Chris Van Hollen

Mr. VAN HOLLEN

Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, on behalf of myself and Senator Alsobrooks, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Sue Hecht--a distinguished public servant, trailblazer, and protector from Frederick, MD, who passed away on September 23, 2025. Born in Takoma Park on December 7, 1947, Sue devoted her life to public service and community betterment. She was a proud graduate of Hood College and later earned her M.B.A. from Frostburg State University. Before entering elected office, she worked as a freelance writer, a program specialist with the Frederick Job Training Agency, and, most notably, as the executive director of Heartly House, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to supporting victims of domestic violence. These early roles shaped her lifelong commitment to giving voice to the vulnerable and building systems of care. Sue was first elected to the Maryland House of Delegates in 1994. During her time in the statehouse, she served on numerous committees, including appropriations. In her second and third terms, she was appointed as deputy majority whip--a testament to her skill and initiative. She fought fiercely on behalf of her constituents, but always with grace and humility. Sue was well known in Annapolis and back home in Frederick for her leadership, compassion, and steadfast support of her colleagues and her community. Sue also served as a leader among women legislators, rising to become president of the Women Legislators of Maryland. She was deeply committed to ensuring that women's voices were represented in every policy discussion and that issues affecting families, from childcare to healthcare to workplace fairness, received the attention they deserved. Throughout her life, Sue served in numerous positions with a variety of organizations, including the Frederick County Commission for Women, the Frederick County Affordable Housing Commission, the Maryland Family Violence Council, the Frederick County Consortium of Human Service Providers, and the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence. Her contributions were widely recognized, earning her honors such as the Dorothy Beatty Memorial Award from the Women's Law Center of Maryland, recognition as one of Maryland's Top 100 Women, and the Consumer Legislator of the Year Award from the Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition. Above all, Sue will be remembered as a mother, a wife, a friend, and an inspiration. She is survived by children, grandchildren, great- grandchildren, brothers, and numerous nieces and nephews. Her daughter Shannon Aleshire followed in her footsteps of public service, serving as the CEO of the Mental Health Association of Frederick County. Maryland has lost a fierce advocate for the most vulnerable among us. Sue was an impactful legislator, a courageous leader, and a neighbor whose legacy will endure in Frederick, across Maryland, and beyond. We ask our colleagues to join us in extending condolences to Sue's family and in honoring the indelible impact she made in Frederick County and across Maryland.

