Todd Young

Mr. YOUNG

Mr. YOUNG. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize, with the highest respect, the service and life of George Shepard Haerle for his dedication to serving Indiana and the Nora Community Council, NCC. Over the course of NCC's 50-year history, George has volunteered 47 years of his own to leave an indelible mark on the Nora community. The great State of Indiana is proud of and ever thankful for George's distinguished commitment and exemplary service. Since its founding, the Nora Community Council has covered 12 square miles with 25,000 to 28,000 Hoosier residents, including 60 local neighborhoods under the civic umbrella. As a chairman of the NCC, George commits hundreds of hours each year to promote growth, development, and the general welfare of the Nora community. George Haerle's renowned service was rightfully recognized on July 29, 2017, when Governor Eric Holcomb bestowed upon him Indiana's most prestigious designation, a Sagamore of the Wabash. George follows in the footsteps of his father, Rudolf K. Haerle, who was also recognized as a Sagamore of the Wabash for his contributions to the State as the first president of the Civil War Round Table and a former longtime member of the Library Board of the Indiana Historical Society. George has not only been a role model for the NCC, but he has also been an outstanding advocate for the community of Nora-Northside. His remarkable service is exceeded only by his devotion to his amazing family, including 7 daughters, 1 son, and 18 grandchildren. On behalf of myself and all Hoosiers, for his selfless and lifelong commitment, George is worthy of the highest praise. I feel truly privileged to have him as a fellow and lifelong Hoosier.

Mr. YOUNG

Mr. YOUNG. Mr. President, the great State of Indiana is proud of and ever thankful to those who defended our Nation's freedom, especially through military service. Today I wish to recognize the service and life of a member of the Greatest Generation, David Coleman, Jr., a veteran of World War II. Mr. Coleman, born June 12, 1924, served in both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force from 1943 to 1946 and then again from 1953 to 1960. During his military career, he earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the EAME Theater Ribbon. As a veteran myself, I am proud to know of fellow Hoosier veterans such as Mr. Coleman. Mr. Coleman called Indiana home for 60 years, 56 of them with his beloved wife, the late Dorothy Coleman, by his side. Like many Hoosiers, Mr. Coleman enjoyed America's favorite pastime, baseball, and was an avid fan of the Indianapolis Indians. Mr. Coleman also had a strong Hoosier work ethic, working at both Bryant Heating & Cooling and Goodyear Tire Company until retirement. Mr. Coleman loved his family, his God, and his country, and for these things, he will be remembered. Mr. Coleman passed away on June 18, 2017, just a few days after his 93rd birthday. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family he left behind, including his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They should know that Mr. Coleman was an exemplary patriot, and I am proud to call him a fellow Hoosier.

Mr. YOUNG

Mr. YOUNG. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate be in a period of morning business, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Mr. YOUNG

Mr. YOUNG. Mr. President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that it stand adjourned under the previous order, following the remarks of our Democratic colleagues.

Mr. YOUNG

Mr. YOUNG. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m., Tuesday, June 20; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; further, that following leader remarks, the Senate proceed to executive session and resume consideration of the Mandelker nomination; finally, that the time until the vote on the Long nomination be equally divided between the two leaders or their designees.

