. Betsy Fleming and her outstanding achievements today and add her legacy to our March 17, 2016, Congressional Record. We will always remember her admiration for the arts, for Spartanburg, and above all for Converse College.

Mr. SCOTT

Mr. SCOTT. Mr. President, I would like to honor and congratulate the Daniel Joseph Jenkins Institute for Children in North Charleston on their 125th anniversary. In 1891, the Jenkins Institute was founded as Jenkins Orphanage. In 1892, the institute was chartered by the State of South Carolina with the mission of providing a loving and secure home to many children, specifically orphans, in the community. The Jenkins Institute is an example of an organization that remains committed to the well-being of our community. For 125 years, they have opened their door to orphan children, regardless of their race or socioeconomic backgrounds. Today the institute continues to welcome those in need of a safe place to call home. They have shown tremendous faith through works of charity, and their honorable legacy will forever be appreciated. I acknowledge with pleasure the Jenkins Institute's influence in North Charleston and therefore recognize their service, dedication, and 125 years rooted in love and faith. Because of places like the Daniel Joseph Jenkins Institute, our children will have a brighter future ahead of them.

Mr. SCOTT

Mr. SCOTT. Mr. President, as we celebrate Black History Month, we remember so many trailblazers. From William Flora's heroism during the American Revolution, to Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King, the contributions of Black Americans throughout our Nation's history are great. But they are not limited to the names and stories we all know--every family has their legend, their groundbreaker. Growing up in North Charleston, SC, my granddaddy, Artis Ware, was my hero. He passed away last month at the age of 94, leaving our family saddened by his loss, but truly blessed by his life. I wanted to take this opportunity to share what my granddaddy meant to us, and how his legacy shows the true meaning of Proverbs 13:22--``A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children.'' My granddaddy was born in 1921 in Salley, SC. He grew up picking cotton and left school after the third grade. He did not let the lack of a formal education hold him back though, and as he grew up, he moved to North Charleston and eventually secured a job with the South Carolina Ports Authority. As a young kid, this was the granddaddy I knew, not one that let his circumstances hold him back or let his frustrations overtake his love for his family. After my parents' divorce, my mom, my brother, and I all moved into my grandparents' house--about 800 or 900 square feet and one bathroom. The three of us shared a bedroom--and were happy to do so. What I remember most about my granddaddy from this time was, on so many mornings, he would sit down at the kitchen table, have a cup of coffee, and leaf through the newspaper. He wanted us to see him reading, reinforcing the importance of doing well in school. It wasn't until years later that I learned he couldn't read. My cousin also loves to tell the story of how granddaddy would wake up to do the laundry at 4 a.m. and make sure everyone else got up and started working as well. That work ethic and dedication started to funnel down through the rest of our family and showed us all the importance of hard work. Granddaddy's messages worked--my brother recently retired as a command sergeant major after 30 years in the Army, my cousin is a preacher in North Charleston, and I eventually got my own act together as well. My nephew, grandaddy's great-grandson, has earned his undergrad from Georgia Tech, his master's at Duke, and is now headed to medical school at Emory. That is the power of a strong role model, someone who knows there is a better future out there for his family. In my granddaddy's lifetime, our family went from cotton to Congress, and I could never even pretend to thank him enough. He was the rock for our family--our trailblazer.