Mr. VAN HOLLEN

Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam President, we are considering the National Defense Authorization Act at a time when our democracy and our Constitution are under attack from a lawless President. We are also in the middle of a 9-day-long government shutdown, and we should be working to get the government open. Instead, Senate Republicans are seeking to conduct business-as-usual instead of addressing the impending spike in healthcare costs for American families and responsibly funding the government. The NDAA includes critical investments in our national defense. Maryland has a key role to play in developing the technologies of the future that will keep our Nation at the cutting-edge and is the proud home of tens of thousands of military personnel and civilians working in the defense sector, as well as critical military installations. I have continually pressed for resources for our servicemembers and veterans and their families and investments in the military installations in our State that conduct groundbreaking research and support our defense. But these are not normal times. We are witnessing an authoritarian power-grab by President Trump, and Congress has a responsibility to stand up as a coequal, not subservient, branch of this government. We need to call it what it is: President Trump is using the power of the government, including the U.S. military, to coerce and silence voices he disagrees with. This is a playbook that dictators have used around the world, and now, it is the Trump playbook. To date, Trump has deployed the National Guard to the District of Columbia, Los Angeles, Memphis, and Chicago. He has also ordered the deployment of National Guard troops to Portland, which has been temporarily blocked by the courts, and earlier today, a judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking the deployment of National Guard troops in Chicago as well. He is manufacturing claims of emergency and chaos to send the Guard to engage in domestic law enforcement rather than using Federal resources to work with local partners to keep communities safe and pulling members of the military away from other critical missions. The National Guard has also been supporting ICE as agents arrest and disappear people without due process. And as State and local leaders and courts of law stand in the way of these deployments, Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act to bypass them and the restrictions of the Posse Comitatus Act. Trump's deployment of the military to assist in domestic law enforcement is a clear violation of U.S. law, including the Posse Comitatus Act. And a Federal judge agrees. On September 2, a Federal judge in the Northern District of California found that the Trump administration ``willfully'' violated the Posse Comitatus Act in its deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles and stated that the Trump administration clearly intends to ``[create] a national police force with the President as its chief.'' Trump clearly telegraphed this intention in his speech to top military brass at Quantico, when he called for using American cities as ``training grounds for our military'' and asserted that ``we're under invasion from within. No different than a foreign enemy but more difficult in many ways because they don't wear uniforms.'' The deployment in Los Angeles marked the first time since 1965 that the National Guard has been activated without the State Governor's consent. And it has not stopped. Trump's power grab in DC and other cities is part of his accelerating effort to militarize the streets of our country. That is why I offered an amendment to block the President from deploying the National Guard to a State, or the District of Columbia, if that State's Governor, or the DC Mayor, objects. Sen. Duckworth also put forward an amendment that would require the President to provide notification to Congress before dedicating any military or defense equipment for local law enforcement purposes. Unfortunately, both efforts failed. At its heart, Trump's politicization of the National Guard is sowing fear and distrust and is a danger to our democracy. Enabling the military to patrol American streets chills lawful protest, blurs the line between military and civilian authority, and erodes public trust in nonpartisan service. Trump's illegal use of U.S. Armed Forces also includes his recent missile strikes against boats in international waters, which have been flagrant violations of both U.S. and international law and can only be seen as extrajudicial killings. There is simply no evidence that these vessels posed an imminent threat, nor is there an active armed conflict between the United States and any cartel or South American country. Trump has pursued these actions in gross violation of international law and without congressional authorization. Back in March, Trump also dredged up an old war-time law, the Alien Enemies Act, to target immigrants and deport them without due process. The administration also reached deep into the dustbin of Cold War paranoia and pulled out the McCarran-Walter Act--a relic of the McCarthy era--to brand student protestors as threats to the foreign policy of the great United States of America, used a transnational crime unit to secretly target campus protesters, and then disappeared them into ICE detention facilities with the ultimate goal of deporting them. Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of our democracy, but like the McCarthy witch hunts of the 1950s, this campaign of fear and repression is eroding the foundational values of our democracy. A Federal district court judge found that the administration had targeted noncitizen students and scholars ``for speaking out'' and ``the facts prove that the President himself approves [of this] truly scandalous and unconstitutional suppression of free speech.'' Taken together, these abuses of power show an increasingly brazen and lawless administration that is misusing defense spending. These concerns only further my existing reservations around the continued uncontrolled growth in defense spending, especially when the Pentagon continues to fail independent audits, most recently in November 2024. In that audit, only 11 DOD components achieved clean audit opinions, but 13, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force did not. On top of that, from FY 2021 to FY 2025, authorization levels for defense spending have gone up from $740 billion to $895 billion, a 21 percent increase over the 5-year period. If this bill is enacted, we will be authorizing $924 billion, almost a trillion dollars in spending. This does not include the recent partisan budget reconciliation bill that passed into law in July 2025, which included over $150 billion in mandatory defense spending. I concur with the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, ADM Mike Mullen, that we need to put our defense dollars to better strategic use and make the hard choices necessary to right-size our overall defense spending. If we truly care about government efficiency, we must apply the same standard to the Department of Defense, which represents over half of total Federal discretionary spending. This is the first time during my service in the Senate that I am voting against the NDAA. I do not make this decision lightly. Ensuring that our men and women in uniform have the tools they need to defend the United States is critical, and I will never waver in protecting our servicemembers. But what we are seeing in America today and over the last few months should be a wakeup call for everyone in this Chamber. We cannot and should not authorize almost a trillion dollars in defense spending for an administration that is currently using the military to conduct local law enforcement operations and to rip communities apart. That is using the power of the Executive to silence the media, undermine the judicial system, and chill speech. We deploy a strong military to protect our democracy and freedom from foreign threats and adversaries. Sadly, today, the threats to liberties and the rule of law are coming from our own Commander in Chief, and I will not vote to give him a blank check. Vote on S. 2296