Mr. YOUNG

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

Mr. YOUNG. Mr. President, I come to the Senate floor today to express my support for S.J. Res. 42 and my opposition to the transfer of specific defense articles to the Government of Saudi Arabia. I have arrived at this decision after extensive research and careful deliberation. I would like to state very clearly for the record why I have come to this decision. I have decided to support S.J. Res. 42 and oppose the transfer of specific defense articles to Saudi Arabia primarily because of the Saudi Government's refusal to take specific steps that I repeatedly requested to alleviate the horrible humanitarian suffering in Yemen. Before I further explain that decision, I would like to explain what is not informing my decision. I am not reflexively opposed to arms sales in general or to Saudi Arabia specifically. On the contrary, after a series of questions are satisfactorily addressed, I believe arm sales to key partners and allies can enable them to more effectively defend our common interests and oppose common threats. After all, the United States cannot and should not employ U.S. military forces in every instance. When the United States and our partners confront common threats, we should encourage and empower regional allies and regional partners to play prominent roles wherever possible. When our partners are defending our common interests, we want them to be as well-equipped and well-trained and effective as possible. I recognize that despite our differences, the Saudi Government is an important regional security partner for the United States of America. However, when we work through our allies and partners, we shouldn't set aside our national security interests, and we certainly shouldn't set aside our support for universal humanitarian principles. That principle certainly applies to the Saudis and to the situation in Yemen. My decision today is based neither on an opposition to arms sales in general nor an opposition to arms sales to the Saudis in particular. Instead, my decision today is based primarily on the persistent and misguided refusal of the Saudi Government to take specific steps that I have requested to alleviate some of the humanitarian suffering in Yemen. My decision should come as a surprise to no one. As I have said on the Senate floor before, the United Nations calls the situation in Yemen the largest humanitarian crisis in the world. According to the U.N.--which, incidentally, our intelligence resources rely on for much of their information--Yemen has almost 19 million people. Two-thirds of the population is in need of humanitarian or protection assistance, including approximately 10 million who require immediate assistance to save or sustain their lives--two-thirds of their population. If that is not a recipe for instability in a dangerous region of the world, I don't know what is. So 17 million people are food-insecure, while 7 million people don't know where their next meal is coming from, and they are at risk of famine. In addition, according to the U.N. as of yesterday, the World Health Organization reports a cumulative total of over 124,000 suspected cases of cholera and over 900 associated deaths. Cholera is impacting the most vulnerable. In fact, children under the age of 15 account for 28 percent of all deaths. The situation is growing far worse. An NGO with personnel on the ground in Yemen tells my office that the large majority of these cholera cases have taken place since late April. Perhaps the most heartbreaking statistic is that a child under the age of 5 dies of preventable causes every 10 minutes in Yemen. Throughout this process, rather than just mourning this terrible situation, I have tried to identify tangible steps that can save lives, that can lead to a political settlement in Yemen, and that can enhance both regional and national security interests of the United States. In the case of Yemen, it became clear quickly that there were specific steps the Saudis could take to help alleviate the horrible humanitarian situation in Yemen. Based on that realization back in April--April 27, I led a nine- member, bipartisan letter to the incoming Saudi Ambassador, noting the important security partnership between the United States and the Government of Saudi Arabia and Saudi Arabia's role as a regional leader. I asked Riyadh to take some specific steps related to Yemen that would prevent thousands or even millions of additional people from dying there. Among several requests, I asked the Saudis to permit the delivery of U.S.-funded cranes to the Port of Hodeidah that would dramatically improve the ability to offload humanitarian supplies there. That is important because the Port of Hodeidah processes roughly 70 to 80 percent of all of the food and other critical imports that come into the country of Yemen. This is the port that supplies people who are in the most desperate need of food and medical attention. I also asked Riyadh to address unnecessary additional delays that the Saudi-led coalition was causing for humanitarian and commercial supplies going into that port. Not receiving a satisfactory response, I subsequently raised these issues directly with the Saudi Foreign Minister when he met with me and other Senators here on Capitol Hill. Still not receiving a satisfactory answer, we have continued to raise these requests repeatedly with the Saudi Embassy. As recently as yesterday, the Saudis have refused to be responsive on the cranes. Further, in the face of clear evidence from the United Nations to the contrary, the Saudis have even denied a role in causing delays of humanitarian and commercial shipments into Yemen. So for almost 2 months, the Saudis have failed to take my requests seriously. For those who are new to this issue, perhaps this discussion of cranes and delays at ports seems a bit wonkish--maybe in the weeds. Yet in a humanitarian situation as dire as Yemen--with a child under 5 dying of preventable diseases every 10 minutes--every shipment of food or fuel, every day of delay can have life-and-death implications. The Saudis know this, yet they have been unresponsive to my requests. There is no doubt that the Iranians and the Houthis are up to no good in Yemen. There is no doubt that Saudi Arabia has the right to defend its borders, and there is also no doubt that this situation in Yemen is complex. But it is a false choice to suggest that we have to choose between opposing Iran and helping the millions of suffering people in Yemen. I believe we have a moral responsibility and a national security imperative to do all we can to help the people in Yemen who are starving, who need medicine, who are dying. The longer this war in Yemen continues, the more we will drive the Houthis into the arms of the Iranians. The more leverage the Iranians and the Russians will gain in Yemen, the more terrorist groups like al- Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula will thrive. Perhaps the Saudi Government isn't concerned about my vote. Perhaps they think this issue will just blow over, that attention will wane, that Senators will lose interest. I recognize I am just one Senator with just one vote, but I would caution the Saudi Government against such a view. I am not going to be losing interest in this issue anytime soon. To the Saudis I say this: When I make a request and your government is unresponsive--at least as far as I am concerned--there will be consequences for that decision. My vote demonstrates that fact. To my colleagues, I respectfully say that America's support should never be unconditional. It is in our interests and it is consistent with the humanitarian values that we profess to demand that the Saudis take some of these steps to alleviate humanitarian suffering in Yemen. For this reason, I am going to vote in support of S.J. Res. 42 today, and I urge my colleagues, Republican and Democrat, to do the same. Thank you, Mr. President. I yield the floor.

Mr. YOUNG

Mr. YOUNG. Mr. President, in my home State of Indiana, we take great pride when our children display exemplary academic work and interest in our Nation's history. We are very proud of four Hoosier middle school students from Warsaw, IN, who are using their research skills to tell the story of a heroic veteran for their National History Day project entitled ``Taking a Stand at Pearl Harbor.'' I am pleased to recognize these four fine young men, Keller Bailey and Jason Benyousky of Washington STEM Academy, Geoffrey Hochstetler, who is educated at home, and Ryun Hoffert of Eisenhower Elementary; who worked together to research, write, and perform a series of skits around the theme, ``Making a Stand in History.'' These boys chose to design their project around the events of December 7, 1941, the day the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. As part of their detailed research, the students read a book by a veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor Donald Stratton. This book inspired one of the scenes of their presentation, which depicts the heroic actions of Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Joe George's rescue of six men from the sinking USS Arizona. Ryun Hoffert went the literal extra mile and traveled to Pearl Harbor for the 75th anniversary of the attack to meet with local experts and see the memorials erected in honor of our fallen heroes. After this exhaustive research effort, these dedicated students each wrote scenes for their presentation. According to their project sponsor, Richard Rooker, each student brought his unique gifts to the team: ``Keller displayed indefatigable energy. Jason contributed his outstanding acting ability. Geoffrey lent the team his calm and steady demeanor, and Ryun brought his insatiable curiosity about history to the project.'' In February, their presentation won first place in the district competition. They continued to revise, refine, and practice their presentation, and their perseverance paid off on May 6, when they placed first in the junior division in the Indiana State competition. This week, they will compete at the national competition at the University of Maryland. I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to Keller, Jason, Geoffrey, and Ryun for their hard work, patriotism, and success in the Indiana State competition for National History Day. I would also like to recognize the supportive parents, teachers, and advisers who helped the students along the way, especially Mr. Rooker. On behalf of all Hoosiers, we are proud of your creativity and determination; your entire State is cheering for you.