Mr. SCOTT

Mr. SCOTT. Mr. President, this week is an opportunity to highlight the importance of parental choice in education, and the success that children find when they are able to choose an educational pathway that suits their individual needs. Be it through public, charter, private, or home schools, as well as other forms of educational services that may be tailored to the educational needs of our kids, we should continue our work to provide students with a viable and proven route to a better education. In particular, I want to recognize my home State of South Carolina for our continuous work in expanding school choice initiatives. Since 2013, when South Carolina's general assembly enacted the Educational Credit for Exceptional Needs Children, which helps children with disabilities gain an education personalized to their own unique needs, South Carolina has been on the forefront of the school choice movement. That is clearly on display this week, as South Carolina's National School Choice Rally will feature its largest rates of participation yet, with over 3,000 parents, advocates, and students lending their voice and support to school choice. On the Federal level, I have submitted legislation to free up access to educational resources for America's least fortunate students. I have sponsored legislation that would make IDEA funds portable and create a school choice pilot program for military families, as well as bipartisan legislation with Senators Feinstein, Johnson, and Booker to reauthorize and improve the DC Opportunity Scholarship Program, the Nation's only federally supported school choice program. I believe we must continue this work to promote parental choice. Reforms to our educational system should empower parents and students, not bureaucrats, to choose the educational option that best meets their unique needs. Because when parents have better choices, their kids have a better chance.

Mr. SCOTT

Mr. SCOTT. Mr. President, this month Clemson University played in the national championship game against the University of Alabama. Although they did not bring the championship title back home to South Carolina this year, I would like to congratulate them on an outstanding season. They are certainly champions in my eyes and in the eyes of South Carolina. The Clemson Tigers football team ended their season with a 14-1 record, a reputation for one of the best offenses in college football, and an ACC championship. Coach Dabo Swinney has led this special group of young men to the top of the mountain, and all signs point to them staying at the top for years to come. Therefore, I recognize and congratulate the entire Clemson Tigers football team for all the hard work they put into a successful season. I look forward to another great season from the team this year. Go Tigers.

Mr. SCOTT

Mr. SCOTT. Madam President, today I wish to honor the life of Private Christopher J. Castaneda, of Fripp Island, SC, who died while serving his country on November 19, 2015, in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. In January of 2015, Private Castaneda made the noble decision to answer the call to serve by joining our Nation's Army at the age of 19 years old. Serving in the Army's 10th Mountain Division as an infantryman allowed Private Castaneda to excel and leave a unique legacy of honor. Since his enlistment, Private Castaneda has been honored with numerous awards outlining his commitment to our country, such as the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Army Achievement Medal. The legacy of Private Castaneda will undoubtedly continue through his mother and grandfather he leaves behind. It is with great pride and homage we recognize Private Christopher J. Castaneda. May we never forget his service and sacrifice to protect our country.

Mr. SCOTT

Mr. SCOTT. Madam President, today I would like to honor one of our Lowcountry World War II veterans, 96-year-old, CPL William B. Smoak. After the war, he was awarded multiple medals for his unmatched bravery on the field of battle. Corporal Smoak was a radio control operator during the war who called in multiple airstrikes on the frontlines. His commanding officer told him that he was the only one of the radio controllers who seemed to be able to keep the radio on the air and thus call in more strikes; and because of this, Corporal Smoak risked his life by volunteering to go to the frontlines daily rather than switching out with the other radio controllers--which is considered by all above and beyond the call of duty. In and out of the hospital battling malaria during the war and back in the States, he found out his commanding officer had put in for him to receive the Bronze Star. He was also awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal, the Honorable Service Button WWII, the marksman badge, and the carbine bar. It is with pride and honor that we recognize William B. Smoak and add his legacy to the Congressional Record. We will never forget his sacrifice.

Mr. SCOTT

Mr. SCOTT. Madam President, today I wish to acknowledge and honor the outstanding work of Mr. John R. Moore, Jr., of Anderson, SC, for his positive impact on the city. Throughout his over 30 years of exceptional duty, Mr. Moore has greatly enhanced the operations of the city through his hard work and dedication. John began his journey as a city employee in 1976 and has gone above and beyond the call of duty since then to be a positive addition to city leadership. Displaying a genuine passion to work toward improving the lives of Anderson citizens, John has dedicated much of his career to public service. Appointed to city finance director in 1983 and then to city manager in 1991, Mr. Moore has continually done his due diligence to produce great results. Mr. Moore has taken an active interest in the welfare of the community through his roles in the chamber of commerce, local YMCA, United Way, and other public service organizations. I acknowledge with pleasure the legacy of service Mr. John R. Moore will be retiring with and thank him for his efforts that will undoubtedly benefit the citizens of Anderson for years to come.