Mr. VAN HOLLEN. I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam President, this amendment says that the Governor of one State may not deploy its National Guard to another State without the consent of the Governor of the recipient State. As the Republican Governor of Oklahoma Kevin Stitt said today, ``As a federalist believer, one governor against another governor, I don't think that's the right way to approach this.'' I agree. And it is worth noting that Governor Stitt is the current chairman of the National Governors Association. Voluntary cooperation is one thing, but I don't think any of my colleagues would appreciate it if the Governor of Maryland used Federal dollar-supported National Guard troops in Maryland to deploy to any of your States without the consent of your State. That is the principle behind this amendment. I urge its adoption.

Mr. VAN HOLLEN. I call up my amendment No. 3872 and ask that it be reported by number.

Mr. VAN HOLLEN

Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life of Adrienne L. Ottaviani, who passed away on September 23, 2025, at the age of 78. Adrienne was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great- grandmother, and a leader whose kindness and dedication enriched western Maryland for more than four decades. Born in Denbo, PA, and raised in Baltimore, Adrienne married her husband Philip in 1968. Together, they shared 57 years of marriage and built a loving family. In 1980, the Ottavianis moved to Cumberland, MD, where Adrienne quickly became a pillar of the community. She was first active in the PTA and served on the Allegany County Board of Education. In 1990, she was elected to the Allegany County Board of Commissioners, becoming one of only four women ever to hold that office. Adrienne demonstrated leadership, dedication, and a deep commitment to public service throughout her tenure. Adrienne's greatest legacy, however, may be the warmth and fellowship she shared through Ristorante Ottaviani, which she and her husband opened in downtown Cumberland in 2005. Known affectionately as ``Mama O,'' she welcomed every guest like family, serving food, friendship, and her signature hugs. The restaurant became a cherished community gathering place, reflecting her love of people and her belief that everyone deserved to feel special. Adrienne Ottaviani was a trailblazer, a friend, and a source of light to all who knew her. She will be remembered for her service, her compassion, and her extraordinary generosity of spirit. She leaves behind her husband, three children, nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, who will carry forward her legacy of love and community. Her memory will remain a blessing to her family, her community, and to the State of Maryland.

Mr. VAN HOLLEN

Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, I submit this statement for the Record, alongside my colleague Senator Alsobrooks, to honor and recognize an extraordinary leader, trailblazer, and native of Maryland VADM Sara A. Joyner, U.S. Navy, on the occasion of her retirement following an exceptional 36-year career in service to our Nation. Vice Admiral Joyner, known by her call sign ``Clutch,'' hails from Hoopers Island, MD, and is a proud graduate of Cambridge-South Dorchester High School, where she was valedictorian of the class of 1985. She was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy by President Ronald Reagan and graduated with merit in 1989 with a bachelor of science in oceanography. After completing flight training, she earned her ``wings of gold'' in 1991, becoming a naval aviator and embarking on a career that would break barriers and inspire generations. Throughout her distinguished career, Vice Admiral Joyner achieved numerous historic milestones. She became the first woman to command a Navy strike fighter squadron, VFA-105, in 2010, and in 2013, she made history again as the first female commander of a carrier airwing. Her operational assignments included deployments aboard the USS Nimitz, USS John C. Stennis, and USS Harry S. Truman in support of Operations Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. She accumulated over 3,700 flight hours and 750 arrested landings in naval aircraft, including the F/A-18 Hornet, Super Hornet, and Growler. Vice Admiral Joyner's leadership extended beyond the cockpit. She served in numerous key positions ashore, including as an adversary pilot, a Joint Strike Fighter requirements officer, and as director of the Navy Senate Liaison Division in the Office of Legislative Affairs. Her flag assignments included leading the Physiological Episode Action Team (PEAT), serving as director for Manpower and Personnel (J1) on the Joint Staff, and commanding Carrier Strike Group 2. Most recently, she served as the Director for Force Structure, Resources, and Assessment (J8) on the Joint Staff, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the Department of Defense's strategic direction and resource allocation. As Director of J8, Vice Admiral Joyner oversaw the formulation of three Department of Defense budgets and her leadership in global force management ensured the readiness and responsiveness of the Joint Force. Her efforts have left an indelible mark on the Department of Defense and the security of our Nation. Vice Admiral Joyner's career is a testament to her resilience and determination. She entered naval aviation at a time when women were prohibited from flying in combat, yet she persevered, earning the respect of her peers and breaking barriers for future generations. She has often spoken about the importance of grit and passion, values instilled in her during her upbringing on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Her words of encouragement to the next generation, including as a commencement speaker at her alma mater Cambridge-South Dorchester High School, continue to inspire. Vice Admiral Joyner's service has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and Air Medal, among others. At the time of her retirement, she is the highest ranking female flag officer in the U.S. Navy--a remarkable achievement that reflects her dedication, leadership, and trailblazing spirit. As Vice Admiral Joyner retires, she leaves behind a legacy of service, leadership, and inspiration. Her contributions to our Nation's security and to the lives of those she served alongside will not be forgotten. On behalf of a grateful Nation, we extend our deepest thanks to VADM Sara Joyner, her husband of 32 years, Jim Joyner; their children ENS Sara Beth Joyner and Mark Joyner; and her family for their sacrifices and support throughout her career. May her retirement be filled with the same sense of purpose and fulfillment that defined her remarkable career. Maryland is proud to call her one of our own, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Mr. VAN HOLLEN

Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life of Adrienne L. Ottaviani, who passed away on September 23, 2025, at the age of 78. Adrienne was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great- grandmother and a leader whose kindness and dedication enriched western Maryland for more than four decades. Born in Denbo, PA, and raised in Baltimore, Adrienne married her husband Philip in 1968. Together they shared 57 years of marriage and built a loving family. In 1980, the Ottavianis moved to Cumberland, MD, where Adrienne quickly became a pillar of the community. She was first active in the PTA and served on the Allegany County Board of Education. In 1990, she was elected to the Allegany County Board of Commissioners, becoming one of only four women ever to hold that office. Adrienne demonstrated leadership, dedication, and a deep commitment to public service throughout her tenure. Adrienne's greatest legacy, however, may be the warmth and fellowship she shared through Ristorante Ottaviani, which she and her husband opened in downtown Cumberland in 2007. Known affectionately as ``Mama O,'' she welcomed every guest like family, serving food, friendship, and her signature hugs. The restaurant became a cherished community gathering place, reflecting her love of people and her belief that everyone deserved to feel special. Adrienne will be remembered for her service, her compassion, and her extraordinary generosity of spirit. She leaves behind her husband, three children, nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, who will carry forward her legacy of love and community. Adrienne Ottaviani was a trailblazer, a friend, and a source of light to all who knew her. Her memory will remain a blessing to her family, her community, and to the State of Maryland.

Mr. VAN HOLLEN

Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Sue Hecht, a distinguished public servant, trailblazer, and protector, from Frederick, MD, who passed away on September 23, 2025. Born in Takoma Park on December 7, 1947, Sue devoted her life to public service and community betterment. She was a proud graduate of Hood College and later earned her M.B.A. from Frostburg State University. Before entering elected office, she worked as a freelance writer, a program specialist with the Frederick Job Training Agency, and most notably as the executive director of Heartly House, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to supporting victims of domestic violence. These early roles shaped her lifelong commitment to giving voice to the vulnerable and building systems of care. Sue was first elected to the Maryland House of Delegates in 1994 where we served together briefly. She was reelected to her position in 1998. During her time in the statehouse, she served on numerous committees, including appropriations. In her second term, she was appointed as deputy majority whip--a testament to her skill and her initiative. Sue was well known in Annapolis and back home in Frederick for her leadership, compassion, and steadfast support of her colleagues. Sue also served as a leader among women legislators, rising to become president of the Women Legislators of Maryland. She was deeply committed to ensuring that women's voices were represented in every policy discussion and that issues affecting families, from childcare to healthcare to workplace fairness, received the attention they deserved. In her leadership roles with Heartly House and the house of delegates, Sue fiercely fought for better resources for her constituents and did so with grace and humility. She held numerous positions with a variety of organizations including the Maryland Commission for Women, the Frederick County Affordable Housing Commission, the Family Violence Council, the Frederick County Consortium of Human Service Providers, and the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence. Her contributions were widely recognized, earning her honors such as the Dorothy Beatty Memorial Award from the Women's Law Center of Maryland, recognition as one of Maryland's Top 100 Women, and the Consumer Legislator of the Year Award from the Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition. Above all, Sue will be remembered as a mother, a wife, a friend, and an inspiration. She is survived by her daughter Shannon Aleshire, who followed in her footsteps of public service as the CEO of the Mental Health Association of Frederick County. Maryland has lost a fierce advocate for the most vulnerable among us. Sue was a legislator of impact, a leader of courage, and a neighbor whose legacy will endure in Frederick, across Maryland, and beyond. I ask my colleagues to join me in extending condolences to Sue's family and in honoring the indelible impact she made in Frederick County and across Maryland.