Mr. YOUNG

Mr. YOUNG. Madam President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. YOUNG

Mr. YOUNG. Mr. President, I am pleased to join Senator Murphy to discuss the importance of this humanitarian crisis in Yemen. As he so cogently emphasized, this is, at once, a humanitarian crisis and also a security crisis in the region and beyond. I am a new member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and I have to say that I have quickly come to admire Senator Murphy for his forceful advocacy of our values of universal human rights and of American international leadership. So I commend him for his leadership on this issue in particular. I share many of the concerns articulated by Senator Murphy with regard to the situation in Yemen and the Saudi-led coalition there in that country. Before getting into the specific situation in Yemen, however, I think it is important to step back and look at the big picture. The world currently confronts humanitarian crises of a magnitude we haven't seen in many, many years. Parts of Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, and Yemen are all in famine or prefamine stages. According to the United Nations, 20 million people are at risk of starvation within the next few months in these four countries. The Director-General of the International Committee of the Red Cross appeared before our Senate Foreign Relations Committee just weeks ago, and he called the crises ``one of the most critical humanitarian issues to face mankind since the end of the Second World War.'' He warned that ``we are at the brink of a humanitarian mega-crisis unprecedented in recent history.'' Each of these crises are unique. They have their unique man-made causes. But in each case, the crises are preventable. They have been exacerbated by war and restrictions on humanitarian access. Now, they are complicated. The situation in Yemen is certainly a complicated one. But the United Nations calls the situation in Yemen the largest humanitarian crisis in the world. According to their Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Yemen has almost 19 million people in need of humanitarian or protection assistance, including approximately 10 million who require immediate assistance to save their lives or to sustain their lives. This is an urgent matter, which is why I am so glad we have the leadership of Senator Murphy on this matter and some of my other colleagues on various fronts. This is why I led a 10-Member letter to Secretary Tillerson on March 23 calling for a diplomatic surge to address the political obstacles preventing the delivery of humanitarian aid. I note that Senator Murphy joined me on that letter, which I personally hand-delivered to Secretary Tillerson. It is also why I raised the issue with Ambassador Haley in New York City. It is why I introduced a resolution on April 5 calling for the very same thing. Senators Cardin, Boozman, Coons, Gardner, and Rubio joined that resolution. Throughout this process, rather than just studying the problem, I-- working with my colleagues--have tried to focus on tangible steps we can take to save lives and address this very troubling national security situation. For that reason, on April 27, joined by Senator Murphy and several other colleagues, I sent a letter to the incoming Saudi Ambassador. Noting the important security partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia and Saudi Arabia's essential role as a regional leader and an ally and a partner, I asked Riyadh to consider five specific steps related to Yemen that would prevent thousands or even millions of additional people from starving there. There is no doubt that the Houthis and the Iranians bear a very large portion of the blame for this whole situation. I asked our ally Saudi Arabia to take these steps because the United States has a valuable security relationship with Saudi Arabia and because we can oppose Iran's activities in Yemen while ending unnecessary delays in the delivery of desperately needed humanitarian assistance. These two goals are not mutually exclusive. I didn't receive a satisfactory response, so I subsequently raised these issues with the Saudi Foreign Minister in a meeting on Capitol Hill. In that meeting, I cited the fact--confirmed again by the administration within the last week--that the Saudi-led coalition continues to impose significant delays on the delivery of humanitarian aid to the port of Hodeidah on the Red Sea. Again, this is important because the port of Hodeidah processes roughly 70 to 80 percent of Yemen's food and other critical imports. I mentioned to the Foreign Minister the U.S.-funded cranes for the port of Hodeidah that would dramatically improve the ability to offload humanitarian supplies at that port. I expressed concerns to the Foreign Minister about the humanitarian impact of an attack on the port of Hodeidah. Yet, as the suffering of the Yemeni people continues and even worsens, these issues regretfully remain unresolved. According to the administration--confirmed again this morning--the Saudi-led coalition continues to be responsible for an average of 16 days of additional delays to humanitarian shipments into the port of Hodeidah after vessels are cleared by the United Nations Verification and Inspection Mechanism for Yemen. Think about it. Your children are starving to death. Perhaps your entire village is starving to death. And you have a delay of an additional 16 days in humanitarian shipments. Think of the impact that has on security in the region as desperate people are forced to take desperate measures to associate themselves with bad actors in the area. It is certainly troubling to me. For that reason, I have decided to cosponsor Senator Murphy's legislation, S.J. Res. 40. Before the United States can transfer air- to-ground munitions to Saudi Arabia, the legislation requires the President of the United States to make a number of certifications. One of those includes a certification that Saudi Arabia and its coalition partners are making demonstrable efforts to facilitate the flow of critical humanitarian aid and commercial goods. I don't believe the President could credibly make that assertion until the Saudis take some of the steps I have called for. As President Trump prepares his visit to Saudi Arabia, I urge him to raise these critical issues with the Saudi Government. I urge our President to emphasize that these are humanitarian and national security issues that are priorities of the American people. I urge the administration to ask the Saudi Government to take the following concrete actions: First, renounce any intention to conduct a military operation against the port of Hodeidah; second, redouble efforts to achieve a diplomatic solution; third, end any delays to the delivery of humanitarian aid caused by the Saudi-led coalition; and fourth, permit the delivery of much needed U.S. funded cranes to the port of Hodeidah that would permit the quicker delivery of food and medicine. I have said it before: With more than 10 million Yemenis requiring immediate humanitarian assistance, there is no time to waste. I stand ready to work with our Saudi partners to fight Iran's malign influence and to take these specific steps to begin to address the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Yemen. I again thank Senator Murphy for his leadership and for the opportunity to join him on the floor today. I look forward to working together again in the future.

