Amy Klobuchar

Mr. President, in the years since September 11, that obligation has taken many forms. The Congressional Fire Services Caucus has worked to ensure that the needs of America's first responders remain a priority in Washington, DC--advocating for the resources, protections, benefits, and support they need to serve their communities and return home safely. The work of the Fire Services Caucus reflects a responsibility that extends far beyond any single anniversary: to understand the needs and challenges of our local fire

and EMS personnel, to stand with those who stand ready to protect us, and to ensure that our Nation does not forget the sacrifices made every day in service to others.

Across our cities, towns, and rural communities, first responders answer emergency calls regardless of what awaits them at the scene. They respond to fires, medical emergencies, hazardous material incidents, natural disasters, and much more with the same dedication and sense of duty that defined those who responded on September 11. The work of the fire and emergency services is indispensable to the safety and well-being of every American.

Mr. President, I rise this evening on behalf of myself and Senator Sheehy and several others, Democrats and Republicans. I represent farmers, small businesses, brewers, and consumers in my State, and I urge my colleagues to table Senator Budd's amendment and give this body 4 more weeks to work toward legislation that supports a thriving hemp industry, ensures proper regulation, and protects kids from dangerous products.

As is, the bipartisan continuing resolution that is before us delays a ban on naturally produced hemp products for 4 weeks while taking synthetic hemp derivatives off the market. That is important to note. That is included in this continuing resolution.

The original ban, the broad ban, the entire ban--and I know that in my State, we have safety rules in place that have worked very well. The product is taxed. We have not had issues with it since we put those rules in place.

The original ban was tucked into a bill to reopen the government last November. Many Members didn't have the chance to learn about it. There had been no hearings. Now they have learned more. Bills have been introduced in the Senate and the House--bipartisan bills--to regulate this market.

Back then, that ban moved forward without input from the people who would be impacted. In my State alone, hemp products brought in $16 million of State tax revenue in 2025.

Senator Budd has raised concerns about certain hemp products, and I agree with him. That is why bad actors that sell synthetic products will not be allowed to sell them, in this continuing resolution.

I urge my colleagues to join me in voting to table this amendment and maintaining the bipartisan agreement included in the continuing resolution.

Motion to Table

Mr. President, I move to table amendment No. 6747, and I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. President, on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, I participated in the Minnesota Farmfest Governor Forum in Redwood County, MN. Had I been present, I would have voted nay on the vote before the Senate to confirm Erica Schwartz, of Florida, to be Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rollcall vote No. 220, Executive Calendar No. 910.