Mr. SCOTT

Mr. SCOTT. Mr. President, I would like to recognize the life and remarkable heroism of La'Darious Wylie, an 11-year-old boy from Chester, SC, who showed his love for his younger sister by saving her life. On October 27, La'Darious was standing at a schoolbus stop in Chester when he realized a car was heading toward his sister, Sha'Vonta McCrorey. His love for his sister led him to immediately jump in front of the moving car and push his sister out of the way. At that moment, La'Darious saved his sister's life. La'Darious sacrificed his life in order to save his sister's. This truly touched my heart and moved people across our Nation. La'Darious was brave and selfless during a dangerous situation, and his heroic act says a lot about who he was, even at such a young age: fearless, compassionate, and a leader. I had an opportunity to speak with La'Darious's mother, Liz McCrorey, and my heart aches for her, La'Darious's sister Sha'Vonta, and his brother Carlos Wylie. My prayers are with them. I ask that everyone will keep them in their thoughts as they continue to heal and grieve. I am positive La'Darious is in a better place. He was a true hero, and his family should be proud of that. Today I ask that we honor and celebrate his life. His courage and ultimate sacrifice should never be forgotten. God bless.

Mr. SCOTT

Mr. SCOTT. Mr. President, I would like to acknowledge Gregg and Peggy Nibert of Clinton, SC, for their dedication and willingness to provide children without families a loving and supportive home. Mr. and Mrs. Nibert have opened up their hearts and homes through their exceptional service for children in the foster care system. Since entering the foster care program, Gregg and Peggy Nibert have fostered over 38 young children. The couple's very first child was a victim of shaken baby syndrome and blunt force trauma, and after 2 years in their care, the Niberts successfully advocated the child's adoption, resulting in placement with an amazing family. Dedicating their lives to loving each child that has been placed in their home and extending their support toward fighting for political reform, the Niberts have been working toward providing foster care children with a voice and more rights within the legal system. The Niberts have been working on behalf of foster care children for years and have shown that love and care for others can change lives. Gregg and Peggy Nibert are an outstanding example of foster parents who have a burning passion and desire not just to provide a home for these children but to love unconditionally and fight relentlessly for them as well. I applaud Gregg and Peggy Nibert for their continued commitment and compassion toward helping foster care children.

Mr. SCOTT

Mr. SCOTT. Mr. President, for National Disability Employment Awareness Month last month, I congratulate and honor the Palmetto Goodwill in North Charleston, SC, for their outstanding commitment to service and work with the AbilityOne Program. In 1974, a small group of citizens in the Charleston area wanted to address the lack of opportunity for persons with disabilities. The Palmetto Goodwill of South Carolina has answered the call of service by becoming a part of the United States AbilityOne Commission network with their Champions Program. The Palmetto Goodwill has successfully implemented the Champions Program which aims to empower citizens of South Carolina that are blind or possessing a disability. Through providing employment opportunities, the Palmetto Goodwill is making strides to continue the mission of National Disability Employment Awareness Month throughout the year. Currently 85 percent of their employed staff is persons with a disability. I applaud the stellar work of the Champions Program and therefore recognize the Palmetto Goodwill.