Mr. YOUNG. It is a critical question, and it is one I have been asking so many stakeholders involved in this issue. No one has presented to me persuasive evidence indicating that a Saudi-led attack on the port would result in defeat of the Houthis-Saleh bloc. No one has presented to me evidence that I find compelling that that action would even force the Houthis bloc to the negotiating table. The onus ought to be on those who might take a military action--which would exacerbate the worst humanitarian crisis in the world--to present that evidence. I have asked for it. I haven't received it. I think it is just as likely that an attack would push the Houthis, as I alluded to earlier, into further alignment with and dependence on the Iranians, with whom they are allied. That is the exact opposite of what we are trying to accomplish in the region, as the Iranians continue to spread their influence and their terroristic activities across the Middle East. So this is not in the interests, as I see it, based on all the evidence available, of the United States, UAE, or Saudi Arabia, and it would result in both a humanitarian catastrophe and exacerbate the national security situation.

Mr. YOUNG. I say to the Senator, let me end by reiterating my gratitude to you, of course, for your exceptional leadership, for walking points on this issue, and I look forward to our continued work together. I thank all our colleagues who have engaged on this matter. And I, of course, before the U.S. Senate here, want to invite others to engage in this. If they have questions with respect to this matter, which is critical for our national security, I know they can reach out to the Senator or me, and it is imperative that we send a respectful message to the administration that we think this is something that needs to be addressed in the near term. I have nothing else to say.

Mr. YOUNG. Indeed. The last thing we want to do is to exacerbate a situation where we already have 10 million desperate people on the cusp of starvation or passing away on account of a lack of medical supplies. We need assistance here, which is why it is important for the President to elevate the importance of this issue in his conversation with the Saudis during his coming visit, and I believe he will do so. I believe he will do so because the international community, NGOs, understand the importance of this. Many at the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development have spoken about what a serious crisis this is. And we don't want to be shortsighted with respect to what a bombing of the port could catalyze. We also need to recognize that there are other players in the Saudi coalition that can be constructive as well. The Emirates, I would note, have shown a willingness to be helpful on a couple of different fronts. I had the opportunity to visit with the Crown Prince yesterday and received his assurance that he would seek to resolve without delay a situation related to the forward stationing of inspectors in his country so that they can pre-inspect cargo before it goes into the port of Hodeidah, and that would expedite the process and help mitigate a lot of the suffering that is occurring. Also, I had an opportunity to discuss with the Crown Prince this issue of four cranes. U.S. taxpayers paid for these cranes. I mentioned them in my prepared remarks earlier. And I have heard from the Crown Prince; he made a commitment there as well. So I am grateful for his commitment, and I look forwarding to following up with the UAE Government on this front. They are good allies to the United States.

Mr. YOUNG

Mr. YOUNG. Mr. President, I rise to join the senior Senator from Indiana in voicing my strong support for the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act of 2017. During Police Week, I wish to take a minute to thank all of our men and women in blue who stand on the frontlines to protect our communities. I have four young children. Since they could barely talk, my wife and I taught them that if they need help, they should dial 911, and the police would respond. Every day our law enforcement communities around the country live their lives to answer these calls and to help our fellow citizens. Sometimes the job is as simple as reuniting a child with their parent at the park or at a store, but other times they see horrific scenes that no one should have to experience in their lifetimes or they experience traumatic stress in the performance of their jobs. Ultimately, police officers see the best and the worst of humanity, which can take a heavy emotional toll, but who is there to answer the call for help when they need it after experiencing such trauma on a regular basis? A couple of weeks ago, Senator Donnelly and I introduced the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act. This legislation is for those who answer that call. This bill works with the relevant Federal agencies, mental health providers, and broader law enforcement communities to offer opportunities for care. When our police force is healthy, when it is strong, our communities are healthy and strong as well. That is why it is vital that we provide our Nation's law enforcement with the resources they need as they put their health and their lives on the line in order to protect our communities day in and day out. This includes supporting law enforcement agencies' efforts to protect and strengthen the mental health and wellness of their respective law enforcement officers. I am confident that this bill will have a positive impact on the mental health and wellness of law enforcement officers across the country. I look forward to the findings of DOJ's collaborative reports, the efficacy of the peer mentoring pilot programs, and the results of the Department's study into the creation of a crisis hotline for law enforcement officers. With that said, I thank Indiana's senior Senator for his hard work in drafting this legislation and allowing for my input and those of my colleagues. It has been my pleasure to work with Senator Donnelly on this, and I look forward to continuing our work together on behalf of all Hoosiers in the future. In fact, this legislation drew upon efforts undertaken by Hoosiers at the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. In 2010, Indiana's IMPD recognized the need to address law enforcement mental health and wellness by creating the Office of Professional Development and Police Wellness. The IMPD captain, Brian Nanavaty, led the effort to establish the office and has recently promoted its motto: ``Healthy Hire--Healthy Retire: Wellness is more than just an annual physical.'' Senator Donnelly and I are proud that the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act has passed the Senate and is one step closer to being signed into law, contributing to the efforts of the IMPD. As I close, I want to recognize the leadership of a fellow Hoosier, U.S. Representative Susan Brooks, and her colleagues in the U.S. House who introduced this legislation. This bill has received bipartisan, bicameral support in Congress, widespread support from several law enforcement organizations, and, frankly, support across the country from rank-and-file Americans who understand that this is a problem we have an obligation to address. We are all with you. Now we call upon all of our colleagues in the House to act on this important legislation and send it to the President's desk for his signature. Let me finish with these words of heartfelt gratitude: Thank you to our law enforcement community for always answering the call. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. YOUNG

