David Vitter

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, in closing, I refuse to simply stand by and reward jurisdictions around the country with Federal funding, with taxpayer funds, when they are in clear violation of the law and are actively making our communities more dangerous rather than safer. I have offered similar versions of this legislation many times in the past. We cannot wait any longer to tackle this problem head-on. While President Obama continues to let the world know he will not be enforcing the current immigration laws or taking action against these jurisdictions, we here in Congress have an absolute duty to act otherwise. I believe this legislation will absolutely benefit all Americans by keeping us safe here at home. I strongly urge all of our colleagues to support it in votes tomorrow on the Senate floor. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on October 19, 2015, at 3 p.m., in room SH-216 of the Hart Senate Office Building, to conduct a hearing entitled ``S. 2123, Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act of 2015.''

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, absolutely we are ready to go, and I want to join my friend and colleague Senator Udall. I want to join the chairman of the committee, Senator Jim Inhofe, and urge all of us to come together, as we have been doing over these many months, and actually pass a good solid bipartisan TSCA reform effort. It was over 2 years ago that I sat down with the late Senator Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey in an attempt to find compromise and work together on updating the drastically outdated Toxic Substances Control Act, what we are talking about and sometimes known as TSCA. Updating this law was a long-time goal and passion of Frank's, as has been noted, and I am saddened he is not here today to see it finally moving forward because he worked so hard for that. After Frank's passing, Senator Tom Udall stepped in to help preserve Frank's legacy and continued working with me to move bipartisan TSCA reform forward. But in the time since, Senator Udall and I have worked tirelessly to ensure the bill substantively addresses the concerns of our fellow Republican and Democratic colleagues as well as concerns and ideas from industry and the environmental and public health communities. If you need any evidence of this being accomplished, look no further than the 60 bipartisan cosponsors of this bill--60 bipartisan cosponsors--as well as endorsements from groups ranging from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, the American Chemistry Council, the Environmental Defense Fund, the March of Dimes, and the Humane Society. The Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act was created to balance the needs of the regulatory bodies, the chemical industry, and the affected stakeholders in an effective and transparent way. Our bipartisan legislation ensures that Americans will have the certainty they deserve that the EPA is overseeing the safety of chemicals in the marketplace without stifling industry's success and innovation. That work has been a long time in coming, as many of my colleagues have noted, but it is here, and now we need to move forward. We have a moment of opportunity we need to act on, and I urge all of us to come together here on the floor and get this done now. In our work in the Senate, these opportunities don't come a dime a dozen. They do not come every day. They are here before us right now, and so I urge all of us to act. We have virtually unanimous agreement about a way to move this through the Senate on an extremely short time frame. The only issue is Senators Burr and Ayotte and their desire to have a vote on a completely unrelated piece of legislation. I am completely sympathetic to their wanting a vote, but we have an agreement otherwise to deal with TSCA on the floor in 2 hours and move it through the Senate. So we must take up this opportunity in an effective, bipartisan and responsible way, and I urge all of us to do that. I look forward to doing that in the very near future, and I thank again everybody who has worked so tirelessly on this, including my lead Democratic partner in this effort, Senator Tom Udall. With that, I yield the floor.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, too often our days are filled with news of worldwide violence and hardship. It is during these times that it is especially important to recognize those communities that find ways daily to celebrate life, family, and culture. Today, I would like to recognize Lafayette, LA, a city that goes above and beyond to distinguish itself as a cultural crossroads and one of the happiest places to live in America. According to a 2014 report by the Wall Street Journal's MarketWatch, the top five happiest cities in America are all located in Louisiana, with Lafayette taking the top spot. For anyone who has ever visited this jewel of south Louisiana, the recognition will come as no surprise. Lafayette is located in the heart of Louisiana's Cajun and Creole country--an area known for its upbeat music, flavorful foods, and for letting the good times roll. Each and every day, Lafayette's rich, unique history and culture can be seen throughout the streets of the city and the personalities of its residents. Entertaining, educational events are scattered throughout the calendar year, ensuring guests from around the world are shown a slice of the Lafayette way of life. Festivals such as the Festivals Acadiens et Creoles, held every October, provide an opportunity to experience the one-of-a-kind food, music, and traditions that the Lafayette region has to offer. Another annual Lafayette festival, the Festival International de Louisiane, attracts folks from across the State and the region in celebrating the intriguing history and culture shared between Louisiana and the Francophone world. Lafayette is truly like no other place in the world; just ask any of its residents. With renowned food, music, and festivals, it is no wonder the population of this southern paradise always has a reason to smile. Congratulations again to Lafayette, LA, on the recognition of being the happiest place to live; and I wish you many more successful, happy years building and growing south Louisiana.