Floor Statements

Madam President, I send a cloture motion to the desk.

Madam President, I move to proceed to legislative session.

Madam President, I move to proceed to executive session to consider Calendar No. 718.

Madam President, I send a cloture motion to the desk.

Finally, I ask unanimous consent that the mandatory quorum calls for the cloture motions filed today, March 10, be waived.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session and the EPW Committee be discharged from further consideration of PN1676, Corey Wiggins, to be Federal Cochairperson, Delta Regional Authority; and the Senate consider the following nominations en bloc: Calendar Nos. PN1676, 641, 776, 782, 785, 786, 787, and all nominations on the Secretary's desk in the Foreign Service; that the Senate vote on the nominations en bloc without intervening action or debate; the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate; that any statements related to the nominations be printed in the Record; that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action, and the Senate resume legislative session.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 3 p.m., Monday, March 14, and 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; that upon the conclusion of morning business, the Senate proceed to executive session and resume consideration of the Young nomination; further, that the cloture motions filed during today's session ripen at 5:30 p.m.

Madam President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that it stand adjourned under the previous order.

Madam President, in 1922, the first robust antilynching bill was successfully passed by the House of Representatives. Once it came to the Senate, a block of Southern segregationists mounted a filibuster to kill it in its tracks.

Over the decades, similar bills met similar fates. Throughout the 20th century, scores of antilynching bills were introduced, only to be promptly buried into obscurity. In 2018, Congress came closer than ever to finally passing antilynching legislation before it was thwarted at the eleventh hour.

But last night, finally--finally--after more than 200 failed attempts to declare lynching a Federal crime, the Senate succeeded in taking long, overdue action by passing the Emmett Till Antilynching Act.

Hallelujah. Congress has finally declared lynching a Federal crime, as it should have done more than a century ago. That it took so long is a permanent, bitter stain on American history; but, finally, a century's worth of efforts has now paid off.

To say this is a historic accomplishment is impossibly inadequate. Generations of civil rights leaders and advocates dedicated their lives to getting Congress to recognize the humane, obvious truth: that lynching was an intolerable injustice inflicted primarily on disenfranchised Black Americans.

Thousands upon thousands of Black Americans have been victims of lynch mobs across the country, and indifferent States have rarely responded, if ever. Many of the sworn officers of these States and localities not only ignored but often participated when these atrocities occurred.

Despicable. Horrible. America should be so ashamed of this chapter in her history. And while no single congressional action can fully erase the injustices committed against victims of lynching, last night was an important step in the never-ending work of perfecting our Union. Only by confronting the darkest elements of our history can we make straight the path toward a brighter and more just future.

I want to really applaud Senator Booker. He has been diligent and hard-working and valiant in getting this to happen. He had a great partner in Senator Scott--bipartisan. And on the

House side, the person who lit this candle and kept it glowing even in the most disappointing of times was Bobby Rush. He never gave up.

Congress has finally taken action, and this bill now heads to President Biden's desk, finally--finally--for signature.

Government Funding and Coronavirus

Madam President, now on COVID, Republicans and Democrats continue making good progress toward reaching a deal to fund the government. We are almost there. We are very, very close, and, hopefully, it will be done in the next few hours.

This bill, the spending bill, comes at a consequential moment. War in Europe has focused the energies of Congress into getting something done and getting it done fast, quickly. But one crucial element of the funding bill is getting less attention, and it is as important as just about anything in this bill. That is approving a new round of COVID preparedness funding.

For all the important priorities we must address in this spending bill, I believe the COVID funding will go down as one of the most important--one of the most important--elements of the omnibus, and I have been pushing really hard to get it done, working across the aisle to convince our Republican colleagues that we need it.

Now that all the Federal COVID aid under the American Rescue Plan has run out, approving new COVID funding is about insurance--far better to prepare for new variants today than to play a frantic game of catchup tomorrow, when it would be too late. We cannot let it be said that America, after the third or fourth variant hits our shores, is unprepared; does not have adequate testing, therapeutics, vaccines. We cannot let that be said again.

The first time it happened, of course, we were unprepared. We didn't know what had happened. But, unfortunately, even in the second and third, President Trump's administration was not very eager to move forward, trying to ignore it, saying it didn't really present a danger, which, of course, it has.

So now Democrats and Republicans, thankfully, have come together, and both sides of the aisle have come to realize that new COVID funding today is about insurance--far better to prepare today than play a frantic game of catchup tomorrow, when it is too late. The funding will support more vaccines, testing, therapeutics, and healthcare workers, and that is why I have been pushing so hard to get it done.