Mr. YOUNG. Mr. President, I wish with great pride today to honor Fishers Junior High School of Fishers, IN, for their impressive victory in the We the People National Invitational held in Washington, DC, on April 28 through May 2, 2017. In light of Indiana's proud tradition of civic engagement, it gives me great pleasure in honoring these students and future leaders of our communities. These individuals embody the fundamental purpose of the Constitution and live by its principles both inside and outside the classroom. The We the People National Invitational comprised of eight teams from across the United States. The qualified contestants included middle and high school groups from Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Maine, Ohio, Oregon, Virginia, and of course Fishers Junior High School, representing the Hoosier State. To be in the running for the national invitational, student contestants must display their knowledge, as well as current political awareness and constitutional acumen by holding mock or simulated congressional hearings at the local and State level during the current school year. Once qualified, during the final competition in DC, similar to the simulated congressional hearings held at the local level to be one of the eight finalists, each class went before a group of judges. Teams were allocated a 4-minute introductory statement and then faced pressing questions pertaining to existing constitutional subjects as well as past from the judges. The winning team must show an exceptional understanding of constitutional principles applicable to historical and current issues. For the record, I want to acknowledge each student of the Fishers Junior High School team who participated in achieving first place in the We the People National Invitational: Makenna Adams, Izzy Alexander, Addi Arena, Blake Backes, Jackson Bakle, Mackenzie Boyer, Milan Colzani, Joe Conde, Kamryn Dean, Grace DeLong, Sydney Doyle, Madison Ewart, Faith Farrell, Maya Fotedar, Abby Funk, Ray Gao, Abigail Garrison, Meg Gibson, Liberty Hayes, Morgan Joiner, Braden Kirkendall, Shea Koley, Ben Lilley, Tatiyana Lockridge, Olivia Lux, Ali Mohamed, Cassidy Robertson, Gracey Scholl, Kara Van Dyke, Jonah VanDer Kamp, and Bailey Wilson. Furthermore, I would like to recognize Mr. Mike Fassold for his efforts to teach and implement a passion for constitutional and civic engagement in his students. Again, congratulations to the Fishers Junior High School team for their extraordinary victory, and thank you for representing your fellow Hoosiers. It is truly an honor to have brilliant students in the State of Indiana who inspire others with their knowledge, hard work, and dedication.