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, American musicians play a large role in the cultural development of our Nation's history, and much of that success is due to the local small businesses responsible for providing the equipment and instruction musicians need. This week's Small Business of the Week has an expert staff that is dedicated to serving all kinds of musicians. Congratulations to Lafayette Music Company of Lafayette, LA, for being selected Small Business of the Week. The Lafayette Music Company is a 60-year-old family-owned business that has continuously provided musicians in their community with excellent equipment and instruction. Built in 1955 by Mr. William C. ``Bill'' Peyton, the Lafayette Music Company initially focused on the sale of pianos and organs. When Mr. Raymond J. Goodrich joined the sales team in 1967, he expanded the company's focus to include servicing additional instruments, including the brass family. Under Mr. Goodrich's management, the Lafayette Music Company developed a band department, catering to schools in the Acadiana region of south Louisiana. Mr. Goodrich's affable approach to securing a local consumer base offered a unique and personalized level of assistance that was unrivaled in the area. After working as a salesman and sales manager for 6 years and part owner for 3 years, Mr. Goodrich purchased a majority of the company's shares to become the primary owner. Today, Mr. Goodrich and his wife, Karen, provide beginner, intermediate, and expert musicians with a diverse product selection. The Lafayette Music Company offers a wide array of the latest guitars, drums, band instruments, accessories, pianos, church organs, and more, as well as an in-house repair department that has been in service for more than 80 years. Additionally, the Lafayette Music Company boasts an astonishing customer service record that has ranked them in the top 100 largest music products retailers by The Music Trades magazine for 3 consecutive years. Mr. Goodrich and his wife, Karen, provide entrepreneurs across the Nation with an inspiring example of how pursuing a business plan with unrelenting vigor and creativity is the key to success. Centered in an area of the country with world-renowned music and an incomparable heritage, the Goodrich family has secured the business of a community of musicians with specific needs. Congratulations again to Small Business of the Week, Acadiana's own Lafayette Music Company.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, Louisianians are committed to preserving the traditions that make us profoundly unique as a State and as a nation. This is especially true in the Louisiana Purchase's oldest city Natchitoches, LA, home to Small Business of the Week, the Judge Porter House Bed and Breakfast. Nestled in the Cane River National Heritage Area, the Judge Porter House Bed and Breakfast offers a unique experience to its guests. Built in 1912, the establishment originally served as the home of ``Judge'' Thomas Fitzgerald Porter and his wife, Wilhelmina. While not an actual judge, judge Porter was a prominent figure who worked at the parish courthouse, and during the course of his life, he enjoyed the honorary title. Over the next few decades, the home was sold to various families who contributed to the effort of restoring the property to its original state. By 1987, while in the care of Mark Rachal and his wife, Sharon, they remodeled the interior and revamped the landscaping for the home's grand reopening in 1996 as a part of the Natchitoches Historic Foundation's Annual Fall Pilgrimage. Today, under the management and care of Charles LaCaze, Jr., the 3,000-square-foot property incorporates many turn-of-the-century architectural elements throughout its five guest rooms, two parlors, and the Queen Anne-style gallery that wraps around the house. Each year, the Judge Porter House Bed and Breakfast hosts guests from around the Nation. Located in downtown Natchitoches, LA, visitors can walk to various local restaurants and shops, as well as visit nearby national parks and fish hatcheries after enjoying a traditional southern-style breakfast. Congratulations to Judge Porter Bed and Breakfast for being selected as Small Business of the Week. Thank you for your commitment to the preservation of Louisiana's rich history.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, the folks who commit their lives to nursing people back to health provide tremendous benefit to their communities. Whether it is physical or speech therapy, providing community members with hope during a difficult time is a noble act, and one that is greatly appreciated, especially when those community members are children. This week's Small Business of the Week employs folks who provide therapy sessions to adults and children alike. I would like to recognize Melanie Massey Physical Therapy as Small Business of the Week for their commitment to providing exceptional health and therapy services to children in Monroe, West Monroe, Ruston, and Shreveport, LA. Louisiana native Melanie Massey began her career as a physical therapist upon graduating from Louisiana State University School of Allied Health Sciences in 1993. Shortly after graduation, Melanie began working at LSU Medical Center in 1994, spending the majority of her time tending to wound and burn victims. However, she soon realized pediatric care was her passion. In 1995 with only 2 years of physical therapy experience, Melanie opened her own practice. Under the motto ``Joyfully use your gifts to brighten the lives of others,'' Melanie began spending one-on-one time with her young patients, developing unique relationships with her clients and building a strong reputation attractive to patients and parents seeking top-notch therapy centers for their children. As her clientele grew, so did her staff. Melanie has hired over 20 therapists and opened three more centers across north Louisiana within a few years of opening her business. Pediatric patients enjoy a multitude of events hosted by Melanie's clinics, such as boy's and girl's movie night and a summer camp that specializes in teaching handwriting, friendship building, and sensory integration. Today, the Melanie Massey Therapy team consists of full-time physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists, as well as a full billing department that allows patients to receive the necessary care upon arrival worry free. Melanie Massey Physical Therapy maintains a hopeful spirit and high- energy staff that continuously motivates their patients in reaching their recovery goals. Furthermore, Melanie encourages her staff to continue their education while employed in her physical therapy centers, ensuring her staff can be among the most highly trained therapists in north Louisiana. The ability to help her patients overcome some of the most challenging hurdles in their young lives serves as an inspiration to all entrepreneurs who devote themselves to the well-being of their customers. Congratulations to Melanie Massey Physical Therapy and her team for being recognized as this week's Small Business of the Week.