Mr. VAN HOLLEN

Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the memory of the late Samuel Jordan of Maryland, who left an indelible mark on our State and Nation. Mr. Jordan worked tirelessly to make a positive difference in his community and across the globe, and he will be remembered for his remarkable advocacy as a transit champion in Baltimore. Mr. Jordan's dedication to justice and civil rights started at a young age. After graduating from Franklin and Marshall College with honors, he founded Black Arise, a community-based liberation group. As an avid learner and pursuer of justice, he returned to school and earned a law degree. He inspired the next generation at the University of the District of Columbia, teaching constitutional and criminal law. Throughout his life, he pursued justice across multiple fields. He was a strong supporter of workers' rights, fought for a better healthcare system, and advocated for racial justice. He championed civil rights on the global stage, serving as a United Nations delegate at a world conference against racism in post-apartheid South Africa. Back home, Mr. Jordan's leadership at the Baltimore Transit Equity Coalition and the Innovative Housing Institute has made a difference in the lives of many. His dedication to building equitable transportation, enhancing affordable housing, and eliminating structural racism is an inspiration to us all and a testament to his lifelong pursuit of creating positive change. I offer my heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Jordan's family for his commitment to strengthening communities and dedication to social justice. I ask my colleagues to join me in extending our condolences to his family and in honoring Mr. Jordan's incredible legacy.

Mr. VAN HOLLEN

Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Larry Neal Barron, a distinguished citizen of Maryland, who passed away on August 10, 2025, at the age of 83. Born on September 3, 1941, in Friedens, PA, Mr. Barron embodied the values of service, commitment, and leadership throughout his remarkable life. Following his graduation from Somerset Joint High School, he proudly answered the call to serve his country as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps, assigned to the elite HMX-1 unit. His service exemplified patriotism and devotion to duty. After completing his military service, Mr. Barron embarked on a 37- year career with Mack Truck, where he was not only a respected employee but also a leader within the United Auto Workers. His advocacy through the Community Action Program and recognition with two Bobby Fouche Awards--from both the Central Maryland Labor Council and the Western Maryland Democratic Summit--reflect his steadfast dedication to the dignity of working men and women. Mr. Barron's commitment to community extended far beyond his professional life. He gave his time generously as a scoutmaster at Long Meadow Church of the Brethren, guiding young people for 8 years. For more than half a century, he was a devoted member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, where he held numerous leadership roles and exemplified faith in action. In addition, Mr. Barron was a proud Freemason, joining Medairy Lodge in Williamsport in 1976 and rising to serve as worshipful master for two terms. He attained the 32nd Degree, served as grand inspector of Masons for the State of Maryland, and was past president of the Maryland Masonic Research Society. His leadership also extended to youth organizations, including service as past associate guardian of Bethel No. 26, International Order of Job's Daughters. Larry Barron was also an active figure in civic life, especially within the Democratic Party. He served on the Washington County Democratic State Central Committee and was a primary organizer of the Western Maryland Democratic Summit, where his tireless work strengthened civic engagement and democratic participation across our region. Above all, Mr. Barron will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife Judy Mae Barron; his daughter Catherine Middlekauff; and his grandchildren Caitlin and Camden Middlekauff. His life was one of service to God, country, family, and community. The people of Maryland have lost a dedicated citizen and leader, but his legacy of service will continue to inspire. I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing appreciation for and paying respects to Mr. Larry Barron's remarkable impact and memory.