Mr. SCOTT

Mr. SCOTT. Mr. President, in support of National Forest Products Week, I would like to recognize the more than 25,000 hard-working men and women employed by the forest products industry in the great State of South Carolina. With an annual payroll of almost $1.7 billion and an estimated value of products manufactured in the State exceeding $9 billion, the forest products industry is among the largest manufacturing sectors in my State and the largest valued agricultural crop. This is the 55th consecutive year that we are recognizing the forest products industry for its contributions to our economy and to sustainable manufacturing. The world has changed a lot since the first National Forest Products Week in 1960 and so has the industry. Over the last few years, with new advancements in lumber and mass timber technologies, the U.S. has begun innovative projects to build tall wood buildings. Over 17 tall wood buildings with over seven stories or more have been built around the world, which served as demonstration projects. Due to the success of these tall wood buildings, contractors and consumers are more confident than ever in the safety and high performance of these buildings. Additionally, with the right safety measures, tall wood buildings can be designed to meet and exceed fire safety requirements. Wood buildings are durable and can be designed to last a lifetime. Years of real-life experiences and research have shown that wood buildings can also withstand effects of major wind and seismic events. When designed and constructed properly, these structures are high performing and provide the necessary strength and ductility to preserve building function and provide life safety protection. Similarly, paper and packaging products have grown with the demands of a 21st century global economy. Made from a recyclable and renewable resource, paper and paper-based packaging transport food, medicine, and manufactured goods faster, further, safer, and more environmentally friendly than ever before. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating National Forest Products Week and reflect on the sustainable uses of America's forests and the important contributions they make to our economy and our national life.

Mr. SCOTT

Mr. SCOTT. Mr. President, I rise to speak about one of South Carolina's most amazing heroes, Greg Alia. I am here today to recognize that this young man--32 years young--lost his life yesterday. Yesterday morning, Officer Greg Alia was killed in Columbia, SC. I will tell my colleagues that Greg served his community with distinction. Yesterday afternoon, I had an opportunity to talk with Greg's wife, Kassy. Kassy's strength, as she spoke with someone she has never met about the love of her life--about her husband, the father of her little boy, Sal--was quite remarkable. Her thoughtfulness in this tragic time truly struck a chord with me and brought tears to my eyes as I listened to a wife describe the man she loves, a community leader, and someone who runs into danger when others are running away from danger. Greg was born and raised in Columbia, SC. He was a Columbia native. He went to high school at Richland Northeast High School. He graduated from the University of South Carolina. If Greg were here, I would say ``Go, Cocks'' because we understand and appreciate the importance of the University of South Carolina, especially in the Columbia footprint. More importantly, after high school, Greg wanted to find out what life was about. He had an opportunity to be a production assistant working on movies such as the latest version of ``Indiana Jones,'' as well as one of my favorite movies, frankly, ``Iron Man.'' Yes, ``Iron Man.'' Greg was offered a job with Marvel, the comic book folks. He had an opportunity to stay out of the State and do amazing things and have a lot of fun, but his heart was beating to come back home to South Carolina, to come back home to Columbia, so that he could serve the people of South Carolina. He wanted to be a police officer. He wanted to help people. Kassy told me that Greg would have had no regrets. To think about those words from his wife on the day her husband was murdered, Greg would have no regrets because he was doing what he was made to do: Protect people, serve people, sacrifice on behalf of people. Greg was the embodiment of bravery and heroism. Greg was doing what he was wired to do. His wife was so clear and so passionate about his desire to be the first on the scene, his desire to do everything possible to try to be helpful. Greg, like so many police officers across this Nation and, without question, across the great State of South Carolina, loved serving people. And he did so. He did so with great integrity, with amazing character. He knew his place in the world was making sure that his town, his city, our State, and our Nation are safer because he put on the uniform every single day. Today, we all stand in salute to Greg and make a promise to his wife Kassy that we will be there with her as she raises her son Sal. Our prayers and our thoughts are with the family. In closing, I would like to share a story that Kassy told me yesterday afternoon as I had the chance to speak with her. The story brought a tear to my eye, and I hope as my colleagues hear the story, it may even bring a smile to their faces. Greg worked the night shift, and when he would come home in the morning--Sal was around 6 months old and he was learning to sit up, and in the morning when Sal heard the police cruiser of his dad pull into the driveway, he would sit up and he would start smiling. He was feeding, and the milk, because of his big smile, would run down his face. Think for just a moment of that young man, Sal. He should have the opportunity to walk when he hears the cruiser coming into the driveway. He should have the opportunity to yell ``Daddy'' when he hears that cruiser coming into the driveway. So for that little boy and his mama, Kassy, and for the Forest Acres community, I stand here today saying thank you for every single thing Greg has done to make our State and our Nation a better place to call home. I say thank you to Greg for making the ultimate sacrifice that will never be forgotten. And I say thank you to Kassy for being such a powerful and strong woman in this amazing time of her need. We should pray for Kassy and Sal. Thank you, Mr. President.