Mr. VITTER

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

Mr. VITTER. Madam President, I rise to urge all of our colleagues, Republicans and Democrats, to strongly oppose the proposed nuclear deal with Iran and to effectively block it for the sake of the country and our national security by supporting the motion of disapproval on the Senate floor. I have served in the Senate and the House for about 15 years. It has been an enormous honor and a serious responsibility. I have taken it very seriously. When I think through all of that service, all of the votes we have cast, all of the debates we have had, I cannot think of any more serious than the issue we are debating and voting on here, the Iran nuclear deal. Maybe there are a few that rank in a similar way-- after 9/11, starting that effort to root out terrorists and to oppose those who inflicted massive death in our country--but there is none that is more important and more significant because this deal, this issue goes to the fundamental security of America, our future. Are we going to be free from the threat of attack with nuclear weapons by a wildly radical and unstable regime? It does not get more basic, more serious than that. The first point I want to make is that this is a dead-serious issue because the consequences do involve life or death, massive numbers of lives or deaths. So if there is any debate, any vote that should be completely devoid of partisan political considerations, it is this one. I urge all of our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to leave the partisanship at the door. This is way more important than that. I would hope that would be obvious. With that in mind, it is troubling that President Obama has tried to make this a partisan debate. He has actively, obviously sought to inflict partisanship into it, I think simply because that is the way he thinks he can hold enough Democratic votes on his side. I think that is really a shame. I hope everyone proves him wrong in terms of the nature of the debate and vote we have in this important body. When you look at the agreement, at the specifics of the agreement--I will not go into all of the weeds and all of the issues. I could spend days alone on that. But I do want to focus on two key considerations that are absolutely top in my mind. The first is the very premise and outcome of the agreement because we have gone from a negotiation that was supposed to be about preventing Iran from ever developing nuclear weapons to a discussion of when they are going to do it. We have gone from if to when. This agreement ensures that they will have the ability to get there even if they live under the full terms of the agreement, and obviously there is a concern, which I will get to in my second point, that they won't. This puts our nuclear nonproliferation policy, including the nonproliferation treaty, which has been the cornerstone of our policy regarding the proliferation of nuclear weapons and particularly in the Middle East for 45 years--this throws it out the window. This puts it on its head. With this agreement, the United States has agreed that at the end of a timeline, Iran has full authority to enrich uranium, will be completely within its rights to do so with no fear of economic or political repercussions by the major powers, full authority for them to go against 45 years of standing nonproliferation policy. So what started as strong action, including meaningful sanctions that were having an impact to make sure Iran never got nuclear weapons, now concedes that they will get there; it is simply a debate about when. That is at the core of this agreement. That is at the core of the reason we all must say no and pass the motion of disapproval. If there is any region of the world where we need to maintain this tough nonproliferation policy, it is the Middle East. This agreement obliterates that. Iran won't be the only new nuclear power over time. There will be a race among Middle Eastern countries to develop nuclear weapons because Iran is going to get one. That is inevitable, in my mind. The second major point I want to make--the second major issue is verification, our ability under the agreement to see that Iran lives by it. First, as I said, even under the agreement, we are conceding their ability to develop nuclear weapons. That is absolutely wrong. But then within the agreement, we also have nothing near the tools and the assurances we need with regard to verification every step of the way. Iran has proved over and over that they will violate these sorts of agreements, that they will lie. International agencies have caught them in those lies, including the IAEA. That agency and others have noted the difficulty of verification in dealing with Iran. Then we get to this agreement, which makes that difficulty move from significant to monumental. There are lots of details we could look at, but the single most telling is the detail that is in a side agreement between Iran and the IAEA that we are not allowed to read. We are having this debate. We have to vote on this motion of disapproval. Yet we are not allowed to read this critical side agreement which goes to the heart of the ability of the world to verify compliance. I brought up this fairly basic issue a few weeks ago when Wendy Sherman, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, testified before our committee on banking and urban affairs. I asked her point- blank: This side agreement between the IAEA and Iran, have you read it? She answered: Yes. I will be honest with you, I am not certain if that is true, but she answered yes. Then I asked her: Am I, as a representative of the people of Louisiana, allowed to read that agreement? She answered through nonresponses: No. I asked her: Do you have to vote on this agreement in your responsibility? No. But I do; correct, Ms. Sherman? Yes. But I don't get to read this critical side agreement with regard to verification that goes to the heart of our ability to make sure Iran is even following these rules, as lax as they are? Again, through her nonanswer, the answer was clear: No, I don't get to read it. The Presiding Officer does not get to read it. Nobody in the Senate who is voting on this gets to read it. Nobody in the House of Representatives who is voting on this gets to read it. Forget about any slight on the Presiding Officer and me and others personally. It is not about that. We are here to represent the people. I am here to represent the people of Louisiana. I cannot read what we are voting on? That is absolutely ridiculous. Then, to add insult to injury, come press reports about what we are not allowed to read. Of course, the most significant were the press reports from several weeks ago from the AP saying that this side agreement had an extremely unusual provision with regard to inspections at at least one of Iran's most sensitive military facilities--the biggest concern we have probably in all of Iran. In at least that most sensitive military facility and perhaps others, Iran gets to collect the samples. Iran gets to choose and control those who do. The IAEA, the international community, and America do not and are not allowed on site. That just does not pass, I would say, the laugh test. But it is a very serious matter. That is like someone like Alex Rodriguez collecting his own urine and mailing it in. That does not work at a basic level. Yet that, according to very credible reports, is in this side agreement that, oh, by the way, we are not allowed to read. For all of these reasons, for our security, for our kids' future, for freedom around the world, for Israel's security, for nonproliferation in the Middle East so that we do not have an explosive Middle Eastern nuclear arms race, we must pass this motion of disapproval. Again, this goes way beyond politics. This is about our physical security, our kids' and grandkids' future. We must all come together, look at the substance of this, and do the right thing. That certainly involves invoking cloture on this motion so we go to a final vote. I believe that clearly involves passing this motion of disapproval. I urge all of our colleagues to do exactly that. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, today I honor Martin Gutierrez, division director for Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans and the recipient of the 2015 Excelencia Award as a Community Leader by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana. Martin grew up in the New Orleans area, graduating from Chalmette High School and going on to receive a degree in business administration and management from the University of New Orleans. While still in high school, Martin took a job at a local bank where he continued to work for the next 14 years. Following his banking career, he became the executive director of the Hispanic Apostolate of New Orleans. While there he supported the work of 16 church parishes that offered a ministry targeted to the Hispanic community. In 2007, he became the director of Immigration/Refugee Services and Hispanic Outreach for Catholic Charities in New Orleans. Since then, he has served as the executive director for Neighborhood Community Services and as vice president for Community Services Ministries. He was named division director last year and in that role he manages a number of programs that include a staff of around 100 people and a budget of approximately $7 million. In addition to his work with Catholic Charities, Martin is also involved in a number of other community organizations. He serves on the board for the New Orleans Family Justice Center, UNITY for the Homeless, Puentes New Orleans, and ASI Federal Credit Union. He has also participated in training with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office Citizens Academy, New Orleans Police Department Citizens Academy, and the FBI Citizens Academy. In 2006, he received the Galvez Cut from the New Orleans Hispanic Heritage Foundation in recognition of his work in the Hispanic community and in 2010, he was presented with the Role Model Award by the Young Leadership Council. I am pleased to join with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana to recognize Martin Gutierrez as an outstanding community leader.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, I wish to honor the Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce for being awarded the 2015 Louisiana Chamber of Commerce of the Year Award. The Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce is made up of more than 500 members from across Livingston Parish, representing a wide range of businesses including small mom-and-pop shops to large corporations. While serving the interests of more than 20,000 employees of local businesses, the chamber of commerce has worked to make Livingston Parish one of the fastest growing parishes in the State. Their exemplary hands-on approach to support members of the community is evident through programs such as ``Leads for Lunch'' and ``Breakfast on the Run,'' events designed to allow members to promote their businesses and encourage referrals for other chamber members. One of the most distinctive aspects of the Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce is its commitment to supporting and training local students and educators. Through scholarship opportunities, Student of the Month awards, and other educational programs, it is clear the chamber of commerce recognizes the importance of training the business leaders of tomorrow. Additionally, all members of the chamber can feel confident knowing they will have ample opportunities to learn from their peers, connect with members of the community, and network with local officials. By providing such a strongly interconnected business community, the Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce has proved to be vital in the success of its local economy. It is my honor to recognize the Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce for their unwavering service to the local business community and for being an exemplary role model for the rest of the State and country.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, in the wake of the recent tragedy in Lafayette, I wish to recognize Coco Eros Clothing Boutique and Design Studio as Small Business of the Week for their efforts in supporting the Lafayette community. Small businesses are created by entrepreneurs who not only have a passion for their companies, but also have love for their community members. In the days after the July 23, 2015, shooting at the Grand 16 Movie Theater in Lafayette, LA, Coco Eros sought to support the victims' recovery and families by selling a necklace designed by Mayci Breaux, who lost her life in the tragic attack. Mayci was an employee at Coco Eros and was preparing for a career as an ultrasound and radiology technician. The proceeds of her design--the Mayci necklace--will go to the families of the victims. It is my honor to recognize the thoughtfulness of the folks at Coco Eros through this week's Small Business of the Week. Coco Eros was founded in 2009 by fashion enthusiasts Monica Broussard and Emily Adams, whose goal is to share their love for clothing and accessories with local customers. The locally owned and operated boutique prides itself on its friendly and personable shopping experience. With a sofa to lounge on and helpful staff on hand, the store is a community staple contributing unique and trending fashion and accessories. Monica and Emily focus on fashion-forward clientele, carefully selecting trend-conscious labels and styles. Coco Eros features popular, contemporary clothing lines like Trina Turk, Paige, La Bella Vita, and Joie. The store provides in-store alteration services, and co-owner Emily designs and creates original, customized dresses. Monica and Emily take advantage of social media opportunities as well, with popular Facebook and Instagram accounts that feature Emily's original designs and happy, well-dressed customers. At Coco Eros, the goal is to promote good style and self-confidence for each customer. Congratulations again to Coco Eros for being selected as Small Business of the Week. We appreciate your thoughtful contributions to the Lafayette community.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, in the wake of the recent tragedy in Lafayette, I wish to recognize Red Arrow Workshop as Small Business of the Week in memory of co-owner Jillian Johnson, who lost her life in the July 23, 2015, shooting at The Grand 16 Movie Theater in Lafayette, LA. Jillian Johnson and her husband Jason Brown spent years ``planning, plotting, and scheming'' before opening Red Arrow Workshop in August 2012. Jillian was well-known for her creativity, kindness, and generosity, which translated directly into the success of her family- owned small business. Red Arrow Workshop is a locally owned-and- operated gift, apparel, accessories, and toy shop showcasing a variety of products unavailable anywhere else in Acadiana. The shop also showcases the local, specialty t-shirt line Parish Ink--of which Jillian was a creative partner. After 2 successful years in Lafayette, she and Jason expanded their thriving business, opening a second shop on Magazine Street in New Orleans, LA. Beloved by locals and cited by many as an artistic staple in the community, Red Arrow Workshop hosts a thoughtfully curated, ever- changing collection of American-made, fair-trade, handmade, and eco- friendly items--including products of several talented south Louisiana artists. The shop's Louisiana-themed items are some of their most popular, with artistic representations of the Mississippi River and State silhouettes covering a collection of prints, paintings, stickers, and home goods. Red Arrow also sells a collection of quirky books, fabrics, and paper goods. It is my honor to designate Red Arrow Workshop as Small Business of the Week. Small businesses are created by entrepreneurs who not only have love for their companies, but also have love for their community members. Jillian and Jason have contributed to the Lafayette community with their earnest and enthusiastic entrepreneurial spirit. Together we are all ``Lafayette Strong.''