Mr. VAN HOLLEN

Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to a distinguished public servant Pam Lewis, one of my office's long- standing congressional liaisons at the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Population, Refuges, and Migration. Throughout her career at the State Department, Ms. Lewis has exemplified the highest ideals of Federal service. From her early work addressing complex casework to her later role as a leading expert on refugee admissions and immigration law, Ms. Lewis's contributions have been both exceptional and enduring. Her efforts have strengthened U.S. foreign policy and humanitarian assistance programs in profound and indelible ways. Ms. Lewis' reputation for excellence is known throughout the halls of Congress and in congressional offices nationwide. She has been a trusted resource and guiding voice for countless offices and individuals across the country who have turned to her for clarity, guidance, and solutions. That kind of impact cannot be measured by titles or tenure alone; it speaks to a legacy built on knowledge, professionalism, and a steadfast commitment to doing what is right. It is clear from those who have worked closely with Ms. Lewis, including during the creation of the Office of U.S. Foreign Assistance and later at PRM, that her dedication and institutional insight helped shape and elevate the work of our colleagues. Ms. Lewis' expertise in immigration regulations, particularly related to family reunification, has opened doors for thousands of individuals seeking safety and a new start. I commend Ms. Lewis for her extraordinary service to our Nation. I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Ms. Lewis and wishing her a well-earned, fulfilling, and enjoyable retirement.

Mr. VAN HOLLEN

Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, I rise today to acknowledge the visit of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople to Washington, DC. The Patriarch is the spiritual leader of 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide, including many of my constituents who worship at churches like the Cathedral of the Annunciation in Baltimore and Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church here in Washington. Over the course of decades of service and leadership, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has refused to let storms of persecution and violence extinguish the light of his faith and the values he holds dear. From his unique position in Istanbul--the ancient city that bridges Europe and Asia--he has been one of our world's greatest bridge-builders. He promotes religious tolerance, from reconciliation with the Roman Catholic Church to interfaith dialogue among Muslims, Christians, and Jews, and peace between nations. He is also rightly known as the ``Green Patriarch'' for his pioneering work to protect our environment, the common home we share. This Sunday, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew arrives in our region to accept the prestigious Templeton Prize for his spiritual leadership, joining the ranks of past prizewinners like Mother Teresa and the Dalai Llama, and we are glad to have him here. In these dangerous, divisive times--when religious liberty and human rights are under threat around the globe--his presence could not be more timely. When Congress awarded the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew the Congressional Gold Medal in 1997, he delivered an address that still resonates today. He reminded us that ``The greatest lesson about America lies under this magnificent dome . . . The Pentagon embodies might, but the Capitol embodies right. In these halls, different points of view meet and are reconciled. In these halls, narrow interests are compromised for the greater good. And, most important to the Orthodox Church during many dark decades, in these halls, human rights are preserved and human dignity is enhanced.'' We must remember those words and his unwavering commitment to peace today. I congratulate the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew for the recognition and welcome him to the United States.