Mr. YOUNG

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

Mr. YOUNG. Today, Mr. President, I rise to speak from the floor of this proud Chamber for the first time. My message today is, at once, a warning and an invitation. Dear colleagues, as our Senate increasingly grows more partisan, we move further and further away from the practical governance our Founding Fathers espoused, and so today I would like to talk about the principle of the common good in the hopes that this body might be reminded that is our unifying purpose for serving. Two Hoosiers exemplify the principle of working for the common good that I believe our Founding Fathers envisioned. Governor Ed Whitcomb was the 43rd Governor of Indiana. A hero from World War II, he twice escaped capture from the Japanese, making it to safety by swimming through shark-infested waters all night to get to safety. Whitcomb pursued the common good in the midst of a rift in his own Republican Party. He successfully led Indiana in improving our State's highways, mental health services, and creating our State's Higher Education Commission. He bucked his own party's interests frequently to do what he thought was right for Hoosiers. Governor Whitcomb has been described as Indiana's most amazing Governor. He passed away this past year and in tribute Republicans and Democrats alike acknowledged that he served all Hoosiers well. Coach John Wooden was born and raised in Indiana, and he learned to coach basketball there before heading to UCLA where he became one of the most successful college basketball coaches of all time. Wooden understood the importance of working together as a team, that working together as a team was better than working as individuals. Wooden acknowledged this principle in saying, ``Ten field horses couldn't pull an empty baby carriage if they worked independently of one another.'' He also said, ``If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, you need a team.'' These two Hoosiers remind us that we are here not to work for ourselves or our parties, but the interest of all Americans for the common good of the American people. Can we perpetuate our Founders' brilliant system to safeguard our liberties by vesting power in the American people themselves? Our charge is simple, but it will not be easy: for our republican system to endure, we must breathe life back into the notion of the ``common good'' through the relentless application of common sense. Now, I don't profess that Hoosiers have a monopoly on the common good, but rather than allowing ideological labels to guide policymaking decisions, we should instead be guided by what we in Indiana call Hoosier common sense. It is the notion that we should be guided by the facts, and that we are open to change or new ideas, regardless of ideology, when presented with results. The common good--I happen to know from personal experience that any young boy or girl who grows up in Indiana already has a keen sense of the thing. I was raised in a place where neighbor cared for neighbor. This is the common good in practice. I lived among people of character who made others' concerns their own concerns. This is the common good. I benefited from the selfless contributions of Americans who invested their own time, their own attention, their own resources and talents into helping their fellow Americans. This is the common good. I came to know rank-and-file citizens who quietly took the initiative to care for the forgotten Hoosiers who needed a hand up. This is the common good. With respect, my colleagues, I note that this outline of the common good would fully satisfy any ordinary rank-and-file Hoosier, and most ordinary Americans, but sadly, in our modern politics sometimes our most stubborn partisans resist even the most self-evident truths. Forgive me as I must demonstrate that what works in practice also works in theory. I will borrow from 18th century political theorist and English statesman Edmund Burke, for he brightly illuminated this notion of a common good. Burke argued that the common good could only exist where rule of law exists. Rule of law, properly understood, requires a shared allegiance by which people entrust their collective destiny to others who can speak and decide in their name. This, said Burke, is a partnership between the living, the unborn, and the dead. The common good requires individual cooperation and compromise. Burke noted that individuals are not simply a compendium of human wants and individual happiness is not realized by merely satisfying those wants. Our own happiness is linked to one another's happiness. Our purpose, then--our duty--in both our private and public capacities, is to preserve a social order which addresses the needs of generations past, present, and future. This is our duty. In the Marine Corps, I learned something about duty and practice. Marine leaders of every rank teach through the power of their example that every marine has a duty to serve a cause greater than themselves. Marines learn to venerate sacrifice for the greater good. We are trained to refrain from self-indulgent behavior, to check our egos at the door, and to never let ambition interfere with judgment. For marines, our comrades' lives and our country's future depends on embracing uncomfortable facts and then improvising, adapting, and overcoming those facts together. Of course, in the marines, there was no red State or blue State. Every marine fights for red, white, and blue. Marines don't have the luxury of stubbornly clinging to false doctrines or failed practices, and neither do we. Every day our men and women who wear the uniform from every branch take up arms ``to provide for the common defense''-- come what may. Colleagues, if we are to keep the Republic, we too must remain open to fact-based conversations, to new information, and to new, better approaches. Now look, I understand that this is not the United States Marine Corps. We have been issued a pen and a microphone, not rifles, but like the marines, we should be working to advance a common mission, common goals. We are the trustees of the common good. Now, please don't misunderstand me. As a marine, I like a good fight as much as the next guy, but let's resolve whenever possible to fight together because I know most assuredly we are fighting for the same people--and, in most cases, we are fighting for the same ends. I am fighting for Steve, a self-employed laborer from Indianapolis. Steve's in his fifties, but he hasn't seen his takehome pay increase in decades. Colleagues, you are fighting for Steve, too. I am fighting for Whitney, a high school student from Gary. Whitney doesn't come from money, and she worries about the future. She is a hard-working student who helps her family how she can through a part- time job, but Whitney doesn't know if she can afford a college education. Colleagues, you are fighting for Whitney, too. I am fighting for David, an Army helicopter mechanic from Evansville who spent nearly 15 years in uniform. David is exhausted by his countless overseas deployments, and he prays that his family will find relief from the stresses and strains of an overstretched force. Colleagues, you are fighting for David, too. I am fighting for Carrie, a single mother of three young children from Paoli. Carrie is addicted to opioids. Her aging mother tries to make a bad situation better, but she is fearful the family will not find a way out of the crisis. Colleagues, you are fighting for Carrie, too. I am fighting for Sherman, a trucker from Fort Wayne. Sherman is quickly approaching retirement. Sherman has put a small nest egg away for retirement, but in a few years, he and his wife will depend on Social Security and Medicare to make ends meet. Colleagues, you are fighting for Sherman, too. I am fighting for Bob, a single father of two boys from South Bend. Bob's been able to pull together care for himself and his children by piecing together various forms of public assistance. Bob wants a better life for himself and his boys. I hope we are all fighting for Bob--I hope we are fighting for every single American. Let's resolve to fight for these people. Let's renew our vow to fight for them more than we fight with one other. Let's come together to grow our economy by simplifying our Tax Code and reducing the burden of Federal regulations. I ask you, colleagues, to join me in supporting the REINS Act, which I championed in the House of Representatives. Let every proposed major regulation come before this body for a vote before it can take effect, then let the American people hold us accountable when those regulations kill jobs and constrain household incomes. Let's come together to help Americans acquire the skills to meaningfully participate in this 21st century economy. If we cooperate, we can develop new solutions for financing higher education that liberate students from avoidable student debt, like income share agreements. ISAs keep score with outcomes, so people aren't punished if they are unemployed or have low incomes. Let's come together to better serve the poor, the vulnerable, those on the margins of society. My social impact partnership bill passed unanimously out of the House last Congress. This Congress, the Senate should come together to allow private investors to provide operating capital to those social service providers with the proven capacity to achieve measurable improvements in chronic social problems like homelessness and long-term unemployment. If targeted improvements are achieved, government saves money and repays the project's initial investors, plus a modest return on investment. Let's come together to restore confidence in our foreign policy and protect our men and women in uniform. While we rebuild our military, let's ensure we are optimizing every instrument of national power. The American people won't tolerate wasteful or ineffective foreign aid expenditures, but they will continue to support investments in smart, effective diplomacy. Let's work with this administration to reform the State Department and foreign bodies like the United Nations. Earlier, colleagues, I spoke of a former Republican Governor of Indiana, Ed Whitcomb--but there was another Whitcomb who was Governor, James Whitcomb, a Democrat, who also went on to serve in this body before passing. He also made his mark as Governor, saving the State from insolvency, establishing institutions for the physically and mentally handicapped, and advancing the first system of free public education. But even more impressive is his dedication to those Hoosiers who fought from Indiana in the Mexican-American War. With Indiana's budget broke and our credit in shambles, Whitcomb took out personal loans to purchase arms and send these Hoosiers out in service of our Nation. Two Whitcombs, one Republican and one Democrat, who served our State and Nation for the common good. In closing, colleagues, allow me to acknowledge that folks in your States probably feel a lot like those in Indiana: they are frustrated by our failure, and the Federal Government's failure to live up to the high expectations Americans have for other pillars of our public life-- our churches, our State governments, and so on. Where good old Hoosier common sense seems to inform work in those areas, in Washington, our common sense is too often crowded out by stale partisan battles and unyielding ideological biases. Colleagues, our charge, our duty, is to advance the common good by identifying common goals and then using common sense to further advance those goals. In spite of our principled disagreements, let us disagree without questioning each other's motives; let us work through tough problems. Let us be principled in our beliefs but pragmatic in advancing those beliefs. Let us adapt to new realities. Let us have the courage to change our minds. Let us put results over rhetoric. Let us find practical solutions to pressing challenges. Let us, first and foremost, never forget that we are custodians of the common good. My fellow Americans, let us rededicate ourselves to remain one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Recognition of the Majority Leader