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Madam President, I would like to take a moment to express my sincere disappointment in Planned Parenthood's apparent disregard for human life. As a father of four and a strong advocate for the sanctity of life, I am deeply disturbed by reports of the gruesome and inhuman actions being performed by Planned Parenthood and their affiliates. I am proud to be a lead coauthor of Senator Ernst's bill that we are considering today to defund this organization and hope my fellow Senators will put the sanctity of life ahead of any political interests. Last year, Planned Parenthood received $528 million in taxpayer funding, or more than $1.4 million per day, accounting for 41 percent of Planned Parenthood's overall revenue. Although the organization claims to use this funding to provide necessary health services to women, the fact is that abortions made up 94 percent of Planned Parenthood's pregnancy services in 2013, while prenatal care and adoption referrals accounted for 5 percent and 0.5 percent, respectively. Given our current fiscal climate and the level of division among Americans on this issue, there is no justification for continuing to subsidize Planned Parenthood's profitable venture with taxpayer dollars. It is time for big abortion businesses like this one to be investigated and defunded. Senator Ernst's bill, of which I am very proud to be a lead co- author, would prohibit Planned Parenthood, or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, successors, or clinics, from receiving any Federal funds. Instead, funds that are currently offered to Planned Parenthood would be available to other eligible entities to provide women's health care services, including diagnostic laboratory and radiology services, well- child care, prenatal and postnatal care, immunizations, and cervical and breast cancer screenings. The sanctity of human life is a principle that Congress should proclaim at every opportunity. The time has come to respect the wishes of the majority of Americans who adamantly oppose using taxpayer dollars for abortions by denying Federal funds to these abortion providers. I strongly encourage the support of my fellow Senators on efforts to defund Planned Parenthood and protect these innocent babies from being the target of Planned Parenthood's gruesome practices.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, I unequivocally support the passage of a 3-month extension to the Federal highway program. I would like the Record to reflect my support for the 3-month extension, as well as for a long-term highway bill. Unfortunately, I will be notably absent for the vote on the 3-month extension--but not without just cause. A week ago today, Lafayette, LA--a vibrant, wonderful city in the heart of Acadiana--was rocked by a senseless tragedy that took the lives of two of its residents. I believe it is imperative Louisianians come together as a community, and I will be in Lafayette today to stand with and support family members of the victims. Earlier today, the Senate passed its version of the highway reauthorization bill, known as the DRIVE Act. With the passage of the DRIVE Act and the 3-month extension today, the Senate has laid the foundation for Members of both Chambers to work together and produce a long-term highway reauthorization bill.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, I wish to take a moment to express my disdain for the reprehensible actions of Planned Parenthood and my support for the defense of all the unborn babies subject to this group's immoral practices. Thanks to the Center for Medical Progress, the Nation has quickly been made aware that Planned Parenthood affiliates across the country have been modifying their abortion procedures for the specific purpose of preserving organs from the fetuses being aborted in exchange for compensation. In the video released this week, a former procurement technician explains how the procurement of certain body parts warrants a higher level of compensation, stating: ``If you can somehow procure a brain or a heart you're going to get more money than just [an . . .] umbilical cord.'' As a father of four, and a strong advocate for the sanctity of life, I am deeply disturbed by reports of these gruesome and inhumane actions. However, Planned Parenthood currently continues to receive funding from hard-working taxpayers, many of whom also find their practices deplorable. Between fiscal year 2010 and fiscal year 2012, Planned Parenthood received an average of $500 million per year, totaling $1.5 billion. On top of these high levels of federal funding, Planned Parenthood has made a profit every year since 1987. Given our current fiscal climate and all our talk of the need to cut excessive and wasteful spending, there is no justification for continuing to subsidize their profitable venture with taxpayer dollars. It is time for big abortion businesses like Planned Parenthood to be investigated and defunded, and I have taken several actions to do just that. For the last three congresses, I have been the Senate sponsor of the title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act. Title X is a grant program that has unfortunately become a large subsidy for abortion providers that claim to provide family planning and women's health care services. My bill, S. 51, would prohibit the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from providing this Federal funding to an entity or their affiliate that performs an abortion. I have also signed on to two letters regarding needed investigations into this matter. In one letter, I joined 49 fellow senators to request that Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell immediately begin a ``thorough review of the compliance of the Department and Planned Parenthood--one of the Department's grantees-- with all relevant and applicable Federal statutes, regulations, and other requirements.'' In a second letter, I joined 10 Senators in asking both Secretary Burwell and Attorney General Loretta Lynch to conduct a full investigation into Planned Parenthood to determine if the organization violated Federal law. Lastly, I am supporting a bill introduced by Senator Joni Ernst that would prohibit Planned Parenthood, or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, successors, or clinics, from receiving any Federal funds. Instead, funds that are currently offered to Planned Parenthood would be available to other eligible entities to provide women's health care services, including diagnostic laboratory and radiology services, well- child care, prenatal and postnatal care, immunizations, and cervical and breast cancer screenings. The sanctity of human life is a principle that Congress should proclaim at every opportunity. The time has come to respect the wishes of the majority of Americans who adamantly oppose using taxpayer dollars for abortions by denying Federal funds to these abortion providers. I strongly encourage the support of my fellow Senators on efforts to defund Planned Parenthood and protect unborn babies from being the target of these gruesome practices.