Mr. VAN HOLLEN

Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, on Monday and Tuesday of this week, I was recovering from COVID and missed several rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted no on rollcall vote No. 504, confirmation of the nomination of Edward Artau to be U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Florida. On Monday and Tuesday of this week, I was recovering from COVID and missed several rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted no on rollcall vote No. 505, confirmation of the nomination of Maria Lanahan to be U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Missouri. On Monday and Tuesday of this week, I was recovering from COVID and missed several rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted no on rollcall vote No. 506, the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Robert Law to be Under Secretary for Strategy, Policy, and Plans, Department of Homeland Security. On Monday and Tuesday of this week, I was recovering from COVID and missed several rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted no on rollcall vote No. 507, confirmation of the nomination of Robert Law to be Under Secretary for Strategy, Policy, and Plans, Department of Homeland Security. On Monday and Tuesday of this week, I was recovering from COVID and missed several rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted no on rollcall vote No. 508, the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Kyle Dudek to be U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Florida. On Monday and Tuesday of this week, I was recovering from COVID and missed several rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted no on rollcall vote No. 509, confirmation of the nomination of Kyle Dudek to be U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Florida. On Monday and Tuesday of this week, I was recovering from COVID and missed several rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted no on rollcall vote No. 510, the motion to table the Schumer Point of Order related to S. Res. 377. On Monday and Tuesday of this week, I was recovering from COVID and missed several rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted no on rollcall vote No. 511, the motion to proceed to Executive Session to consider S. Res. 377.

Mr. VAN HOLLEN

Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, I could not agree more. Our message is simple: Release the damn Epstein files, and for God's sake, don't try to destroy the evidence while we wait for those files to be released. I yield the floor.

Mr. VAN HOLLEN. It is a very fair question. And as I indicated, we didn't get an explanation for the objection. We had the objection made and no further comment from our colleagues on the Republican side. I do think it is important that we underscore the fact for our colleagues and anybody listening that this amendment is very straightforward: Don't destroy evidence. It does also require, within 60 days, that a report be provided that provides certain relevant information regarding the Epstein case, and I am not sure why anybody would not want that information to be presented either. I mean, this is like--oppose an effort to save the records and don't void the evidence and also voting against the idea of the Attorney General providing the U.S. Senate with answers to some fundamental questions. Again, as we discussed this morning, the fastest and most complete way of doing it would have been to support the Senator from Oregon's motion this morning--UC request this morning. Just release all the files, right? That is what should be done. We should release the files, and we should do it now. You don't even have to have a vote in the House to do that. The Attorney General could do what she said she was going to do and just release them on her own. That is what many of us have called for. That is what the Senator's motion this morning was all about. But my goodness, you should be releasing them. But for goodness' sake, why not at least send a directive saying, ``Don't destroy the evidence''?

Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Correct.

Mr. VAN HOLLEN. That is right. It would have gone directly to the House of Representatives.

Mr. VAN HOLLEN. It would have passed immediately if he had not objected to it.

Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Again, I cannot, Senator, read the mind of any of our colleagues. It was a voice vote, but of course the objection we are seeing here on the floor of the Senate today indicates that our Republican colleagues do not want to go on record and vote, when it comes right down to it, on this proposal, making sure the records are not destroyed.

Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Yes, it was. It was adopted by a voice vote.

Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Yes.

Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Well, that is the heart of the amendment. Again, I will read just the first sentence: The Attorney General shall retain, preserve, and compile any records or evidence related to any investigation, prosecution, or incarceration of Jeffrey Epstein; and any service provided to victims identified in such an investigation. It could not be clearer. The amendment does ask for a report on other very relevant information regarding the Epstein case. But to your fundamental point here, this is simply a directive not to destroy evidence that could be in the Epstein files. As I said, we just learned, at least within the last 48 hours, that somewhere along the road, the FBI had redacted Donald Trump's name from the Epstein files. So we know it is in there, and we know that at some point in time, it was redacted. We want to make sure these records are not destroyed.

Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Yes.

Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Well, Senator Merkley, I didn't hear an explanation. I heard the objection. I have not heard the explanation for the objection, and I think it may be difficult to provide an explanation given the fact that the Senator from Wyoming was here on the floor of the Senate earlier, as you and I have both pointed out, extolling the virtues of this amendment and, in fact, partially taking credit for it, saying Republicans supported this and wanted it. But, apparently, that was this morning, and now is now. And I suspect it is because when it was included in the appropriations bill, it was included in a vehicle that, as we have said, will wind its way through a long road to this process. Who knows how many people will try to take it out behind closed doors in conference. That is why we have an opportunity right now, in the light of day, here in the U.S. Senate, to actually pass this and send it off to the House immediately. And if they passed it, it could go to the President's desk.