Across the country, life is returning to normal, thankfully. Cases are falling. More people are going about without masks. Restaurants, churches, and stores are filling up. I see that in my hometown of New York. Most importantly, classrooms are full; schools are staying open.

Now that we are turning the corner, now that we are getting back to normal, the last thing we can afford to do is let our guard down, lest a new variant comes back with a vengeance and catapults us all back to square one, a place where we all do not want to be.

Sadly, we know from experience that another variant is a very real possibility. No one can say for certain how the virus will mutate, but today we have the tools and know-how to fight this virus the minute it hits our shores, while preserving as much of normal life as possible.

All that is needed is the Federal funding, and $15 billion of that funding will be in the omnibus bill. So that is why I pushed so hard to get COVID funding into the spending bill. I am encouraged to see that Members have come around to recognize its importance, and I hope we can get it done very, very soon.

Furthermore, I am pleased that we are likewise close--very close--to passing a strong and ample aid package that will help the people of Ukraine fight against Putin's immoral war. They desperately need humanitarian aid, as millions of people are without food, without heat, without shelter, without medicine. They desperately need the arms to defend themselves against brutal Russian aggression, often viciously aimed at civilians who are escaping. We pledged to get something big done, and in the coming hours I expect we will be able to announce that we have followed through.

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

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that, at 4:50 p.m. today, all postcloture time be considered expired on H.R. 3076; that amendment No. 4955 be withdrawn; that the bill be considered read a third time; that if a budget point of order is raised and a motion to waive made, the Senate vote on the motion to waive; that if waived, the Senate vote on the passage of the bill; further, that upon disposition of H.R. 3076 that, notwithstanding rule XXII, the Senate proceed to executive session and vote on the motions to invoke cloture on Calendar Nos. 547 and 719; that if cloture is invoked on any of these nominations, the Senate vote on confirmation of the nominations at a time to be determined by the majority leader or his designee following consultation with the Republican leader; finally, that there be 2 minutes for debate, equally divided in the usual form, prior to each vote, all without further intervening action or debate.

Also, in an effort to speed up the votes, I ask unanimous consent that all votes after the first vote be 10-minute votes. Members should be notified to get here and to stay around so we can get this done.

I yield the floor to the Senator from Iowa.

Mr. President, every day, the U.S. Postal Service faithfully delivers for the American people. Today, the Senate is finally delivering for the post office.

Today, we can happily say that the postal reform is now signed, sealed, and delivered for the American people. Because of today's bill, the Postal Service will be stronger, more efficient, and better able to serve more people, and we did it on a bipartisan basis.

For over a decade, the USPS--one of the most important institutions in American life--has been on an ominous trajectory: shrinking revenues, fewer delivery routes, and finances in desperate need of a revamp. These problems led to late deliveries, reduced hours, and increased costs. And when the Postal Service suffers, America suffers.

Today, after much hard work, the Senate is providing the Postal Service a much needed reset. The legislation we are about to pass is the most significant step that Congress has taken in a long time to strengthen USPS. It will guarantee delivery services 6 days a week, put the Postal Service on a path to solvency, and will ensure that we care for our dedicated postal workers, all while saving dollars.

This postal reform bill is a win-win-win: a win for bipartisanship, a win for our postal workers, and most importantly, a win for the tens of millions of Americans who rely on the Postal Service every single day, from seniors to veterans, to small businesses, to rural Americans, to everyone in between.

I want to really give a special shout-out to my colleagues who made this possible for us to pass this bill. Senators Peters and Portman led the charge, Senator Carper worked long in the vineyards on this bill, and so many others as well.

Of course, I want to thank the half a million postal workers who kept our country going every single day, especially during the pandemic. While so many other services were shut down

during COVID, the post office kept delivering goods and supplies and medicines across the economy. They are public servants of the highest order.

So it is a great day for our postal workers, and it is a great day for the American people.

The bill has been in the works for over a decade, and today, after so much work, we are all thrilled to have finally gotten it done.

Vote on H.R. 3076

I ask for the yeas and nays.

We yield back all time, Mr. President.

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

Mr. President, well, let me start off with some great news. When we vote later today, all of us will be able to say these four wonderful words: Senator Lujan, welcome back.

He is not on the floor right now, but, Ben Ray, it was great to see you back here in this Capitol last week. It was great to see you today. We have missed you. We are thrilled to have you back on the job. We admire your strength and your courage and your fortitude--your quiet strength.