Mr. SCOTT

Mr. SCOTT. Mr. President, I wish to thank my cosponsor, Senator Shaheen, for working with me on the PACE Act, without any question. I also would like to thank Senator Alexander for his kind remarks and specifically thank our leader, Senator McConnell, for making sure this bill had an expeditious path to the floor of the Senate. So often we hear in America that we can't get things done in the Senate, and because of your leadership, Senator McConnell, and because of the good work of Congressman Guthrie on the House side, as well as Senator Shaheen, we see we are going to have an opportunity to make sure that small business owners all across America are not more negatively impacted by ObamaCare. The decision we have made today to move this legislation forward actually will save, on average, about 18 percent--18 percent--of higher premiums that will not have to be paid by small businesses owners. Senator McConnell, thank you for your leadership. Senator Alexander, thank you for working with us on this very interesting process to get it to the floor as expeditiously as we have been able to do. With that, I thank both Senators for their hard work and dedication to this issue.

Mr. SCOTT

Mr. SCOTT. Mr. President, I would like to congratulate and honor Calvary Baptist Church of Charleston, SC, who will celebrate their 150th anniversary on October 10, 2015. In 1865, the Calvary Baptist Church was founded by Reverend Charles Smalls as the Baptist Church in Charleston. The church is known as a the founding member of the Baptist Education and Missionary Convention of South Carolina and Gethsemane, the first African American Baptist Association in South Carolina. Calvary was damaged, but not destroyed, by an earthquake in 1886, rebuilt after being burned down in April 1887, and repaired after a 1938 tornado. Commendably, Calvary Baptist Church has endured tough times, but still managed to greatly prosper. Calvary Baptist Church is an example of a group who remains committed to Christ and community. During the civil rights movement, the church fought for justice and equal opportunity. Their leadership has helped both the Charleston community and our beloved country march forward. Today, Reverend Arthur Evans, Sr., continues to lead the congregation with praise, love, and worship. Calvary has shown tremendous faith through works of charity, and their honorable legacy will forever be appreciated. I acknowledge with pleasure the church's influence in Charleston and therefore recognize their growth, success, and 150 years rooted in faith.

Mr. SCOTT

Mr. SCOTT. Mr. President, I am a proud pro-life Senator, and I stand on the floor of the Senate today with a gnawing feeling in the pit of my stomach. It is a feeling that comes with the knowledge that over the past 40 years more than 50 million Americans have not had the chance to have their feet touch the soil of our country. That is why I am thankful for the opportunity we have this week here in the Senate--an opportunity to celebrate life and to protect life, God's most amazing gift of all. I am proud to have joined my colleague and senior Senator from my State, Lindsey Graham, in introducing this version of the pain-capable legislation in the Senate. The studies are very, very clear that this legislation can save more than 18,000 lives each and every year. That is right, 18,000 lives each and every year. We aren't talking about anything other than the results of sound science. And because of that sound science, we know that at approximately 5 months babies can feel pain. We know that if a baby were to need prenatal surgery at that age, they would be given anesthesia. Why? Because that little life--that little life--feels pain. Yesterday, Senator Blunt gave name after name after name of babies born around 5 months who have gone on to live healthy and full lives. This is not about pro-choice or pro-life. It is simply about protecting ten fingers, ten toes, and one beating heart, and bringing the amazing gift of life. In our world, out of nearly 200 nations, only seven allow abortions on demand after 20 weeks--only seven out of 200 nations. Who is among the seven nations? China, North Korea, Vietnam, and the United States. Really? So while I may stand here today with a gnawing in my stomach, I also stand with hope--hope that we can take a massive step forward in protecting life--18,000 lives a year--by passing this important legislation. America is truly a great nation. So let's improve our reputation and not lower our expectations because, as John Winthrop said nearly 400 years ago, ``We shall be as a city upon a hill, the eyes of all people are upon us.'' Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that all time spent in a quorum call before the 11 a.m. vote be equally charged to each side.