Mr. YOUNG

Mr. YOUNG. Mr. President, my home State of Indiana takes pride in its long tradition of Hoosier innovation and small business entrepreneurship. Hoosier businesses across Indiana strive to create quality products and services that become integral parts of their local communities. During National Small Business Week, I would like to take the opportunity to recognize one such small business. Located in Bloomington, IN, Hoosier CrossFit is well known for its strong commitment to its core values: community, quality, accountability, diligence, and integrity. As a member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I am pleased to recognize Hoosier CrossFit as one of Indiana's outstanding small businesses during National Small Business Week. Hoosier CrossFit is owned and operated by husband and wife Shaun and Jenna Tieman. The Tiemans, both born and raised in Indiana, are hard- working Hoosier entrepreneurs who opened Hoosier CrossFit, then an 1,800-square-foot facility with four gym members, in 2010. By 2013, Hoosier CrossFit had moved to a 5,600 square foot facility with 150 members. Today Hoosier CrossFit and the Tiemans are gearing up for yet another expansion as they plan to move their 200-member gym to a brand- new, 8,600 square foot facility in Bloomington. Hoosier CrossFit offers programs for all ages and abilities and the 200-member community spans in age from 8 years old to 75 years old. Hoosier CrossFit is not just to be admired for its business success or the community of Hoosiers that it has inspired and brought together over the years. They are also to be commended for their community involvement, whether it be organizing its largest annual fundraiser, Murph, which honors U.S. Navy Seal Michael P. Murphy who was killed in action in Afghanistan, or raising over $30,000 for the American Red Cross and Wish for Our Heroes, Hoosier CrossFit is a small business that all Hoosiers can be proud of. I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to the employees, owners, and entire community at Hoosier CrossFit for earning this recognition during National Small Business Week. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to watching your continued growth and success.

Mr. YOUNG

Mr. YOUNG. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the service of David Capp, who is retiring from the U.S. Department of Justice after 31 years of service. Let the record reflect how proud I am of Mr. Capp's service to fellow Hoosiers and our country. After graduating from Valparaiso University School of Law in 1977, Mr. Capp served in the private sector for 8 years prior to joining the U.S. Attorney's Office in 1985. During his tenure, Mr. Capp served as interim U.S. attorney, as well as first assistant. On April 28, 2010, Mr. Capp was sworn in by Chief Judge Philip Simon as the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana and has been serving in that capacity ever since. Mr. Capp has undoubtedly left this office and community a better place. Mr. Capp's tireless commitment to his work helped alleviate gang-related violence and drug-related offenses. In addition, Mr. Capp's dedication to ending public corruption serves as an example for current and future district attorneys in Indiana. Mr. Capp, on behalf of all Hoosiers, thank you again, for your service to our State and country.

Mr. YOUNG

Mr. YOUNG. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of all nominations on the Secretary's Desk; that the nominations be confirmed; that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate; that no further motions be in order; that any statements related to the nominations be printed in the Record; and that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana. I thank the gentleman for yielding. It has been a privilege serving with him in the House on behalf of the people of Indiana. I look forward to our continued work together. I am just so grateful for our delegation and the leadership it exhibited on behalf of the State. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Indiana's bicentennial celebration. Much of our State's great history emanated from a little town in Indiana's Ninth Congressional District, which I have had the honor and privilege of representing for the last 6 years. The town is Corydon. It is located in Harrison County, which is on the banks of the Ohio River. In 1816, James Madison, our then-President, signed an enabling act to explore the possibility of statehood for Indiana. Soon after, in June of 1816, 43 delegates congregated across the territory. They came to descend on Corydon, and their purpose was to draft our State's first constitution. Much of the delegates' work was done under the shade of a large elm tree, known by all of those in our delegation, and known by so many Hoosiers and even people outside of the State today, as the Constitution Elm. That tree still stands, and Indiana is still going strong. Our Constitution set the table for the State's first election in August of that year, where Jonathan Jennings was elected our Governor. In November, Governor Jennings and Indiana's newly elected representatives met in the new capitol building, which is a beautiful building. And the intention there was to commence the State's first general assembly session. Their work resulted in Indiana formally being admitted as the country's 19th State in December of 1816. Corydon would serve as the State's capital until 1825, when the State's government was then moved to Indianapolis, where it remains today, centrally in the State. Now, Corydon also served as the site of Indiana's only battle during the Civil War. The attack was a part of Morgan's Raid, as confederate troops descended across the Ohio River under the leadership of confederate General John Hunt Morgan. He moved across parts of Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and Tennessee in 1863. It was a small militia of Hoosiers who met Morgan's confederates, and that skirmish is still celebrated today. So Corydon's importance to our State's history can't be highlighted enough, but it is one area on the map, one very important area on the map of the State of Indiana. There are so many other important towns, cities, and Hoosiers that I know will be highlighted and accentuated in the course of this celebration here on the floor of the U.S. House. I commend my colleague, Todd Rokita, for shining a bright light on our celebration of 200 years. I look forward to continuing to celebrate Indiana's bicentennial with Hoosiers, celebrating the rich history which our State has followed, and celebrating all the good years we know will come.