Ukraine

Mr. President, now, over the weekend, Members from both the House and Senate met virtually with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and we reemphasized Congress's strong and unwavering commitment to providing robust and ample assistance to his country in this time of war.

I told the Ukrainian President he was an inspiration to Americans, and I assured him that his pleas for help will not go unanswered.

In particular, President Zelenskyy made a desperate plea for getting Eastern European countries to provide Russian-made planes to Ukraine. I strongly support the President's request, and yesterday I called on the administration to explore all feasible options to getting these fighter aircraft to Ukraine. These planes are very much needed, Ukrainian forces are familiar with them, and they will very much help in countering the Russians, especially as Putin massacres--massacres-- civilians in Ukraine.

Democrats and Republicans broadly agree that this is a necessary step against Russia's illegal invasion, and today I reiterate my call for the administration to explore how to ensure the Ukrainians have the capabilities they need.

I also spoke with the administration yesterday and was told they are looking closely at imposing a ban on Russian oil.

Meanwhile, there are other steps Congress can take in the coming days to support the Ukrainian people. Above all, we must finalize a more than $12 billion emergency aid package to be included in the upcoming omnibus spending bill. This emergency aid will provide both humanitarian and military assistance for Ukraine--funding for refugees, medical supplies, emergency food supplies, as well as funding to support weapon transfers into Ukraine and help our eastern flank NATO allies.

The clearest signal Congress can send to Vladimir Putin this week is passing a bipartisan aid package, leaving no doubt that the democratic nations of the world stand with Ukraine and against Putin's deeply immoral and bloody war.

And again--let me say it again. The quickest--the quickest--way to secure an emergency aid package for Ukraine is through the omnibus, and I believe both sides are close--very close--to arriving at an agreement.

Coronavirus

Now, on COVID aid, at the same time, there is another important matter that Congress must address in the spending bill: additional COVID relief aid, which the administration has wisely urged Congress to approve.

The Federal Government has completely exhausted all the public health funding approved last year as part of the American Rescue Plan. That means that to prepare for future variants, more Federal funding is needed now.

Across the country, thank God, we have seen signs that the United States is turning the corner on COVID. Schools are open. Mask guidelines are being reversed. Vaccinations have surpassed 216 million Americans. And last Friday, we learned that more than 7 million jobs have now been created since President Biden took office. This is all great news. Cases are falling, unemployment is falling, and the country is on the right track. But experience has taught us that new variants can come back with a vengeance if--if--we aren't ready.

The administration has been clear: If we want schools to stay open, if we want to preserve as much of normal life as possible when another variant arises--and the odds are quite high that one will--Congress must pass additional COVID funding now, not later. We have to have it ready. We have to have the therapeutics ready. We have to have the testing ready. We have to have the vaccines ready. We can't wait 2, 3 months after the variant hits to debate this issue and then allocate the money and then production starts. That would be terrible for the country. It will be too little too late. It is far better to prepare now than play catch-up later. We should have learned our lesson a long time ago, but now we are, hopefully.

I have been strongly urging my colleagues to get a deal done on COVID. Failure to act is not an acceptable outcome.

Mr. President I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of H.R. 55, which was received from the House and is at the desk.

I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read a third time and passed and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate.

Mr. President, I just want to go over what just happened.

After more than 200 failed attempts to outlaw lynching, Congress is finally succeeding in taking the long-overdue action by passing the Emmett Till Antilynching Act. Hallelujah. It is long overdue.

The first anti-lynching legislation was introduced a century ago, and after so long, the Senate has now finally addressed one of the most shameful elements of this Nation's past by making lynching a Federal crime. That it took so long is a stain--a bitter stain--on America.

While this will not erase the horrific injustices to which tens of thousands of African Americans have been subjected over the generations--nor fully heal the terror inflicted on countless others-- it is an important step forward as we continue the work of confronting our Nation's past in pursuit of a brighter and more just future.

I want to applaud the work of the legislation's sponsors. Senator Booker has been relentless to get this done and deserves tremendous credit, as does his colleague on the Republican side of the aisle, Senator Scott, and, of course,

Representative Bobby Rush, who worked so hard to pass this bill as well.

We look forward now to President Biden quickly signing this long- delayed bill into law.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 288, S. 2089.

I ask unanimous consent that the committee-reported substitute amendment be agreed to; that the bill, as amended, be considered read a third time and passed; and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs be discharged and the Senate now proceed to the immediate consideration of H.R. 2545.

I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read a third time and passed and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 537, submitted earlier today.

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