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Madam President, I come to the Senate floor sadly, in light of this tragedy, to join my colleague Senator Cassidy in expressing these heartfelt thoughts. We rise today to express our deepest sympathy for the victims of this horrible shooting in Lafayette. The hearts of all of Lafayette and Louisiana go out to all of the families involved in this tragic incident. As Senator Cassidy suggested, we lost two enormously talented, unique, and irreplaceable individuals, and we certainly pay tribute to them. As Senator Cassidy suggested, Mayci was a student at Louisiana State University, full of life, full of hope, full of promise. She was studying to become an ultrasound and radiology technician. She was scheduled to begin her training just a few days after her tragic death. She was at the movies with her boyfriend, Matthew Rodriguez, who was among the nine wounded. Jillian was the owner of Parish Ink, a T-shirt printing company specializing in old Acadiana verities. She and her husband also owned the Red Arrow Workshop, a gift and toy shop in Lafayette. She also was full of life, full of talent, full of vigor and happiness. She played the ukulele and guitar for The Figs, an all-female sextet from Lafayette. These are two individuals who are completely irreplaceable, and they will be sorely missed. I also join Senator Cassidy in recognizing and thanking the heroic actions of those two teachers from Jeanerette High School in Iberia Parish, Jena Meaux and Ali Martin. According to several reports, Ali jumped in front of Jena to shield her from the shooting, very likely saving her life; it caused the bullet to hit Jena's leg instead of Ali's head. Ali was shot in the leg in the process. Despite her injuries, Jena courageously pulled the fire alarm, alerting the whole movie theater and certainly saving lives. So we pay tribute and remember them as well. We also pause and remember and continue praying for the recovery of nine other individuals who were wounded in that horrible incident: I mentioned Matthew Rodriguez, the boyfriend of Mayci Breaux; Morgan Julia Egedahl; Dwight ``Bo'' Ramsey and his wife Gerry--cousins of Congressman Boustany, by the way, and good friends of mine and Senator Cassidy's; Ali Viator Martin, an English teacher at Jeanerette Senior High School, and Jena Legnon Meaux, whom I mentioned as true heroes in this incident. On Saturday evening, Lafayette residents gathered downtown to honor particularly the two victims who lost their lives. During the vigil, one Lafayette resident certainly stated it well: We can't let evil win. We as a community have to rise above that and move forward. Well, we do, but as we do, Senator Cassidy and I rise today to honor the victims, to remember them--particularly Mayci and Jillian--and to certainly recommit ourselves to the important work at hand, including regarding mental illness, as Senator Cassidy suggested. We have prepared a Senate resolution commemorating the victims of this horrible event. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 231, submitted earlier today.

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

Mr. VITTER. Madam President, again, we all hold these families, particularly the two victims and their families, in our prayers and our continuing thoughts and our love. It was a horrible incident. But I know the community of Lafayette well, I know the State well, and it certainly will not stop with the pure tragedy. Certainly folks will hold up these families in love and support and prayer and work toward far better resolution of issues involved, as the one Senator Cassidy mentioned. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, small businesses are often able to provide specialized customer service in their industries, with the ability to attract talented employees who are motivated to work hard and focus on innovation. This week, I am proud to recognize Six C Fabrication of Winnfield, LA, as Small Business of the Week. Robin Cummings founded Six C Fabrication in 1990 as a small shop in Winnfield, LA, with the name originating from the ``C'' of the family name and ``six'' counting for the members of the Cummings family, including Robin, his wife, and their four children. Robin's intent with Six C Fabrication was to provide Louisiana with the best available and most efficient service for fabrication. The Louisiana-based business was originally focused on lumber, but later expanded to other divisions--leading to exponential growth in revenue and employees. Today, Six C has 425 employees between its headquarters in North Louisiana and two facilities in Ohio. Cummings and his team now specialize in fabrication of compressor stations, power piping, process piping, petrochemical operations, pressure valves, and pulp and paper industries, in addition to their original lumber services. Additionally, Six C Fabrication offers a full range of welding services using state of the art equipment--all aimed at meeting the spectrum of their customers' needs. In recent years, the company has made tremendous strides toward success, from once having a gross income of $300,000 to now averaging a gross income of $46 million. Six C's central location provides optimal transportation options, resulting in timely turn-around and an additional extension of their unrivaled customer service. Six C has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the 2008 Business of the Year for Winnfield, LA, Louisiana Workers' Compensation Corporation 70 Safest Companies of 2010 award, and 2011 Kisatchie-Delta Entrepreneur of the Year, among others. Congratulations again to Six C Fabrication for being selected as Small Business of the Week. We appreciate and recognize your success and contribution to Louisiana's manufacturing industry and local economy.