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

Mr. SCOTT

Mr. SCOTT. Mr. President, I watched in absolute amazement as the Obama administration attempted to justify what is clearly a misguided gamble and a bad deal with Iran. We saw the signs of how bad this deal was almost immediately, as during the same speech in which he announced the deal, the President threatened to veto any legislation that opposed it. I have been a business owner. When you lead with threats, you typically are covering for a very bad deal, because when you are building support for your product--in this case the Iran deal--you don't tell the folks you are talking to who disagree with you that they are crazy. That is simply something you don't do when you have confidence in the deal. If you are leading with threats, you are showing your hand. The President is trying to bluff by holding a 2, a 5, an 8, and a 10, and we didn't even bring a fifth card to the table. I use a poker reference because that is exactly what the President of the United States is doing--gambling with our security, gambling with Israel's security, and, frankly, gambling with the future of the Middle East. He was also gambling that his National Security Advisor, Susan Rice, would not admit that the Iranian Government would use resources from lifting the sanctions to fund terrorists, but as we saw on CNN with Wolf Blitzer, she did. He was gambling that his own Press Secretary would not tell us that we should trust the Iranian Government because they would use ``common sense'' and use sanctions relief to help their economy and to help the Iranian people, but he did--even though we have seen no signs whatsoever previously that the Iranian Government cares about actually helping the Iranian people, and their horrific record on human rights has only worsened in recent years. The President is gambling that he could use international pressure to convince people he was on the right side of the issue, along with Russia and China, and by bringing the deal to the United Nations before the U.S. Congress, that would somehow show Congress the deal was acceptable--another bad gamble, but it didn't work. The longer we have to study the deal, the worse the deal gets. The longer the American people have to learn about the deal, the stronger their opposition becomes to the deal. There is not much good news as we look at this deal, as we look at the polling information 2 to 1 in opposition to the deal, the American people. Yet the President refers to those on the opposite side of the deal as crazies--referring to the American people, the vast majority of those folks around our country, so many of us, almost unanimously on the Republican side and even some good friends on the left. As I said earlier, the President gambles with our security, and we have seen how bad his hand truly is. As I suggested, he has a 2, a 5, an 8, and a 10--a 2 because Iran will be able to double their oil exports and therefore double their oil revenues, increasing by more than 1 million barrels a day--in other words, $15 to $20 billion of additional revenue to fund nefarious behavior in the Middle East. That is more terrorism in the Middle East; a 5 because, without any question, in year 5 of the deal they gain access to more weapons as the weapons embargo is lifted; an 8 because in year 8 of the deal Iran will be able to purchase ballistic missiles; and a 10--yes, a 10--because in year 10 Iran can begin installing advanced centrifuges for enriching uranium. Simply put, this deal legitimizes Iran's nuclear program and guarantees a timeline for Iran to secure the bomb. If Congress signs off on this deal, we can all take a big red pen and mark on our calendars almost the exact day that Iran will have a nuclear weapon. This isn't a Republican or Democratic issue. Just listen to some of the quotes from my friends on the other side of the aisle: ``The JCPOA, or Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, legitimizes Iran's nuclear program.'' Another quote: ``Whether or not the supporters of the agreement admit it, this deal is based on `hope'--hope is a part of human nature, but unfortunately it is not a national security strategy.'' And, finally, ``To me, the very real risk that Iran will not moderate and will, instead, use the agreement to pursue its nefarious goal is too great.'' In what the administration would call an exchange for this, we see the economic sanctions will be lifted, arms embargoes will be lifted, and Iran will have more money and more dangerous weapons to route to groups like Hezbollah and insurgents in Iraq--both groups responsible for the deaths of many American soldiers. That is not a gamble; that is the wrong direction at the wrong time, the wrong deal, and absolutely, positively, unequivocally not in the best interests of this country.