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sergeant Greg Ramoni for his service to his country and community. A Scottsburg, Indiana native, Ramoni served in the United States Army for eight and a half years. He completed several tours in Bosnia, Kosovo, and Afghanistan. While in Bosnia, Sgt. Ramoni's unit received word that their tour had been extended through Christmas, and they would be missing the holidays with their families. While on patrol, Sgt. Ramoni spotted a Christmas tree growing on the side of a mountain. Intent on alleviating his soldier's homesickness, he stopped, chopped the tree down, and dragged it back to the convoy. His troops watched in dismay-- the mountainside was littered with landmines. Sgt. Ramoni safely brought the tree back to base, and they celebrated Christmas together. Sgt. Ramoni's dedication to his soldiers and mission earned him, among others, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Army Superior Award. He also earned recognition for his leadership of President George W. Bush's personal security detail. Sgt. Ramoni continues to enrich the lives of those in his community by serving with numerous boards and organizations like the Scott County Arts Council, the Chamber of Commerce, and Kiwanis. He serves as the Director of Emergency Communications, Deputy Director of the Emergency Management Agency for Scott County, and Reservist for the Indiana National Guard. He established a local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), which aims to educate citizens about disaster preparedness. Sgt. Ramoni is a pillar of his community, and a devoted husband and father.

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor First Sergeant Ronald Owens for his service to his country and community. 1SG Owens completed basic training in 1966, two years after graduating from high school. After basic training, he was sent for additional training to learn to intercept and interpret radio traffic. 1SG Owens' extensive 24-year career in the United States Army included two tours in Southeast Asia. 1SG Owens' began his second tour under fire in the dense jungles of Vietnam as a participant in one of the largest and bloodiest campaigns of the Vietnam War--the Tet Offensive. During the campaign, 1SG Owens utilized his specialized training to interrupt and analyze radio communication. 1SG Owens outstanding record of service to his country and to the United States Army is evidenced by his regular promotions; he entered the service as a private in 1965 and reached First Sergeant in the summer of 1986. 1SG Owens earned, among others, the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Medal with One Star, and the Vietnam Service Medal. After joining the U.S. Army Reserves in 1980, 1SG Owens supervised over 250 personnel at the 335th Military Intelligence Company in Louisville, Kentucky. He retired from military service in 2006, but remained active in his community. He was a volunteer firefighter in New Middletown, Indiana, and earned a ``First Responders Certificate'' for his work responding to emergencies and providing assistance to victims. 1SG Owens' exemplary record of service to his country and community has set the standard for generations of servicemen and servicewomen to come.

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Specialist Fourth Class Technician Gary Estes for his service to the United States Army and to his country. Born in rural, central Kentucky SP4(T) Estes entered the U.S. Army in the fall of 1966. He was trained as a reconnaissance specialist, and then was deployed to Vietnam as a member of an armored cavalry regiment. In addition to executing reconnaissance missions, SP4(T) Estes served as a machine gunner. While aboard an armored vehicle, Estes and his unit came under fire from enemy forces. Estes suffered severe injuries to his shoulder, face, and hand, and had to be airlifted from the battlefield to a hospital in Japan. This event earned him the Purple Heart for his heroism in battle. After two months spent recovering from his wounds, SP4(T) Estes volunteered to return to Vietnam to complete his tour. In addition to the Purple Heart, SP4(T) Estes was honored as a ``Blackhorse Trooper,'' a distinction reserved for select, elite soldiers, for his exceptional skill in the cavalry regiment. His heroism and desire to serve his country also earned him the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and a Combat Infantryman Badge. After his service abroad, SP4(T) Estes returned home and dove into community service. He is a member of American Legion Post 233, and has held various executive board positions, including Post Commander. Estes also served as Commander of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). SP4(T) Estes uses his volunteer spirit to help serve veterans and members of his community.

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor First Lieutenant Kevin Wagner for his service to his country and community. 1LT Wagner completed two tours in Iraq, each marked with heroism, tragedy, and compassion. During his second tour, as the winter season settled into Mosul, rain fell with little relief which caused his unit to suffer from painful trench foot. In response, 1LT Wagner withdrew the maximum amount from his pay, and anonymously purchased the entire stock of clean, dry, socks from the camp's supply store. He then placed pairs on each soldier's bed. His actions only came to light among his soldiers ten years later at a reunion. His service earned him the Bronze Star, the Army Commendation Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal and the Combat Action Badge. Upon his return home, 1LT Wagner channeled his leadership skills to better his community. He volunteers to help lead Vacation Bible School at his church, and serves as a mentor to at-risk children. 1LT Wagner and another veteran began a veteran's support group, ``Home After the War'', that aims to help returning veterans talk through trauma they experienced in combat. After a tornado struck Henryville, Indiana, a friend called on Wagner to help her husband who was suffering from violent flashbacks triggered by the destruction in the town. 1LT Wagner talked with him, helped him clean his home, and encouraged him as he reconstructed his life. 1LT Wagner's compassion and sense of duty is apparent in his record both on the battlefield and at home.