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, today I wish to honor SSG Joseph Fontenot of Larose, LA, who is winner of the 2015 Army Times Soldier of the Year. Fontenot is currently stationed in Fort Campbell, KY, as a field artilleryman assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, part of the 101st Airborne Division 3rd Brigade Combat Team. Joseph Fontenot's experience with the military began while he was on tour with his rock band, Jacknife. At 31, following a conversation with a National Guard soldier, Fontenot decided to put away his bass guitar and to begin serving his country as a soldier in the Army. After joining the Army in January 2006, Fontenot made the decision to develop his leadership abilities. Through help from his mentor, he challenged himself to push his limits both mentally and physically. In 2008, Fontenot deployed to Baghdad, Iraq for a year-long tour. In 2010, he was redeployed to the Arghandab River Valley, and bravely served in one of the most dangerous stations in southern Afghanistan. The experiences there along with the loss of fallen compatriots and friends strengthened Fontenot's commitment to the Army and bolstered his resolve to continue onward. Since 2012, he has served as drill sergeant where his outstanding commitment led him to be chosen to serve at the U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy. Fontenot's accomplishments, however, extend far beyond his military aptitude. Not only is he a frequent volunteer at the local veterans' hospital and homeless children's center, he also participates in Camp Kemo, a program for children battling cancer. Fontenot's continued dedication and leadership were noticed by his peers, who nominated him for the 15th Annual Army Times Soldier of the Year Award for his exemplary leadership. In February 2015, Fontenot rescued a young man in need whose car had crashed into a canal. Despite the freezing temperatures, Fontenot jumped into the water and pulled the man from his car. SSG Joseph Fontenot is a man of true courage. I am honored and humbled to share his heroism, and I thank him for his services to our country.

Mr. VITTER

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

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, I come to the floor today to again bring up a very important issue. It is important because it impacts a major part of our lives, a major law that Congress passed several years ago. It is important because it goes to a fundamental principle--what should be a fundamental principle of American democracy--that what Washington passes for the rest of the country it should live with itself. I am talking about the Washington exemption from ObamaCare and my effort, with others, to end that double standard. As the Presiding Officer remembers, during the ObamaCare debate several years ago, this issue came up. It came up in the context of a floor amendment. It was an important floor amendment, one of the very few that conservatives in the Senate passed on the Senate floor. That amendment to the ObamaCare bill said that all Members of Congress and our staff would get our health care through the so-called ObamaCare exchange, just as millions of other Americans would under this plan--no special rules, no special treatment, no special exemption or special subsidy. That was important to say that Congress would live under whatever law passed for the rest of America, and that amendment was passed on the Senate floor. It became part of the broader bill, and it was eventually passed into law. Obviously, as you know, I opposed-- strongly opposed--and continue to oppose the ObamaCare bill and the law, but that amendment was made a part of it. Well, after it was passed into law, it was sort of one of those cases of which Nancy Pelosi said that we have to pass the law to figure out what is in it. After the fact, lots of folks on Capitol Hill in Washington started reading the law more carefully, read that provision, and said: Oh, you know what. How are we going to deal with this? Surely, surely we aren't going to be subjected to the ObamaCare exchanges the same as millions upon millions of other Americans--even though that is exactly what the statute said. Well, at that point a very determined lobbying campaign got under way--a lobbying campaign of many Members on Capitol Hill--of the President. And the campaign was simple. People rushed to the administration, rushed to President Obama and said: Oh, you need to change this. We can't live with the statute and the significant section of the statute that says all Members of Congress need to go to the exchange for their health insurance, just as millions of other Americans do. Sure enough, after months of that very determined and, sadly, bipartisan lobbying campaign, President Obama issued one of his countless Executive orders and edicts to essentially change, with the stroke of his pen, contrary to statute, a significant part of the ObamaCare statute. He has done that dozens--if not hundreds--of times, and this is one significant example of that. He changed what the statute said and took a lot of the sting out of that provision of the law for Members of Congress. Through an OPM rule, he said two things. First, Members of Congress, when you go to the exchange, which is mandated, don't worry; you are going to have a big taxpayer-funded subsidy follow you to the exchange--unavailable to every other American at our income level and completely unique to Members of Congress. No other American going to the ObamaCare exchanges enjoys this. But out of thin air, we are going to give you a big, taxpayer-funded subsidy that is nowhere in the statute. Then the second significant thing President Obama did through that OPM rule was to say this: Members of Congress, this doesn't have to apply to your staff even though it says it does. You can designate whomever you want on your staff as ``nonofficial'' and they don't have to go to the ObamaCare exchange at all. Well, virtually all of my Republican colleagues regularly come to the floor and rightly complain about President Obama changing statutory law with the stroke of his pen, acting beyond his authority. This is a crystal-clear example of that. If we complain about it in other context, I think we should speak up and complain about it even when it benefits us. So that is what I am doing. We should not stand for this Washington exemption from ObamaCare. We should not stand for this complete, complete double standard. We should insist that we live by that clear language of the ObamaCare statute so that every Member of Congress gets his or her health care on the so- called ObamaCare exchange, just as millions of other Americans do--no exemption, no special subsidy, and no special treatment in any way, shape or form. I have been fighting since that OPM rule to make sure we do exactly that. There will be a floor amendment this week to pursue that end, and I urge my colleagues to do the right thing, to support that important floor amendment. It is important to do that for two reasons--one, focused on principle and one focused on real practicality. First, as to the principle, I think it is a basic