Mr. SCOTT

Mr. SCOTT. Mr. President, I would like to congratulate and honor Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC, for their 133rd anniversary. In 1882, Zion Presbyterian merged with the Central Presbyterian Church on Meeting Street, and a group from Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church purchased the Glebe Street property. They came together to organize a new congregation and named their church the Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church. It was founded under the leadership of Rev. N.B. Sterrett, D.D. Rev. John Taylor is currently the pastor at Mount Zion A.M.E. Mount Zion A.M.E. Church has greatly influenced the community with faith, peace and prayer. Their honorable legacy will forever be appreciated. On September 13, 2015, the Mount Zion A.M.E. Church will celebrate 133 years of remarkable worship. I acknowledge, with pleasure, the church's influence in Charleston, and therefore recognize their growth and success.

Mr. SCOTT

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

Mr. SCOTT. Mr. President, before I start my prepared remarks, I did want to note that today would have been the birthday of Pastor Reverend Clementa Pinckney, a friend of mine, who was the pastor of Emanuel 9, the Emanuel Church, the Mother Emanuel Church in Charleston, SC. Today being his birthday, I thought it would be a good opportunity to share with the public that we miss him. We thank God for the family and the amazing roles they have played in South Carolina and around this country. Certainly, as we tackle issues going forward, I think we should keep in mind, bear in mind, the civility, the grace, and the compassion we saw from Reverend Pinckney and the way he tackled issues with such an important ingredient to keeping our communities together. I hope as we discuss other challenging issues, we will have an opportunity to remember that civility, that notion that we are better together. The desire to build a bridge should be seen and displayed in the public forum as we discuss issues that sometimes pull at the very fabric of who we are as a nation. Safer Officers and Safer Citizens Act of 2015 Mr. President, I rise to offer a solution. I will tell you solutions are hard to find at times, but today I think I have found a solution that will help law enforcement officers and our citizens go home safely. That solution is body-worn cameras to be worn by our law enforcement officers throughout this country. Just yesterday, in Cincinnati, we were unfortunately given yet another example of how important body cameras are when they are worn by law enforcement officers. We, those of us who viewed the video, watched in disbelief as the officer shot the driver in the head. Difficult, difficult video to watch. Cincinnati officials said in their investigation of the death of Samuel Dubose, after being shot by the University of Cincinnati police officer, that body camera footage was invaluable. I want to say that one more time; that the police chief said, without any question, what allowed them to find conclusion, to actually arrest the officer, was the presence of a video that was undeniable. Unfortunately, we have seen too many of these incidents around the country. I will tell you that I struggle with this issue sometimes because I have so many good friends who are officers, who serve the public every single day with honor, with dignity, and amazing distinction. I am talking about guys and young ladies who put on the uniform with pride. I see that pride as I walk through the neighborhoods as I talk to folks. So many of our officers serve this Nation, serve their communities so well, keeping all of us safe, but sometimes, and too often we have seen recently, the videos suggest we have to take a deeper look. Our citizens deserve for us to take that deeper look. I think that without any question a body-worn camera will protect the public, but it will also protect the officer. That is why I am here today. I have said a couple of times that if they say a picture is worth a thousand words, then a video is worth a thousand pictures. Let me say that one more time. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a video is worth a thousand pictures. I believe strongly that an important piece of the puzzle to help rebuild trust with our law enforcement officers and the communities they serve is body-worn cameras. I say it is only one piece of that very important puzzle because I do not know that there is a single solution. I have looked for a panacea, but I do not know if there is a panacea. As a matter of fact, I think there is not a panacea, but there are many critical steps we must take to tackle an array of issues confronting the distressed communities and challenging circumstances, whether it is poverty, criminal justice reform or, as we have seen on the video, instances of police brutality. With body cameras, we have seen some amazing studies. At least one study has confirmed there is a 90-percent drop in complaints against officers. That is an astounding number, a 90-percent drop in complaints against officers. The same study shows there is a 60-percent drop in the use of force by officers. This should be good news for everyone on every side of the issue--if there are sides of the issue. I would suggest there are not sides to this issue. There is not a Republican side, there is not a Democratic side, there is not a Black side, there is not a White side, there is only a right side and a wrong side. If we can find ourselves in a position where officers go home at night to a loving family, arms wide open, and citizens within the community go home at night to loving families and warm embraces, that perhaps the body-worn camera by officers will make this happen more every day someplace in our country. With those sorts of numbers, how can we not figure out the best way to get these devices into the hands of our police officers? This does not even touch on the fact that when we ended up with the video, a very unfortunate video, on April 4, this year, my hometown, North Charleston, SC--a video of Walter Scott being shot in the back, it helped bring clarity to an incredibly painful situation. That is why, after months of meetings with dozens of police organizations, civil rights groups, privacy groups, and others, yesterday I introduced the Safer Officers and Safer Citizens Act of 2015. My goal is simple. It is to simply provide local and State law enforcement agencies with the resources to equip their officers with body-worn cameras. My legislation creates a dedicated grant program, fully paid for--I know there are those in the Senate, such as myself, who like those words ``fully paid for''--to help local law enforcement agencies purchase body cameras. I am opposed, very opposed, to any notion that we should federalize in any way, shape or form local law enforcement. I believe local law enforcement should be in charge of local law enforcement and State law enforcement should be in charge of State law enforcement. But if we can provide some tools, some resources, to make sure the situation I described earlier from a positive standpoint of an officer going home to their house and members of the community going home to their houses after having an interaction, if there is a solution and/or an opportunity to see that happen more often, we should go there. My grant program would provide $100 million over the next 5 fiscal years: $100 million each year, 2016 through 2021, and only requires a simple 25-percent match. It certainly suggests that we will give preferences to departments that are applying for grants. They will need to have their own policies in place regarding data retention, privacy requirements, and other areas because I believe local and State departments, as I have said, can best determine their own procedures around the body cameras. As States and localities around the country implement body-worn camera programs, I believe this is the best way we can help--not take over but provide that seed capital, the resources to start a brand-new conversation all over the country about how many lives have been saved, how many folks get to go home. I will say this on some other points. I had the privilege of speaking at the graduation of who I call my brother, who is the son of my mentor, John Moniz, who helped change my life when I was a kid on the wrong course for a long time--I had the privilege of speaking at Brian Moniz's graduation from the police academy just 2 years ago, July 18--a couple of years ago. He is an amazing young man who wants to serve his community. His brother Philip is also a fellow sheriff's deputy. So when I think about the words I am speaking today, I don't think about it in legislative terms, I think about it in terms of real places and real people, such as my brothers and others who want to serve the country. But I also think about it in terms of real people who have suffered through those violent interactions. I am thankful that cosponsors such as Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Cory Booker of New Jersey have joined me in making sure we start the conversation that I hope to continue with Senator Grassley on this important topic. I ask that we all remember the words of Mrs. Judy Scott, the mother of Walter Scott, who lost her son in my hometown of North Charleston. I have had the chance to speak to her on a number of occasions since the incident. She has taught me a lot. She has taught me the power of forgiveness. Very quickly afterward she showed no animus toward the officer. She was praying for the officer. She forgave the officer. But her request to me was a very simple request. It was simply that no more mothers have to unnecessarily bury their sons the way she did. That is a very simple request. I think my body camera legislation will help us achieve that goal. I believe this legislation will protect citizens and law enforcement officers. It will bridge the gap that seems to be growing in some communities around the country. It will provide resources without taking over local law enforcement. I believe this is critically important, and the sooner we get there, the better off our Nation will be.