fundamental principle of American democracy--it certainly should be--that what Washington passes on the rest of the country it lives with itself. That should be a fundamental principle of American democracy. So my legislation, the No Exemption for Washington from Obamacare Act, the floor amendment which embodies exactly that legislation, would say that every Member of Congress, the President, the Vice President, and their political appointees get their health care from the ObamaCare exchanges just like millions of other Americans--no special exemption, no special subsidy, no special treatment, no special insider deal. The second reason we should support that is a lot more practical, and that is that when you make the cook eat his own cooking, it often improves dramatically. When you force the chef to have every meal out of his own kitchen, the product often improves dramatically. So that is what I want to do in a simple, straightforward way, abiding by the clear language of the ObamaCare statute itself. All of official Washington--every Member of Congress, the President, the Vice President, and all of their political appointees--should have to go to the exchanges for their health care, just like millions of other Americans who have to as their fallback option. And we should do it in the same way--no special exemption, no special subsidy, no special treatment, and no special insider deal. It is important we say this, and it is important we do it. We have an opportunity do it on the floor as we debate the bill before us. I urge my colleagues to support this important floor amendment and to lend support to the free-standing bill that I have introduced. As I travel to Louisiana, I have regular townhall meetings, and I have regular telephone townhalls when I am stuck here in Washington and voting. Probably, the biggest single complaint I hear that really and rightly gets under the skin of my fellow Louisiana citizens goes to the heart of this discussion. Why the heck does everybody in Washington think they are above us? Why do they pass laws and never have to live under them themselves? Well, this is a crystal-clear example of that. What is worse is that the statute itself sets out that we would live under ObamaCare, getting our health care from the ObamaCare exchange just like millions of other Americans. If you don't believe that is what the statute mandates, look exactly at the particulars of how Congress and the President are currently getting around that through the special OPM rule that President Obama issued. This rule says that Congress can get its health care from a special small business exchange in the District of Columbia and can have a huge taxpayer-funded subsidy applied, even though it is unavailable to every other American at our income level. Now, what is wrong with that? Well, under the ObamaCare statute itself, that small business exchange is specifically set up and regulated and limited to small businesses of 50 employees or less. How did Congress define itself as a small business with 50 employees or less? It is interesting, if you pull the paperwork that the leadership of the House and Senate sent over to allow Members to participate in this exchange. The folks who submitted that paperwork on behalf of the House and the Senate, who signed off on it saying that everything contained therein was true and accurate, said: How many employees does the Senate have? Forty-five. How many employees does the House have? Forty-five. Really? That is interesting. This is a flatout lie. It is a flatout lie submitted in writing by the House and Senate on behalf of all of us to shoehorn Congress in to this small business exchange to get extra added benefits, to get this taxpayer-funded subsidy unavailable to every other American at our income level. And that proves how outrageous this end run around the statutory language is. So again, I urge all our colleagues to come together in support of this fix and to say: Yes, it should be the first rule of American democracy that what we pass for the rest of America we live by ourselves. That is important, and we are going to do it in this case and in every case. I urge my colleagues to support our freestanding bill--the No Exemption for Washington from ObamaCare Act. I urge our colleagues to support the floor amendment, which is the same as that freestanding bill, and to pass it as a floor amendment--to pass it into law through that mechanism. Before yielding the floor, Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the time during the quorum call be equally divided.

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

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, every business starts out with an entrepreneur willing to put in the hard work and take risks in order to turn an idea into reality. I am delighted to name ReactWell of New Orleans, LA, as Small Business of the Week. ReactWell is on the forefront of developing cutting edge technological advancements with the potential to revolutionize the energy, chemical, and petrochemical industries. In 2010 after seeing the devastation from the British Petroleum, BP, oilspill in the Gulf of Mexico, Baton Rouge native Brandon Iglesias founded ReactWell--a company that focuses on recycling existing carbon dioxide into useful oils and chemicals. Primarily, ReactWell develops technology that creates cleaner synthetic crude oil by using underground geothermal reactors and algae. Iglesias' technological invention relies on the natural forces and gravitational pressure to convert algae and chemicals into usable crude oil, while also reusing the waste produced from the reaction to feed the algae strains back into the system. After years of hands-on research in the oil field, Brandon Iglesias took his research to a local entrepreneurial start-up competition, ultimately receiving crucial start-up capital and attention from interested investors across the country. Today, ReactWell continues to grow both its synthetic synthesizing programs, while additionally expanding their reach into a robust catalog of service and product applications spanning technoeconomic modeling, carbon sequestration, green chemistry, water treatment, and thermochemical conversions. Additionally, ReactWell maintains a laboratory with capabilities that include air sampling, cryogenic milling, and distillation, and process simulation capabilities in bio-physical modeling SIM Finite Element Analysis, FEA, 3D studio animation, and fusion and alias design. Congratulations again to ReactWell for being selected as Small Business of the Week. I look forward to seeing the long-term impact ReactWell's innovative technologies will have in aiding Louisiana and the Nation.